One day Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) narrated to us a long narration about Ad-Dajjal and among the things he narrated to us, was: "Ad-Dajjal will come, and he will be forbidden to enter the mountain passes of Medina. He will encamp in one of the salt areas neighboring Medina and there will appear to him a man who will be the best or one of the best of the people. He will say 'I testify that you are Ad-Dajjal whose story Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) has told us.' Ad-Dajjal will say (to his audience), 'Look, if I kill this man and then give him life, will you have any doubt about my claim?' They will reply, 'No,' Then Ad- Dajjal will kill that man and then will make him alive. The man will say, 'By Allah, now I recognize you more than ever!' Ad-Dajjal will then try to kill him (again) but he will not be given the power to do so."
Afflictions and the End of the World
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 7132
The Nature of Ad-Dajjal's Trial
This narration from the Prophet (ﷺ) establishes several crucial aspects of the Final Trial. Ad-Dajjal represents the ultimate test of faith, appearing with apparent miraculous powers that will deceive many. His inability to enter Medina demonstrates the divine protection granted to the City of the Prophet, which will be guarded by angels at its mountain passes.
The Believer's Recognition
The righteous man who confronts Ad-Dajjal exemplifies the true believer's discernment. His declaration "I testify that you are Ad-Dajjal" shows that knowledge of prophetic traditions provides immunity against deception. Even when subjected to the apparent miracle of death and resurrection, his faith increases rather than diminishes.
The Limits of Ad-Dajjal's Power
Ad-Dajjal's second attempt to kill the believer failing demonstrates a fundamental Islamic principle: whatever power the false messiah possesses is by Allah's permission and has strict limits. True believers are ultimately protected by divine decree, and no creation can overpower Allah's will for His faithful servants.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars emphasize that this hadith teaches Muslims to hold firmly to authentic prophetic teachings as protection against future trials. The believer's increased recognition after resurrection shows that true faith is strengthened, not weakened, by witnessing deceptive miracles. This incident serves as a paradigm for how the righteous should confront falsehood—with certainty in divine truth and unwavering conviction.