Islam Blog

This week’s topic stems from a discussion we had about the topic of Dajjal. What got me thinking was the various interpretations that people have with respect to the Ahadeeth relating to this topic. Below, I have answered a few common questions pertaining to the topic with the intention of clearing these misconceptions.

Is the Dajjal a real person?

The plain and simple answer is, Yes, he is a person and not a symbolic representation of some group (like the Freemasons) or country (like America). It is important to distinguish that the fitnah that will result from his advent can be seen, to some degree, in our times as well. For instance, the increasing level of apostasy amongst Muslims, especially those living in Kaafir environments.

Is he a Jinn or a Human?

The Dajjal is human, ie the progeny of Adam. Any ideas that he is a demon, devil, Jinn, or Half-Jinn and Half-Human have no basis. The hadeeth that proves this is:

……..then I turned and saw a ruddy-complexioned man, well built, with curly hair, blind in his right eye, with his eye looking like a floating grape. I asked, “Who is this?” They said, “This is the Dajjaal.” The person who looks most like him is Ibnu Qatan.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 6508; Ibn Qatan was a man from Banu Mustalaq from Khuzaa’ah)…

Who will be his victims?

the Prophet has described the Dajjal in great detail. Therefore, those who are ignorant and whose doom has been decreed will be fooled and misled by him and will be lead astray. We ask Allah to save us from this trial. His description can be found in the Hadeeth quoted above.

How can we save ourselves from the Dajjal?

A way to protect oneself from the Dajjal is to memorize the first and last ten verses of Surah Kahf:

Muslim (no. 1342) narrated from Abu’l-Dardaa’ that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever memorizes ten aayaat from the beginning of Soorat al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjaal” – i.e., from his fitnah. Muslim said: “Shu’bah said, ‘from the end of al-Kahf.’ Hammaam said, ‘from the beginning of al-Kahf.’”

There is also a great virtue in reciting these verses on a Friday.

Can or will the Dajjal enter Makkah and Madeenah?

No, the Dajjal will not be able to enter Makkah and Madeenah. Rather he will be prevented by angels guarding the two cities. However, he will enter all other places in the world one by one.

In the hadeeth of Faatimah bint Qays (may Allaah be pleased with her), it says: “(He [the Dajjal] will say:), ‘I almost have permission to emerge. Then I will emerge and will travel throughout the earth for forty days, and I shall not leave any town without entering it, apart from Makkah and Madeenah, which I will be prevented from entering because every time I try to enter, there will be an angel with an unsheathed sword in his hand, preventing me from entering. On every gate there will be angels defending them.’” (Narrated by Muslim, no. 5228)

What will be his end?

The Dajjal will be killed by Eesa ibn Maryam (Peace be upon him) at Ludd, which is a place near Bayt al Maqdis in Palestine. Then, the Muslims will chase down and kill all his followers. And the Dajjal will melt like salt melting in water upon seeing Eesa. The authentic ahadeeth describing these events are many and in detail bifadhlillah.

Insha’Allah , this should clear some of the misconceptions regarding the Dajjal.

Take Care,
Abu Mus’ab.