dajjal

Dajjal, also known as al-Dajjal, meaning “the deceiver” or “the false messiah,” is a figure in Islamic eschatology. The Qur’an does not name him directly; information about Dajjal comes mainly from hadith literature and later exegetical writings. In both Sunni and Shia traditions, he is described as a colossal deceiver who will appear before the Day of Judgment and mislead many people by performing miraculous feats and claiming divinity.

Descriptions of Dajjal vary, but recurring motifs include a physically distinctive appearance: he is often described as blind in one eye, with the other eye prominent or unusual in size. Some narrations say a mark such as the word “kafir” (unbeliever) is written on his forehead. He is said to travel widely, offering miracles, wealth, and long lifespans to attract followers, while testing the faith of others. He is opposed by a circle of believers led by the Mahdi and by Isa (Jesus), who is believed to descend to defeat him.

Most traditions place Dajjal’s appearance toward the end times, after which Isa returns and the Mahdi appears to restrain and ultimately defeat him, traditionally at a location near the Holy Land or the city of Lud (Lod). His defeat is followed by a period of justice and peace before the Day of Judgment in various accounts.

Interpretations of Dajjal range from strict literal belief to symbolic readings that frame the stories as tests of faith. In practice, some Muslims regard recitation of certain portions of the Qur’an, such as parts of Surah al-Kahf, as protective against Dajjal’s deception in popular tradition.