The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) mentioned the Dajjal (Antichrist) saying: If he comes forth while I am among you I shall be the one who will dispute with him on your behalf, but if he comes forth when I am not among you, a man must dispute on his own behalf, and Allah will take my place in looking after every Muslim. Those of you who live up to his time should recite over him the opening verses of Surat al – Kahf, for they are your protection from his trial. We asked: How long will he remain on the earth ? He replied : Forty days, one like a year, one like a month, one like a week, and rest of his days like yours. We asked : Messenger of Allah, will one day’s prayer suffice us in this day which will be like a year ? He replied : No, you must make an estimate of its extent. Then Jesus son of Marry will descend at the white minaret to the east of Damascus. He will then catch him up at the date of Ludd and kill him.
Hadith Commentary: The Trial of Dajjal
This profound narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4321 in Battles (Kitab Al-Malahim) details the ultimate trial of Dajjal and the divine protection afforded to believers. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasizes that his spiritual presence will defend the Ummah, while Allah's protection remains absolute for every sincere Muslim.
Protection Through Surah Al-Kahf
The opening verses of Surah Al-Kahf serve as spiritual armor against Dajjal's fitnah. Scholars explain these verses contain fundamental proofs of Tawhid, divine power, and protection from misguidance - directly countering Dajjal's false claims of divinity.
Ibn Kathir notes that reciting these verses fosters faith in Allah's oneness and protects from worldly temptations, making the believer spiritually fortified against Dajjal's deception.
The Duration of Trial
The forty-day period demonstrates Allah's wisdom in testing believers. The varying lengths of days represent different intensities of trial, with the final period resembling normal days to test consistency in faith.
Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi explain that the changing time perception serves to distinguish true believers from those weak in faith, as only the steadfast will maintain proper worship during this confusion.
Divine Victory Through Isa (AS)
The descent of Prophet Isa (Jesus) at the white minaret in Damascus signifies ultimate divine intervention. His killing of Dajjal at Ludd (modern Lod) represents the triumph of true prophethood over false claims of divinity.
As Imam Nawawi states, this event reaffirms Islamic creed that Isa (AS) was neither crucified nor divine, but rather a noble prophet who will return to complete his mission and establish justice before the Final Hour.