The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) once delayed the congregational night prayer.
He came out and said: The talk of Tamim ad-Dari detained me. He transmitted it to me from a man who was on of of the islands of the sea. All of a sudden he found a woman who was trailing her hair. He asked: Who are you?
She said: I am the Jassasah. Go to that castle. So I came to it and found a man who was trailing his hair, chained in iron collars, and leaping between Heaven and Earth.
I asked: Who are you? He replied: I am the Dajjal (Antichrist). Has the Prophet of the unlettered people come forth now? I replied: Yes. He said: Have they obeyed him or disobeyed him? I said: No, they have obeyed him. He said: That is better for them.
Hadith Context & Transmission
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4325 describes an extraordinary incident where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) delayed Isha prayer due to receiving news from Tamim al-Dari, a Christian convert known for his piety and storytelling. The chain of transmission is considered sound by many scholars, making this among the authentic narrations about Dajjal's characteristics.
The Jassasah (The Spy)
The mysterious woman encountered is called "Al-Jassasah" - meaning the one who spies, searches, or probes. Scholars interpret her as a supernatural being tasked with gathering information about human affairs, possibly a jinn or another creation unknown to us. Her role is to direct people toward Dajjal's location.
Her trailing hair indicates wild, unkempt appearance characteristic of dwellers in desolate places. This description serves as a sign of her otherworldly nature and separation from civilized human society.
Dajjal's Description & Condition
The chained man is identified as Al-Masih al-Dajjal (False Messiah). His iron chains demonstrate Allah's power to restrain even this great fitnah (trial). Scholars note that while restrained, he still possesses limited mobility "leaping between Heaven and Earth" - indicating extraordinary abilities Allah permits him to have despite his confinement.
His trailing hair, like the Jassasah, signifies his prolonged isolation and wild nature. The description emphasizes his physical distinctiveness that will be recognizable when he emerges.
Dajjal's Questions & Their Significance
Dajjal's first question "Has the Prophet of the unlettered people come forth?" shows his anticipation of Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) arrival, confirming that Dajjal's emergence was known to previous nations and that he recognizes the final prophethood.
His second question about obedience demonstrates his understanding that Muslim unity strengthens them against his fitnah. His admission "That is better for them" reveals his knowledge that obedient Muslims will be protected from his deception, causing him disappointment.
Scholarly Benefits Derived
This hadith confirms Dajjal's physical existence and current state of restraint. It validates Tamim al-Dari's character and the permissibility of narrating unusual incidents if authentically transmitted.
It teaches that major signs of Day of Judgment are already present in the world, awaiting their appointed time. The narration also comforts believers that despite Dajjal's powers, he remains under Allah's complete control and cannot emerge until the divine decree permits.