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Wednesday, May 15, 2024

The Antichrist according to Islam

In Islamic eschatology, the Antichrist figure is known as Al-Masih ad-Dajjal (المسيح الدجّال), often simply referred to as Dajjal. The concept of Dajjal is derived from various hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) and is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. Here are the key aspects of Dajjal according to Islamic tradition:

Description and Characteristics

Name and Title:

Al-Masih ad-Dajjal: "The False Messiah" or "The Deceiving Messiah."

Dajjal: Derived from the Arabic root word "dajjal," meaning "to deceive" or "to lie."

Physical Appearance:

Dajjal is often described as having a defective eye, sometimes specified as the right eye being blind or deformed, resembling a floating grape.

He may have the word "Kafir" (unbeliever) written on his forehead, which only true believers will be able to read.

Abilities and Deception:

Dajjal will perform miraculous feats to deceive people, including bringing the dead back to life and controlling the weather.

He will claim to be a prophet and eventually will claim divinity.

Role in the End Times

Emergence:

Dajjal is expected to appear during a time of great turmoil and crisis, often referred to as "fitnah" (trials and tribulations).

His emergence will be one of the major signs of the Last Day.

Mission:

Dajjal's mission is to mislead and corrupt as many people as possible. He will travel the world, spreading falsehood and deception.

He will lead a large following, consisting of people who are deceived by his apparent miracles and claims.

Opposition and Defeat:

Dajjal will be opposed by a righteous leader, often identified as Imam Mahdi, and eventually by Jesus (Isa in Arabic).

According to Islamic eschatology, Jesus will return to Earth, descend in Damascus, and join forces with the Mahdi. Together, they will confront and defeat Dajjal.

Jesus will kill Dajjal near a gate in the eastern part of Lydda (present-day Lod in Israel).

Prophetic Hadiths

The hadith literature provides extensive details about Dajjal:

Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim: These collections contain numerous narrations describing the trials of Dajjal, his physical characteristics, and the events surrounding his emergence and eventual defeat.

Other Hadith Collections: Additional details are found in collections such as Sunan Abu Dawood and Jami` at-Tirmidhi.

Protection Against Dajjal

Muslims are advised to seek protection from the trials of Dajjal by:

Reciting specific prayers and verses from the Quran, such as the first and last ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18).

Maintaining strong faith and adherence to Islamic teachings to avoid being misled.

Summary

Dajjal in Islam is a complex eschatological figure representing ultimate deception and falsehood. His emergence will be a major sign of the end times, and his defeat will be a significant event leading to the final establishment of truth and justice on Earth.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

The Antichrist according to the Prophet, Muhammad

In Islamic eschatology, the concept of the Antichrist, known as "Al-Masih ad-Dajjal," is mentioned in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, Dajjal is a false messiah who will appear before the Day of Judgment. Here are some key points about Dajjal according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad:

Deception and Falsehood: Dajjal is described as a great deceiver who will come with extraordinary powers to mislead people. He will claim to be the Messiah but will spread falsehood and chaos.

One-eyed Deceiver: Dajjal is often depicted as being one-eyed. His one eye is said to be blind or deformed, while his other eye is functioning. This signifies spiritual blindness and deception.

Miraculous Powers: Dajjal is believed to possess supernatural abilities, such as the ability to perform apparent miracles like bringing rain and causing vegetation to grow. These feats are meant to deceive people into following him.

Trial and Tribulation: The arrival of Dajjal is seen as a major trial for humanity. He will test people's faith and loyalty to God, leading many astray with his charisma and false promises.

Defeat by Jesus (Isa): According to Islamic tradition, Dajjal's reign of deception will be brought to an end by the return of Jesus (Isa) before the Day of Judgment. Jesus will descend to Earth and confront Dajjal, ultimately defeating him.

Signs of His Coming: Prophet Muhammad provided several signs that would precede the coming of Dajjal, including widespread corruption, moral decay, and societal upheaval. These signs are meant to alert believers to remain steadfast in their faith and prepare for the trials ahead.

It's important to note that interpretations and beliefs regarding Dajjal may vary among different Islamic traditions and scholars. However, the general consensus is that Dajjal represents the ultimate embodiment of evil and deception in Islamic eschatology.