Which prophet will fight Dajjal and what you need to know

The concept of the Dajjal, a figure often translated as the Antichrist or the Deceiver, is a significant element in Islamic eschatology, foretelling a period of great tribulation before the Day of Judgment. For many, a central question arises: Which prophet will fight Dajjal? This is a question that has been pondered by Muslims for centuries, drawing from the rich tradition of Islamic texts. The answer, according to Islamic teachings, is quite specific and deeply rooted in prophecy.

The prophet who is widely understood to be central in the confrontation with the Dajjal is none other than Jesus Christ, known as Isa (عيسى) in Arabic. This belief is not a matter of interpretation but is clearly established in numerous authentic hadith (sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).

The Role of Jesus (Isa) in the End Times

Islamic tradition holds that Jesus was not crucified but was raised to heaven by God. He is believed to return to Earth before the Day of Judgment to combat the Dajjal and restore justice. This return is a pivotal event in the Islamic narrative of the end times.

Here's a breakdown of Jesus's role:

Descent from Heaven: Islamic texts describe Jesus descending from heaven, typically near a white minaret in Damascus, Syria. He will be dressed in saffron robes, with his hands resting on the wings of angels.
Killing the Dajjal: The primary role of Jesus upon his return is to confront and kill the Dajjal. This will be a decisive battle, marking the end of the Dajjal's reign of deception and tyranny.
Establishing Justice: After defeating the Dajjal, Jesus will rule the Earth with justice and peace, ushering in an era of righteousness. He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizya (a tax historically levied on non-Muslims), signifying the ultimate triumph of Islam.
Praying Behind the Mahdi: It's also important to note that while Jesus will be the one to kill the Dajjal, he is believed to pray behind the Mahdi, another divinely guided leader who will appear before Jesus's return. This emphasizes the unity of divine purpose and the leadership of the Mahdi in that era.

Why Jesus?

The choice of Jesus as the one to confront the Dajjal is significant. In Islam, Jesus is revered as one of the most important prophets, the Messiah, born of the Virgin Mary, and a giver of miracles. His return is seen as a divine confirmation of his status and a testament to God's plan for the final victory of truth over falsehood.

The Quran states:

"And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain." (Quran 4:157)

This verse, along with numerous hadith, forms the basis of the belief in Jesus's divine ascension and his future return.

The Dajjal's Deception

The Dajjal is described as an immensely powerful and deceptive figure who will emerge in the end times. His primary weapon will be his ability to deceive people, performing miracles that are in reality magic or illusions. He will claim divinity and seek to lead humanity astray.

Some of the attributes and actions of the Dajjal include:

Claiming Divinity: The Dajjal will demand worship and claim to be God.
Performing False Miracles: He will be able to command the sky to rain, the earth to produce crops, and will have immense power over wealth and resources.
Testing Believers: His appearance will be a severe test for humanity, separating the true believers from those who are easily swayed by worldly temptations and illusions.
Limited Spread: Despite his power, it is believed that the Dajjal will not be able to enter certain holy places, such as Mecca and Medina, which will be guarded by angels.

Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) Role

While Jesus is the one who will *fight* and kill the Dajjal, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the messenger who foretold the Dajjal's coming and provided the guidance for believers to recognize and resist him. Prophet Muhammad warned his followers about the Dajjal's deceptive nature and taught them prayers and supplications to seek refuge from his trials.

He is reported to have said:

"No prophet was sent but that he warned his nation against the one-eyed liar (Ad-Dajjal). Verily, he is one-eyed, and your Lord is not one-eyed."

This highlights that the warning and knowledge about the Dajjal were part of the divine message throughout prophethood, with Prophet Muhammad providing the most comprehensive account for the final era.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How will Jesus defeat the Dajjal?

According to Islamic tradition, Jesus will defeat the Dajjal through divine power and intervention. While the Dajjal will possess great power and the ability to perform what appear to be miracles, Jesus, as a prophet of God, will be empowered to overcome him. The exact nature of the confrontation is not detailed to the minute, but it is understood to be a decisive victory for truth, leading to the Dajjal's demise.

Why is Jesus the one to fight the Dajjal and not Prophet Muhammad?

The belief is that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet, and his era is the one in which the Dajjal will appear. However, the divine plan designates Jesus (peace be upon him) to be the one who will physically confront and defeat the Dajjal. This is often understood as a continuation and culmination of his divine mission, as he was raised to heaven and will return to complete his role before the end of times.

What happens to the followers of the Dajjal?

Those who are deceived by the Dajjal and follow him will face severe consequences. Islamic texts suggest that many will be led astray by his false miracles and claims. However, true believers who remain steadfast in their faith will be protected from his influence. After the Dajjal's defeat, his followers will be dispersed, and those who previously followed him may repent and return to righteous living under the just rule that will be established.

Will there be other prophets fighting the Dajjal?

While Jesus is the primary prophet identified to confront and kill the Dajjal, it's important to understand that the concept of fighting the Dajjal is also a struggle of faith for all believers. The Mahdi, a righteous leader who will emerge before Jesus's return, will play a significant role in uniting the Muslim community and preparing them for the trials of the Dajjal. However, the direct physical confrontation and defeat of the Dajjal are specifically attributed to Jesus (peace be upon him).