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.