One of the most terrifying and detailed eschatological prophecies in Islamic tradition is the emergence of the Antichrist, known in Arabic as Al-Masih ad-Dajjāl. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave numerous warnings about this deceptive figure, describing him as the greatest trial (fitnah) that humanity will ever face. Among the many disturbing features of the Dajjal is his ability to perform miracles—extraordinary feats that will bewilder and entice people to follow and even worship him.
This article delves into the authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, explaining how the Dajjal’s so-called “miracles” are tools of deception designed to lead humanity astray from the path of truth. We will explore the nature of these miracles, their psychological and spiritual impact, and how believers can protect themselves from falling into his trap.
Who is the Dajjal?
The Dajjal is not merely a tyrant or a political leader—he is a false messiah, a man who will claim to be divine and command people to worship him. The term "Dajjal" comes from the Arabic root meaning "to deceive" or "to mix truth with falsehood." He is the embodiment of deception and delusion, and his emergence is considered one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"There is no trial greater from the creation of Adam until the Hour than the trial of the Dajjal."
(Sahih Muslim, 2946)
This statement alone indicates the gravity of the Dajjal's fitnah—a test so severe that even the strongest of believers may struggle to remain steadfast.
The Miraculous Feats of the Dajjal
According to authentic narrations, the Dajjal will be given extraordinary powers by Allah as a test for humanity, not as a sign of his truthfulness. These "miracles" will appear divine or supernatural to the masses, but they are in fact illusions and tools of deception.
Here are some of the miraculous feats described by the Prophet ﷺ:
1. Control Over Weather and Agriculture
The Dajjal will seemingly control the weather and agricultural productivity. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"He will come to a people and call them, and they will believe in him. Then he will command the sky to rain and the earth to produce crops, and their livestock will return to them with their humps very high, their udders full of milk, and their flanks stretched."
(Sahih Muslim, 2937)
This ability to bring prosperity and ease will make many people believe he is divine. In contrast, those who disbelieve in him will face apparent hardship and drought.
2. Illusion of Raising the Dead
In one of the most shocking narrations, the Dajjal will claim the ability to bring a person back to life. However, the Prophet ﷺ clarified that this is an illusion, not real resurrection.
He said:
"He will call a young man, strike him with a sword and cut him in two pieces, and then call him again, and the man will come back to life and smile. Then the Dajjal will say to the people: 'Will you believe that I am your Lord?'"
(Sahih Muslim, 2938)
This terrifying act will convince many that the Dajjal is indeed divine. Yet, it is a satanic deception—a trial to expose the hearts of people.
3. Rapid Travel Across the Earth
The Dajjal will traverse the earth at unprecedented speed. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"He will move through the earth like rain driven by the wind."
(Sahih Muslim)
His mobility will make him seem omnipresent, as he visits every city except Makkah and Madinah, which are protected by angels. This ability to be everywhere and bring instant results will overwhelm the masses.
The Purpose of These "Miracles"
It is essential to understand that these miracles are not signs of truth or divine approval. They are tests from Allah to reveal who has true faith and who is swayed by worldly appearances.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
"Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth an adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed."
(Surah Al-Kahf, 18:7)
The miracles of the Dajjal are spiritual traps—they appeal to the senses, to logic, to desperation—but they contradict the fundamental truth of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah).
The Dajjal Will Demand Worship
The ultimate goal of the Dajjal is not just influence—it is worship. He will claim to be a god and demand that people submit to him.
The Prophet ﷺ warned:
"The Dajjal will say, ‘I am your lord.’ But you will not see your Lord until you die."
(Sahih Muslim, 2934)
This clear statement from the Prophet ﷺ reminds us that Allah is beyond physical perception, and anyone claiming divinity in this world is a liar.
The Dajjal will exploit human weakness—poverty, fear, illness—to get people to turn to him for help, and then demand their loyalty and worship in return.
Why Will So Many People Be Deceived?
Many will be deceived by the Dajjal because:
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They lack knowledge of true Islamic teachings.
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They are impressed by material success and power.
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They are unprepared spiritually and emotionally for such a trial.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever hears of the Dajjal, let him keep away from him. For by Allah, a man will come to him thinking he is a believer, but he will follow him because of the doubts he causes."
(Abu Dawood, 4319)
This hadith is chilling. Even those who think they are strong believers can be misled if they don’t prepare themselves properly.
How to Protect Yourself From the Dajjal
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave his Ummah clear guidance on how to protect themselves:
1. Recite Surah Al-Kahf Every Friday
He said:
"Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, it will protect him from the fitnah of the Dajjal."
(Sahih Muslim, Ibn Majah)
The first ten (or last ten) verses of Surah Al-Kahf serve as spiritual armor against deception.
2. Strengthen Tawheed and Knowledge
The Dajjal exploits ignorance and weak faith. Muslims must learn their Aqeedah (creed) properly—especially the belief in Allah’s uniqueness and the reality of prophethood.
3. Make Du’a for Protection
The Prophet ﷺ taught a specific du’a for protection from four trials, including the Dajjal:
"O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the punishment of Hell, the punishment of the grave, the trial of life and death, and the evil of the trial of the Dajjal."
(Sahih Muslim, 588)
Muslims are encouraged to include this du’a in their daily prayers.
Conclusion
The Dajjal will not come with horns and a pitchfork—he will come with miracles, wealth, and charisma. He will claim to be a savior and god, and many will fall into his trap, seduced by what they see and feel, rather than what they know to be true.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned us not just of the Dajjal’s appearance, but of his ability to shake the very foundations of faith through deception. His miracles are not signs of truth, but illusions to be resisted.
In an age of increasing reliance on visuals, experiences, and emotional appeal, the trial of the Dajjal is not just a future event—it’s a warning for our times.
Prepare with knowledge. Protect your heart with faith. And never be swayed by miracles that contradict divine truth.
