حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، حَدَّثَنِي قَيْسٌ، قَالَ قَالَ لِي الْمُغِيرَةُ بْنُ شُعْبَةَ مَا سَأَلَ أَحَدٌ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنِ الدَّجَّالِ مَا سَأَلْتُهُ وَإِنَّهُ قَالَ لِي ‏"‏ مَا يَضُرُّكَ مِنْهُ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْتُ لأَنَّهُمْ يَقُولُونَ إِنَّ مَعَهُ جَبَلَ خُبْزٍ وَنَهَرَ مَاءٍ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ هُوَ أَهْوَنُ عَلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ ذَلِكَ ‏"‏‏.‏
Translation
Narrated Abu Bakra

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The terror caused by Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal will not enter Medina and at that time Medina will have seven gates and there will be two angels at each gate (guarding them).

Comment

Hadith Text and Reference

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The terror caused by Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal will not enter Medina and at that time Medina will have seven gates and there will be two angels at each gate (guarding them)."

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 7125

Commentary on the Sanctity of Medina

This noble hadith establishes the unique sanctity and divine protection granted to the city of Medina, the illuminated city of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). The terror of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal, which will encompass the entire earth, will be barred from entering its boundaries by divine decree.

The mention of seven gates indicates the physical structure of Medina during that future time, while the two angels at each gate signify continuous celestial guardianship. This protection is not merely physical but spiritual, preserving the believers within from the fitnah (trial) of Dajjal.

Theological Significance of Dajjal's Exclusion

Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal represents the ultimate trial for humanity before the Day of Judgment. His inability to enter Medina demonstrates that certain places retain special barakah (blessing) from Allah due to their association with prophethood and righteous deeds performed therein.

This exclusion serves as a mercy for the believers who will seek refuge in Medina during those tumultuous times, providing them a safe haven where faith can be preserved intact from Dajjal's deceptions and temptations.

Practical Implications for Believers

This prophecy should increase the Muslim's love and reverence for Medina and encourage visitation and residence there when possible. It also serves as a reminder that Allah's protection is real and manifests in both seen and unseen ways.

During the end times, believers should remember this divine safeguard and have firm faith that Allah will honor the sanctity He granted to the city of His Messenger (ﷺ), just as He protected Makkah throughout history.