The figure of the Antichrist (Dajjal) is central to many eschatological narratives within Islamic tradition. Described as a deceptive, supernatural figure, Dajjal’s appearance is seen as one of the greatest trials for humankind, especially for the Muslims. The coming of Dajjal is widely anticipated as the precursor to the Day of Judgment, a time of immense tribulation and tests of faith. Within these eschatological descriptions, one of the most disturbing elements involves Dajjal’s role in trying to manipulate the Muslim world, particularly through the Shia-Sunni divide. According to certain interpretations of Islamic tradition, the Antichrist will assume the guise of the Twelfth Imam in Shia Islam and will attempt to eradicate Sunni Islam, including the destruction of Sunni mosques, a mission that would include attacking the holiest Islamic sites, such as Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. However, despite his far-reaching power and attempts, it is foretold that he will fail to destroy these sacred mosques.
The Antichrist as the Twelfth Imam of Shia Islam
In Shia Islam, especially among the Twelver Shia, there is the belief in the coming of the Twelfth Imam, also known as Imam Mahdi, who is seen as the savior of humanity. Imam Mahdi is expected to emerge at a time of great global turmoil, bringing justice and peace to the world. However, the Antichrist (Dajjal) is believed to deceive many people by impersonating the Twelfth Imam. His appearance as the rightful Imam will be a test for the believers, especially for the Shia, who will face immense confusion. Many will be deceived by his claims, and in the beginning, he will be accepted as the Mahdi, the long-awaited savior.
The Dajjal’s impersonation of the Twelfth Imam will not only confuse the Shia Muslim community but also serve as a tool to create further division among the Muslim ummah. The Antichrist’s ability to manipulate and deceive will be so powerful that he will gain followers, including some from among the Shia, who will believe in him as their awaited Imam. But this deception is not limited to Shia Muslims alone. The Antichrist’s mission will be to destroy the foundation of Islam itself—especially Sunni Islam—and he will use his influence over these divided factions to further his goal.
The Destruction of Sunni Islam and Sunni Mosques
The Antichrist’s ultimate plan will be to annihilate the Sunni Muslim faith and to wipe out Sunni mosques as part of his scheme to create global religious uniformity under his control. The Islamic world, particularly the Sunni Muslim community, represents a significant challenge to the Antichrist’s rule. The unity, history, and beliefs of Sunni Islam are a direct contradiction to the Antichrist's desire to create a one-world religion that centers around his own worship.
The destruction of Sunni mosques will be one of the Antichrist’s primary objectives. He will aim to attack the symbols of Sunni Islam, attempting to obliterate the cultural and religious landmarks that are central to the identity of Sunni Muslims. Mosques, especially those that are significant and symbolic of Sunni identity, will be targeted. These attacks will not only be physical but also ideological, as he attempts to erase Sunni beliefs and practices from the world.
Among the most significant Sunni mosques that are likely to come under threat during the Antichrist's reign are the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. These two mosques hold special significance for all Muslims, Sunni and Shia alike, as they are the holiest sites in Islam.
Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi: The Heart of Islam
Masjid al-Haram in Makkah is the most sacred mosque in Islam, housing the Kaaba, the direction toward which all Muslims pray. It is the focal point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a ritual that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is the holiest site in the world for all Muslims, both Sunni and Shia. Likewise, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried, is another incredibly sacred site for Muslims. It represents the legacy of the Prophet’s life and teachings, as well as the early history of the Muslim community.
The Antichrist’s ultimate plan would involve targeting and desecrating these mosques as part of his attempt to bring about his global domination. However, while the Antichrist’s forces may succeed in undermining and attacking numerous Sunni mosques around the world, it is widely believed in Islamic eschatology that he will fail to destroy Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi. The preservation of these two sacred sites is central to the prophecies surrounding the end of times, as they represent the spiritual heart of Islam.
The Prophecy of the Preservation of Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi
In several hadiths attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it is mentioned that Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah will be protected from the Antichrist’s efforts. These two mosques are said to be places of divine protection, and the trials of the Antichrist will not extend to them. The Prophet Muhammad warned his followers that the Dajjal would be able to enter every city in the world, except for Makkah and Madinah, which will be safeguarded from his influence and destruction.
One narration states, "The Dajjal will not enter Makkah and Madinah, and there will be angels guarding those two cities." This hadith underlines the divine protection of these sacred sites. The Angels of God are said to be assigned the task of safeguarding Makkah and Madinah, ensuring that no harm befalls them during the reign of the Antichrist. No matter how powerful Dajjal becomes, his influence will not extend to these cities or their holy mosques.
The Consequences of the Antichrist’s Failure
While the Antichrist will likely succeed in deceiving many and causing great suffering, his ultimate failure to destroy Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi will be symbolic. It signifies the triumph of Islamic truth over falsehood. Despite all his power and deception, the Dajjal will not succeed in erasing the core tenets of Islam—the unity of the One God (Allah) and the reverence for His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The divine protection of the two holiest mosques demonstrates that, no matter how great the trials, Islam will endure, and the ultimate victory will belong to the believers.
Conclusion: A Final Test for the Muslim Ummah
The coming of the Antichrist (Dajjal) as the imposter Twelfth Imam will be one of the greatest trials the Muslim world will face. His attempts to deceive and destroy the Sunni Muslim community and erase the symbols of Sunni Islam will represent the ultimate test for the ummah (global Muslim community). The destruction of Sunni mosques, especially the holiest of mosques in Makkah and Madinah, will be a terrifying goal of the Antichrist’s reign.
However, the divine protection granted to Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi will remind Muslims that the Antichrist's efforts are ultimately futile. Despite his power and manipulations, the sacred heart of Islam will remain untouched, and the true followers of Islam will prevail in the end. As the Antichrist’s rule comes to a close, Jesus (Isa) will return to defeat him, signaling the restoration of truth, justice, and the ultimate victory of Islam.
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