The Dajjal, also known as the Anti-Christ, is a well-known parable in the history of various religions. In Islam, he is known as ‘Dajjal’, which translates to ‘deceiver’. Whereas in the religion of Christianity, he is referred to as the Anti-Christ.

Fact versus Fiction

A large number of researchers have written books depicting the biography of the Dajjal. Others have produced films and TV shows in an attempt to demonstrate the traits he assumes.

Likewise, theories have formed regarding this subject, and many adamantly claim that he will not be human. Included in these theories is the fast-changing world of inventions and discoveries, as well as the increase in crime rates and natural disasters around the world. Alas, the spread of contagious diseases that have caused an immense amount of damage to the human race also contend for the title of the Dajjal, according to some. People believe he is a symbol that represents a non-living thing, while others debate that his abilities are metaphorically used to describe something rather ordinary.

Conspiracies are captivating to many people as they have a certain element of surprise to them. They become much more exciting when the result is yet to be determined. Although open-mindedness is a good attribute to have, some theories are no more than a work of fiction. However, they can, at times carry a misinformative approach, leading people to believe un-realistic ideas that may be far from the truth.

Next, many were unhesitant in their communal assertations that the Dajjal is merely a legend, or a myth. While there may be different reasons behind their opinions, the most common reason people believe that the Dajjal is a myth is due to the fact that he has not been explicitly mentioned in the Quran.

However, he has been mentioned in the Hadith. There are numerous Surahs in the Quran that cannot be fully comprehended without the detailed explanation and reasoning behind them. The Hadith not only explains the verses in detail but also helps to understand the purpose behind the verse.

The Dajjal certainly adopts inhuman abilities that enable him to perform apparent miracles. An example of this includes curing people of their sickness. Considering this, new opinions emerged expressing that the Dajjal could indeed be Satan himself.

If the Dajjal did not possess superhuman abilities, he would not be a trial as testing as he would be with superpowers. The Dajjal will be able to summon Jinn and order them to do tasks for him. The evil Jinn will gladly abide by his rules and complete the given tasks. Since the powerful jinn do, indeed, possess these abilities, he will be able to benefit from them for his malevolent cause.

In fact, Satan and the Dajjal are two very different entities. The Dajjal, as mentioned previously, is a human made of clay. Satan, on the other hand, is a jinn made of the smokeless flame of fire. However, it is important to know that both have the same basic goal: to lead people away from the honorable path, with or without their desire. They find satisfaction in indulging people to dive into an oblivion of sin.

Furthermore, the Dajjal is a man without a family. He does not have parents or siblings. He is an individual creation with the purpose of testing the righteous and underlining the hypocrites. He is also sterile, with no offspring.

Physical attributes

The Dajjal is a man of short height. He is hunchbacked with a wide forehead and broad upper chest. The measurements of his height or weight are not known, but the information provided to us present us with a rather clear image of this person.

He has a very hairy look. His curly hair is described as the ‘head of a snake’. Between his eyes will be written the word ‘Kaafir’, which translates to ‘disbeliever’. The writing on his forehead does not read Kaafir, instead it is written in letters; ‘K’ ‘F’ ‘R’ (Kaa Faa Raa) and can be read in Arabic.

He is defective in one eye, and the other has a piece of flesh hanging around the edge. His defective eye resembles a floating grape, neither protuberant nor hollow. He has a reddish complexion.

While defining the Dajjal to his companions, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that this human strongly bears a resemblance to Ibn-Qatan, a man who belonged to the people of Al-Mustaliq and was from the tribe of Al-Khuza’ah.

Ibn-Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “While I slept, I saw myself performing tawaf around the Ka’bah. I saw a man with straight hair falling between his shoulders and water dripped from it. He was of the best as one could see. I asked them who he was. They said he was Esa Ibn Maryam (Jesus, the son of Mary). Then, I saw a man with a ruddy complexion, well-built, with curly hair and his eye resembling a floating grape. I asked them who he was. They said he was Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal.” (Bukhari)

In another Hadith that explains the physical description of the Dajjal, Hudhayfa (may Allah be pleased with him) heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying: “The Dajjal will be one-eyed, blind or defective in his right eye. He will have thick hair. With him will be a paradise and a hell, but his paradise is a hell, and his hell is a paradise.” (Muslim)

These hadith and the knowledge they assume describe the Dajjal as a strong, well-built man. Ruddy-complexioned, with below average height and a hunched back, but physically strong and powerful. The age of the Dajjal has not been spoken of, but he will be a young man.

Conclusion

The Dajjal is a major sign of the coming of the hour. His trickery and wickedness make him the biggest trial for humanity.

Abu Qatada reported Imran Ibn Hossein saying: “I heard the messenger of Allah say”: “From the creation of Adam until the beginning of the last hour, there will never be a creation greater than the dajjal.” (Muslim)