Overview
The Dajjal (the False Messiah) is described by the Prophet ﷺ as the greatest trial to befall humanity from the time of Adam until the Hour. He will emerge between Syria and Iraq, claiming divinity, and will spread corruption across the earth for forty days — one day like a year, one like a month, one like a week, and the rest like normal days. Every prophet warned their nation about him, but Muhammad ﷺ was given the most detailed description.
Primary Hadith
Scholarly Context
The hadith about the Dajjal are mutawatir (mass-transmitted), meaning they reach the highest level of authenticity through sheer number of independent chains. Scholars such as Ibn Katheer, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, and An-Nawawi dedicated extensive chapters to the Dajjal in their works. The Prophet ﷺ instructed Muslims to seek refuge from the Dajjal in every prayer, and to recite the opening and closing verses of Surah Al-Kahf as protection.