The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Warning about the Dajjal
The Dajjal is a central figure in Islamic eschatology, with numerous hadiths recorded in the Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari, among other collections, warning about his arrival. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described the Dajjal as a deceptive and malevolent figure who would claim to be the Messiah and would be followed by a large number of people, leading them astray. His influence would spread across the earth, sowing discord, chaos, and corruption, testing the faith of believers.
One of the most striking hadiths about the Dajjal is his ability to enter and bring terror to every city in the world, except for Makkah and Madinah. This prophecy highlights the vast scope of the Dajjal's influence and the severity of his reign of terror.
The Hadith on the Terror of the Dajjal
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated a sound hadith in which he stated:
"The Dajjal will travel through the earth and will not leave a city, but he will enter it, except for Makkah and Madinah. These two cities will be protected from him."
Additionally, it is narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"The Dajjal will come to every city, every place, and will not leave any city except for Makkah and Madinah. He will stay for forty days: one day like a year, one day like a month, and one day like a week. The rest of the days will be like normal days. He will travel quickly through the earth and bring terror to every place he visits."
The Global Reach of the Dajjal's Terror
The hadith paints a terrifying picture of the Dajjal's power and reach. According to the narration, the Dajjal will enter every city and spread his influence across the world. His terror will reach every corner of the earth, affecting both large urban centers and small, remote villages alike. The implication is that the world will be plunged into a state of chaos and fear, with no place being immune from his destructive influence.
The phrase "within 14 months and 14 days" is sometimes used in Islamic literature to indicate that the Dajjal's reign of terror will be rapid and all-encompassing. This time frame underlines the swift spread of his influence and the urgency of the test that Muslims will face during his reign. The Dajjal's terror is described as not only physical but also psychological, as his presence will challenge the very core of faith, morality, and human values.
The Dajjal's Control Over Resources and the Earth
The Dajjal is said to have the power to control resources, including food, water, and wealth. His control over these essential elements of life will allow him to manipulate populations, creating an environment where survival becomes increasingly difficult. People will be forced to follow him, either out of fear or out of desperation for resources. In some traditions, it is said that the Dajjal will even bring forth miracles to convince people of his divinity. These miracles, which will be deceptions, will further solidify his position of power.
The Dajjal's ability to control resources and cause destruction is one of the key factors in why he is referred to as the "King of Terror" and "Father of Terrorism." He will sow division and hatred, turning people against each other in the pursuit of survival. His reign will be marked by severe trials that will push people to the brink of despair.
The Significance of Makkah and Madinah’s Protection
While the Dajjal will be able to infiltrate every city in the world, there is an important exception: Makkah and Madinah. According to the hadiths, these two sacred cities will remain protected from his influence. Makkah, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and Madinah, where he migrated and where his mosque is located, are seen as spiritually protected places by Allah. The divine protection of these cities is a symbol of their significance in Islam and their place as centers of faith.
The fact that the Dajjal will be unable to enter Makkah and Madinah further underscores the magnitude of his terror and the spiritual resilience of these cities. Makkah and Madinah are viewed as sanctuaries of faith, and their protection from the Dajjal signifies that even in the darkest of times, there will remain places of refuge for the believers. This can be seen as a divine promise that, no matter how dire the situation becomes, the true followers of Islam will have a source of spiritual strength and safety.
The Dajjal: The King of Terror and Father of Terrorism
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) description of the Dajjal as the "King of Terror" and the "Father of Terrorism" is highly symbolic and profound. His reign of terror will not just involve physical destruction; it will be a trial for the hearts and minds of humanity. The Dajjal will embody the greatest deception ever seen in human history, using manipulation, fear, and confusion to turn people away from the truth.
In the modern world, the term "terrorism" often evokes images of political violence and extremism. However, in the context of the Dajjal, terrorism represents a more profound, spiritual form of destruction. The Dajjal will bring about a terror that is not just physical but also psychological and spiritual. People will be tested in their faith, and many will fall prey to his lies and deceit. His terrorism will disrupt the very foundations of society, causing widespread fear, confusion, and moral corruption.
The Dajjal’s ability to deceive people will be one of his greatest weapons. He will present himself as a savior, and those who follow him will believe they are aligning themselves with the truth. Yet, his false promises will lead them astray, causing irreparable damage to their faith and to the world around them. The Dajjal's terror will be so effective because it will challenge not only people's physical survival but their very spiritual beliefs.
The End of the Dajjal and the Return of Jesus (Isa)
The Dajjal’s reign of terror will eventually come to an end. According to Islamic tradition, the true Messiah, Jesus (Isa), will return to defeat the Dajjal and restore justice and peace to the world. The return of Jesus is one of the most significant events in Islamic eschatology. He will descend from the heavens and confront the Dajjal in a final battle, ultimately vanquishing him and ending his reign of terror. This victory will signal the beginning of a time of peace and justice, where true faith will be restored, and the world will be united in worship of Allah.
Conclusion: The Importance of Vigilance and Faith
The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding the Dajjal emphasize the importance of vigilance, faith, and resilience. While the Dajjal’s reign of terror will be a time of immense difficulty and trial, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in the ultimate victory of good over evil. The divine protection of Makkah and Madinah, the eventual return of Jesus (Isa), and the promise of justice remind Muslims that even in the face of the greatest trials, there is always hope and the possibility of divine intervention.
In a world where terrorism, fear, and conflict seem ever-present, the figure of the Dajjal serves as a reminder that the true battle is not only physical but also spiritual. Muslims are called to stay firm in their belief in Allah, to reject falsehoods, and to prepare themselves for the challenges that lie ahead. The Antichrist may be the King of Terror, but ultimately, Allah is the Master of the Day of Judgment, and He will grant victory to those who remain true to Him.