I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: There has been no Prophet after Noah who has not warned his people about the antichrist (Dajjal), and I warn you of him. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) described him to us, saying: Perhaps some who have seen me and heard my words will live till his time. The people asked: Messenger of Allah! what will be the condition of our hearts on that day? Like what we are today? He replied: Or better.
Hadith Commentary: The Warning of Dajjal
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4756 in "Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah)" contains profound wisdom regarding the Final Hour's trials.
Universal Prophetic Warning
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes that warning about Dajjal has been a consistent theme in all divine revelations since Prophet Noah. This indicates the gravity of this trial and its central role in eschatological events.
By stating "I warn you of him," the Prophet fulfills his responsibility as the final messenger, continuing the chain of divine warnings about this great fitnah (trial).
The Description and Proximity
The Prophet's detailed description of Dajjal (mentioned elsewhere in hadith collections) serves to prepare believers intellectually and spiritually. His remark that some companions might witness Dajjal indicates the potential proximity of this event, urging constant vigilance.
The State of Believers' Hearts
The companions' concern about their spiritual state during that trial reflects their deep understanding of faith's nature. They recognized that external trials require internal strength.
The Prophet's response "Or better" offers tremendous hope - indicating that through divine grace and increased faith, believers' hearts may actually be stronger during trials than in times of ease. This demonstrates Islam's optimistic view of human spiritual potential.
Practical Lessons
This hadith teaches Muslims to study the signs of the Final Hour, particularly the characteristics of Dajjal, to recognize and resist his deception.
It emphasizes that spiritual preparation through sincere worship and sound knowledge is the best defense against future trials.
The response also indicates that difficult times can potentially elevate rather than diminish faith, contrary to common assumption.