A calm, sourced guide
The Dajjal: what the hadith say
Only what authentic narrations say, each with its reference, and the protection the Prophet ﷺ taught.
Authentic narrations only · each with its reference · no dates, no guesses
Learn about the Dajjal, calmly
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How the hadith describe him
His eye, the word on his forehead, his forty days and his end (Sahih Muslim 2933). -
Protection from the Dajjal
The ten verses of Al-Kahf and the dua before the salam (Sahih Muslim 809). -
The ten major signs
The Dajjal among the signs before the Last Hour (Sahih Muslim 2901).
The Dajjal in three numbers
- 10 verses of Surah Al-Kahf to learn by heart for protection Sahih Muslim 809
- 40 days on earth, the first like a year Sahih Muslim 2937
- 2 cities he cannot enter: Makkah and Madinah Sahih al-Bukhari 1881
Who the Dajjal is
The false messiah, and the greatest trial. Al-Masih ad-Dajjal is a deceiver who will appear before the Last Hour, claim to be a lord and lead many astray; the word comes from a root meaning to cover over, to deceive. The Prophet ﷺ said there is no trial greater from Adam to the Hour (Sahih Muslim 2946), and that every prophet warned his people about him (Sahih Muslim 2933).
A small amount goes a long way: give sadaqah and follow it to the people it reaches.
A sober word
Protection, not fear. The hadith were given to protect believers, not to frighten them or start guessing. They give no date, and the Prophet ﷺ taught practical protection instead (Sahih Muslim 809). Be wary of videos that name people, countries or technologies as the Dajjal: the narrations don’t.
Reading further
Among the signs of the Hour. The ten signs named in one hadith are on the major signs (Sahih Muslim 2901). For a wider introduction, Muslims Around the World has a page on the Dajjal in its learning library.
Questions about the Dajjal
Is the Dajjal mentioned in the Quran?
Not by name. The Prophet ﷺ counted his coming among the signs after which faith no longer benefits someone who did not believe before (Sahih Muslim 158), which the Quran speaks of in Quran 6:158.
Who will kill the Dajjal?
Isa son of Maryam, after he descends, at the gate of Ludd (Sahih Muslim 2937).
Can the Dajjal enter Makkah or Madinah?
No. The hadith say angels will guard their ways (Sahih al-Bukhari 1881).
When will the Dajjal come?
The hadith give no date, and no one knows it. What they give is protection, which matters more than any guess (Sahih Muslim 809).