One of the ten significant signs preceding Judgement Day is the emergence of Dajjal. Throughout history, the mischief of Dajjal is considered the most severe and perilous. The gravity of his trials can be understood by the fact that every Prophet warned their followers about him. (Tirmizi, vol. 4, pp. 101, Hadith 2241)
Who is Dajjal and What Are His Types?
The term “Dajjal” refers to a grave liar. Since he will deceive people by blending truth with falsehood, he is aptly named Dajjal. Initially, he will portray himself as a believer, calling people towards goodness, but later, he will falsely claim prophethood and ultimately divinity. It is mentioned that he will be of Jewish origin. (Fath-ul-Bari, vol. 14, pp. 78; Al-Tazkirah Li-Qurtubi, pp. 607; Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 7, pp. 276)
Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Na’eemi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهُ عَلَيْه stated: There are two types of Dajjal – minor and major. Many minor Dajjals have appeared and will continue to appear, including false prophets, misguided religious leaders, and those who deceive people in the name of religion. The major Dajjal, however, will be the one who claims divinity. (Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 7, pp. 276)
Belief in the Emergence of Dajjal
Imam Muhammad Bin Ahmad Qurtubi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْه explained, “Believing in the existence and eventual appearance of Dajjal near Judgement Day is a truth and a core belief of Ahl-e-Sunnat, supported by Islamic jurists and Hadith scholars.” (Al-Tazkirah Li-Qurtubi, pp. 612)
Physical Dajjal Description
Various Hadith describe Dajjaal’s appearance. He will be a tall, one-eyed young man. His defective eye will resemble a swollen grape, while his other eye will be bloodshot. He will have a wide chest, slightly sunken, and a prominent forehead with the word ك ف ر (kafir) written between his eyes. Every Muslim, literate or not, will be able to read this inscription. Dajjal will have curly hair. (Bukhari, vol. 4, pp. 450, Hadith 7128; Muslim, pp. 1199, Hadith 7364-7367; Al-Tazkirah Li-Qurtubi, pp. 640)
The Emergence of Dajjaal
Dajjal’s appearance will be preceded by catastrophic conditions worldwide. According to Hadith, a severe famine will occur over three years:
- In the first year, the sky will withhold one-third of its rain, and the earth will reduce its production by one-third.
- In the second year, two-thirds of rain and produce will cease.
- In the third year, no rain will fall, and the earth will stop producing entirely. This drought will lead to the death of all livestock. (Tirmizi, vol. 4, pp. 102, Hadith 2244; Musnad-e-Imam Ahmad, vol. 10, pp. 435, Hadith 27639; Al-Tazkirah Li-Qurtubi, pp. 610-615)
During this time, mischief will increase, knowledge and spirituality will decline, and the world will lack righteous scholars. Amidst this turmoil, Dajjal will emerge from a region called Asfahan or Khurasan in the east.
Dajjal’s Journey and Duration on Earth
Dajjal will stay on earth for 40 days, with the first day equivalent to a year, the second to a month, the third to a week, and the rest as regular days. (Muslim, pp. 1200, Hadith 7373) He will traverse the earth on a massive donkey, whose ears will be 40 arms apart. His donkey’s pace will be so swift that a single step will cover a mile. Dajjaal will visit every part of the world except Makkah, Madinah, Bayt-ul-Muqaddas, and Mount Toor, as angels will guard these places. He will, however, encamp outside Madinah, where three tremors will expel every hypocrite and disbeliever from the city. (Muslim, pp. 1206, Hadith 2943; Mustadrak lil-Haakim, vol. 5, pp. 753, Hadith 8675; Al-Tazkirah Li-Qurtubi, pp. 614-616)
Tricks of Dajjal
Dajjal will use deceit to misguide people and test their faith. He will carry mountains of bread, while those who do not follow him will face extreme hardships. He will have two streams – one named Jannah and the other Hell. However, his so-called Jannah will be Hell, and his Hell will be Jannah. He will perform deceptive miracles, such as commanding rain to fall and bringing a slain person back to life. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, vol. 5, pp. 156, Hadith 14959)
The Death of Dajjal
Overwhelmed by Dajjal’s trials, believers will seek refuge on Mount Jabal-e-Dukhan. Dajjal will surround them, causing immense suffering. At this time, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will send Sayyiduna ‘Isa عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام, who will kill Dajjaal at a place called Ludd [لُدّ]. Following this, none of Dajjaal’s followers will survive. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, vol. 5, pp. 156, Hadith 14959; Muslim, pp. 1200, Hadith 7373)
