Dajjal: The Ultimate Trial – Unveiling the False Messiah meaning in Islam

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January 28, 2026
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In the eschatology of Islam, there are very few personalities that have been associated with so much pious thought and divine cautioning as that of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal—the False Messiah. In the eschatology of Islam, the name of Dajjal represents one of the greatest trials for humanity before the Day of Judgment. He is a deceiver to whom Allah grants extraordinary trial-based abilities to test people and mislead those weak in faith. It is not a matter of myth or imitative narratives to comprehend who the Dajjal is in Islam. Belief in the emergence of Dajjal is established through numerous authentic and widely transmitted hadiths narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In this foolproof guideline, we shall explore more about ‘who is Dajjal in Islam.’

Dajjal: An Analysis of the Name of the Deceiver

The name “Dajjal” itself comes from the Arabic word “dajl,” which means “lie,” “deceit,” or “hiding with deceit.” The name “Al-Masih ad-Dajjal” can be interpreted as “The False Messiah” or “The Deceiving Christ.” The attribution of the name “Al-Masih” or “Messiah” to him is ironic because he practices deceit by falsely proclaiming himself as god and Messiah, just like Jesus Christ, but with negative intentions, unlike the Righteous Jesus Christ, known as “Isa, AS.” The word “Dajjal” from an English perspective can be translated to “The Impostor” or “The Great Deceiver.”

In the Urdu language, “Dajjal” means “دجال” or “جھوٹا مسیح” (Jhoota Masih), which means “lying or false messiah” directly. This removes all confusion about his essence: he is neither a creator nor a god; rather, he is a creation of Allah sent as a great trial. Moreover, it is declared that it is “Allah’s creation to be a great trial”; thus, his purpose is a trial.

Dajjal in the Qur’an and the authentic Hadeeth

The Holy Qur’an does not mention Dajjal explicitly by name; however, it strongly warns against false claims of divinity and deception, which scholars relate to the fitnah of Dajjal. The Qur’an strongly warns against false claims of divinity and deception, which scholars relate to the fitnah of Dajjal. Some verses speak to the severity of such an event. For example, it is Surah Al-An’am (6:158), where it states that on the “Day when some of the signs of your Lord will come,” which scholars connect to greater signs, such as the coming of Dajjal.

The main Islamic information about who Dajjal is in Islam is derived from the genuine Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has talked extensively about Dajjal, describing him through sermons and warnings in order to prepare the Ummah. One of the most famous Hadiths is that found in Sahih Muslim: “I warn you of him (Dajjal). There has been no prophet who did not warn his people about him. But I will tell you something about him which no prophet has told his people: He is one-eyed, and your Lord is not one-eyed.”

The Appearance and Characteristics of Dajjal: What Does Dajjal Look Like?

The Hadiths about the emergence of Dajjal are very descriptive, so that his identity will be easily recognizable for believers. These Hadiths include:

One-Eyed: His right eye is impaired—called blind, protruding, or a floating grape. His left eye, on the other hand, will be functional.
The Word “Kafir”: Between his eyes, the Arabic letters “Kāf Fā Rā” (ك ف ر), spelling “Kafir” (disbeliever), will be written. Every believer, literate or illiterate, will be able to read it.
Extraordinary deceptive abilities: Allah allows him to perform misleading acts as a great trial, not true miracles. He will order the sky to rain, the earth to grow greenery, and bring riches. He will present what appears to be a paradise and a hell as a deception; however, his ‘paradise’ will be hell, and his ‘hell’ will be paradise.
Large, Red-Combination Skinned Man: This is a big man with curly hair.

To grasp the appearance of Dajjal under Islam is a divine precaution, making the deceit obvious to the informed believer.

Is Dajjal Real? Has Dajjal Been Born Yet?

The belief in the emergence of Dajjal is part of the fundamental Islamic creed, based on definitive texts. Therefore, to ask whether Dajjal is real is to ask about a future reality affirmed by prophecy. He is as real as the Day of Judgment itself in the Islamic worldview.

As for Dajjal being born, there are several opinions among the scholars based on Hadith. A narration reported by Tamim al-Dari (RA) in Sahih Muslim mentions a man chained on an island, whom scholars interpret as Dajjal. However, the exact reality is known only to Allah. Based on this narration, Based on this narration, many scholars hold that Dajjal may be alive and restrained, while others suspend judgment. Allah knows best regarding his present state, and then he will emerge and tour the earth.” The exact meaning is known to Allah, but the theological interpretations reach a consensus that his physical appearance is yet to come and is one of the great signs of the Hour.

The Signs Precede the Appearance or Arrival of Dajjal

The indications associated with the coming of Dajjal are deeply connected with the lesser and g,reater signs of the Day of Judgment. Before the advent of Dajjal, the world would see substantial levels of immorality and injustice along with various prophecies being fulfilled.

Where will Dajjal appear from among the places on earth? The Prophet pointed out to him from the direction of the east, namely from Khorasan, a region encompassing the countries of Iran, Afghanistan, as well as various countries of Central Asia. He will further circumambulate the world except Makkah and Madinah, which would be protected by Allah.
Timeline & Rule: One of the most fundamental queries is about how long Dajjal would rule. It is stated through Hadith that his reign on earth would be for 40 days, though these would not be like ordinary days. The first would be like a year, the second like a month, the third like a week, & the remaining 37 days like ordinary days. His pace & power would be so destructive.
What will happen when he comes? His first task is to deceive. Now, what Dajjal will ask of you is all about worship. He will command you to worship him as Allah. His deceptive acts, including deceptive illusions—assisted by shayateen—that make it appear as if the dead are revived, will mislead many people. His end is to lead you to the biggest sin in Islam, which is SHIRK.

The Protectors and the Defeat of Dajjal: Who Will Kill Dajjal?

In this nightmarish ordeal, Islamic faith gives a message of hope and a religious promise. Who kills Dajjal according to the Islamic faith? The one who kills Dajjal in the Islamic faith is none other than Prophet Isa (AS), son of Maryam.

Descent of Jesus (AS): When Jesus (AS) sees the peak of Dajjal’s oppression, he will descend at the white minaret in eastern Damascus. Later, he will follow Dajjal.
The Encounter: Jesus (AS) will meet Dajjal at the gate of Ludd (Lod, in today’s Palestine). When Jesus (AS) appears, Dajjal will start melting, just like salt in water. Jesus (AS) will overpower him and kill him near the gate of Ludd, as reported in an authentic hadith.
However, what happens after the death of the Dajjal? The death of the Dajjal will be a huge success for the truth, with peace and justice during the rule of Prophet Isa (AS), after the earlier leadership of Imam Mahdi, before the occurrence of the Ya’juj and Ma’juj, that is, the Gog and the Magog peoples.

Who witnessed the appearance of Dajjal in Islam? Some narrations mention that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was shown signs related to future trials, including Dajjal, though the exact nature of these visions is known best to Allah. In addition, the companion Tamim al-Dari narrated the story of seeing a chained man on an island, who claimed to be the Dajjal in Sahih Muslim.

How to seek protection from the fitnah of Dajjal?

The Prophet PBUH has clearly guided what to do upon the arrival of the Dajjal. Primarily, the shield would be faith and knowledge.

Memorization of the first ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf: The Prophet said, “Whoever memorizes ten verses from the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the trial of Dajjal.”
Seek Refuge in Allah: One of the important supplications taught is that: “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min ‘adhabi jahannama, wa min ‘adhabil-qabri, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamati, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal.” (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the torment of Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the evil of the trial of the False Messiah.)
Avoid his areas: Believers must avoid him and his influence. If you encounter him, you should immediately recite the opening verses of Surah Al-Kahf and firmly reject his temptations.
Flee to the Holy Sanctuaries: As Dajjal cannot enter Makkah or Madinah, these will be places of refuge.

Conclusion: A Test of Faith and Certainty. It is not always

The story of Dajjal, the false messiah, serves as a profound spiritual warning and a test of faith for humanity. It also confirms Tawhid or the oneness of God, the need to stick to the Quran and Sunnah, and prepares the heart for the coming ordeal by knowledge, not by fear. To believe in Dajjal is to affirm the prophetic vision of our Messenger (PBUH). This belief arms the believer with the most effective weapon: the certainty of Islam’s truth and the ultimate victory of Allah’s will. Amid today’s advanced technologies, we face unparalleled moral challenges. Yet, the warning about the great deceiver teaches a crucial lesson: the ultimate reality is not what our senses perceive, but what our absolute conviction reveals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is the false messiah in Islam, and what is he called?

A: In Islam, the name given to the “false messiah” is Al-Masih ad-Dajjal. He is a human, endowed with superhuman powers by Allah, as the final test of humanity. His false claim to divinity is why people call him the ‘False Messiah.

Q2: Is Dajjal bad in Islam?

A: Yes, Dajjal is definitely evil in Islam. Dajjal is the ultimate signification of evil and misguidance in Islam. His only task is to misguide people away from the worship of Allah and towards the most grave offense in the form of polytheism or ‘Shirk’ in Islam.

Q3: What are the signs of the end of times in Islam related to Dajjal?

A: The main indicators related to Dajjal and the end times are his appearance in the physical form, his declaration of deity, his performance of his deceptive miracles, the descent of Prophet Jesus (AS) to kill him, and the release of the Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) tribes.

Q4: Will Dajjal come first or Yajooj Majooj?

A: First, Prophet Dajjal will appear. Isa (AS) will return and defeat him, ushering in an era of happiness. This peace will last until Allah releases Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) from their barrier. This will also be one of the greatest signs.

Q5: How long will Dajjal rule on earth?

A: Dajjal would rule for a total of 40 days. These days would be unprecedented. The first period stretches like a year, the second like a month. The third feels like a week. Finally, 37 days pass like any normal day. His reign would be worldwide but transient.

Q6: Where is Dajjal now, according to Islam?

A: As per the theory of Islam, it has been predicted in valid ahadith that the Dajjal is in a hidden state, chained on a distant island, and he would be released when the time comes from above, as predicted by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).