"I heard the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w): 'There was never a Prophet after Nuh but that he warned his people about the Dajjal, and indeed I shall warn you of him.' Then the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w) described him for us, and he said: "Perhaps some of you who see me, or hear my words shall live to see him." They said: "O Messenger of Allah! How will our hearts be on that day?" He said: "The same – that is, as today – or better.” (Hasan)
Hadith Context & Significance
This narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (2234) establishes the universal warning about Al-Masih ad-Dajjal (the False Messiah) across all prophetic missions. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ continues this divine tradition, emphasizing the gravity of this trial.
The Universal Prophetic Warning
"There was never a Prophet after Nuh..." indicates that awareness of Dajjal's fitnah (trial) is fundamental to all Abrahamic faiths. This connects the Islamic eschatological narrative with previous revelations.
The Prophet's personal warning ("indeed I shall warn you") demonstrates his particular concern for his Ummah's preparedness against this unprecedented deception.
The Prophetic Description
Though not detailed here, other authentic narrations describe Dajjal's physical traits: one blind/defective eye, the word "Kafir" (unbeliever) written between his eyes, and his ability to perform deceptive miracles.
The Companions' Proximity to the Trial
"Perhaps some of you... shall live to see him" indicates the potential longevity of some companions, showing that major signs of Qiyamah could occur relatively soon after the prophetic era.
The State of Believers' Hearts
The companions' question about their hearts reveals their concern about spiritual weakness during this ultimate test. The Prophet's response provides profound comfort - that faith will remain strong, or even be enhanced through this trial.
"The same - that is, as today - or better" demonstrates Allah's protection over believers' iman (faith) during tribulations. True faith becomes fortified, not weakened, when faced with falsehood.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note that this hadith emphasizes the importance of knowing Dajjal's attributes to recognize and reject him. The preservation of hearts refers to Allah's special protection for believers during times of fitnah.
Ibn Kathir and other mufassireen explain that "better" indicates some believers' faith will actually increase when witnessing Dajjal's false miracles, as they'll recognize them as tests from Allah and affirm true tawhid (monotheism).