Why Is Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjal Called the False Messiah?

Someone asked this question: “I always read about the “False Messiah, but why do we use that name? Will the Dajjal say that He is God and not Jesus, or will he say that He is Jesus and not God? Please help me understand.”

Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjal, or the false Messiah, is so named because of his one eye resembling a wiped-out state and his deceitful claim to divine powers.

Who Is Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjal? A Brief Overview

False Messiah is called al-Maseeh al-Dajjal; he is the false Messiah who will be sent before the Hour; he would work to turn people away from the truth.

The Two Reasons Behind the Name Al-Maseeh

There are two opinions about why he is called Maseeh. One of them is that he is called Maseeh because he is one-eyed, and his other eye is as if wiped out.

Another view is that he is given some extraordinary powers like Jesus, but unlike Jesus, he will use them to turn the people away from the way of Allah. He would claim divine powers and call people to worship him. That is why he is called the false Messiah.

Recognizing the Signs of Al-Maseeh Al-Dajjal

Although he would mislead many, he cannot deceive the believers as they will recognize the sign written on his forehead, which they can read ‘kaafir or rejector of truth’.

Jesus, the true Messiah, will defeat him. Jesus will slay him in combat, and that will be the end of his story.

I pray to Allah to save us from all trials and tribulations, including that of the false Messiah, and help us remain steadfast on the straight path.