"Verily, Tamim Ad-Dari narrated a story to me, and it made me happy, so I wanted to narrate it to you[what he narrated to me]. Some people among the inhabitants of Palestine traveled by boat in the sea, taking them here and there, until it cast them on an island among the islands at sea. There they found a beast, clothed with its hair flowing out. They said: 'What are you?' It said: 'I am Al-Jassasah.' They said: 'Give us some news.' It said: 'I shall not give you any news, nor do I want any of your news. But go to the furthest village, for there is someone who will give you news and seek your news.' So we went to the furthest village, and there was a man fettered with chains. He said: 'Inform me about the spring of Zughar.' We said: ' It is full and flowing.' He said: 'Inform me about Al-Buhairah.' We said,'It is full and flowing.' He said: 'Inform me about the date groves of Baysan which is between Jordan and Palestine, do they produce food?' We said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Inform me about the Prophet, has he been sent?' We said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Inform me how the people came to him.' We said: 'Quickly.' He leaped up to try and escape.' We said: 'What are you?' He said: 'I am the Dajjal.'" (The Prophet(s.a.w) said) "He will enter all of the lands except At-Taibah, and At-Taibah is Al-Madinah."
Hadith Commentary: The Story of Tamim Ad-Dari
This profound narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2253) in "Chapters On Al-Fitan" recounts the encounter between Tamim Ad-Dari's companions and the Dajjal (False Messiah). The story serves as authentic prophecy about the end times, validated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself.
Significance of Al-Jassasah
Al-Jassasah (the Spy) is a mysterious creature that directs the travelers toward the Dajjal. Classical scholars interpret this as one of the supernatural signs preceding the Dajjal's emergence, demonstrating that Allah will create extraordinary phenomena as warnings before major tribulations.
The Dajjal's Questions and Their Meaning
The Dajjal's specific inquiries about springs and date groves reveal his anticipation of Prophet Muhammad's arrival. His questions about water sources and fertility indicate his knowledge of signs preceding his own release. When he learns the Prophet has been sent and people are accepting Islam rapidly, he recognizes his time is near.
Divine Protection of Medina
The Prophet's clarification that Dajjal cannot enter Medina (At-Taibah) confirms the city's sacred status. Scholars explain that angels guard Medina's entrances, and true faith in the hearts of its righteous inhabitants creates a spiritual barrier against evil.
Practical Lessons for Believers
This hadith reinforces the importance of seeking refuge from Dajjal's fitnah (trial), particularly through memorizing the first verses of Surah Al-Kahf. It also teaches Muslims to verify extraordinary claims through authentic sources, as the Prophet authenticated Tamim's story before sharing it.