Afflictions and the End of the World - Sahih al-Bukhari 7124

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Ad-Dajjal will come and encamp at a place close to Medina and then Medina will shake thrice whereupon every Kafir (disbeliever) and hypocrite will go out (of Medina) towards him."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith reveals one of the great signs preceding the Day of Judgment - the emergence of the False Messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal). The Prophet informs us that Dajjal will approach Medina, the illuminated city, but will be unable to enter it, for angels guard its gates.

The three tremors of Medina represent a divine purification mechanism. Just as gold is purified through fire, Medina will be purified through these tremors, expelling all hypocrites and disbelievers who had been hiding their true nature. This demonstrates Allah's protection over the city of His Messenger.

The hypocrites' attraction to Dajjal reveals the correspondence between inner disbelief and outward misguidance. Their hearts, already inclined toward falsehood, will naturally gravitate toward the ultimate deceiver. This serves as a warning to purify our hearts from hypocrisy and strengthen our faith.

Scholarly Insights

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that Medina's sanctity prevents Dajjal's entry, and the tremors serve as a means of distinguishing believers from hypocrites.

Imam al-Qurtubi notes that this hadith emphasizes the importance of residing in Medina and the special protection Allah grants to the city of His Prophet.

Scholars highlight that this purification process ensures only true believers remain in Medina during this ultimate trial, demonstrating the wisdom behind divine decree in times of great tribulation.