The coming of the Dajjal (Antichrist) is among the greatest fitan (trials) foretold in authentic Islamic sources, with clear signs mentioned by the Prophet ﷺ and early scholars. Here are the narrations that describe the sequence and conditions before his emergence, compiled word-for-word as they have reached us:
The Connection to the Conquest of Constantinople
- Abdullah ibn Bishr, a Companion (رضي الله عنه), said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Between the great battle (al-Malhama) and the conquest of Constantinople are several years; then the Dajjal will emerge in the seventh year.” (Narrated by Na‘eem from Beqiyah ibn al-Waleed)
- K‘ab said: “The Dajjal will not emerge until Constantinople has been conquered.”
- It is narrated that those present at the conquest should secure their share of its spoils, as Abdullah ibn Bishr told his nephew: “Whoever is present at the conquest of Constantinople should secure whatever he can, for between its conquest and the emergence of the Dajjal are seven years.”
- Some narrations state: “They will be dividing their spoils when they will hear news that the Dajjal has emerged — but it will be false news — and they will remain for six years, then he will emerge in the seventh.”
Years of Deception and Scarcity
- Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) reported the Prophet ﷺ said: “Before the emergence of the Messiah Dajjal there will be years of deceit: the truthful will be belied, the liar will be believed, the trustworthy will be betrayed, the treacherous will be trusted, and the ‘ruwaybidah’ will speak.”
(The ‘ruwaybidah’ is the foolish insignificant man who speaks in the affairs of the public.) - Asma’ bint Yazid (رضي الله عنها) narrated: “Before the Dajjal, there will be three years: in the first, the sky will withhold one-third of its rain and the earth one-third of its produce. In the second, the sky will withhold two-thirds and the earth two-thirds. In the third, the sky will withhold all its rain and the earth all its produce — no animal with hooves or fangs will survive except it perishes.”
Major Signs: Battles, Conquests, and Deceptions
- Multiple narrations mention: “The great battle (al-Malhama), the conquest of Constantinople, and the emergence of the Dajjal will occur within seven years or even seven months.”
(Some scholars narrate seven months based on reports from K‘ab and Abu Bahriah.) - Abu Darda’ (رضي الله عنه) was asked when the Dajjal would emerge. K‘ab replied: “When you see the sky withholding its rain and the earth its crops, when rivers and springs dry up, and herbs wither — then expect the Dajjal, whether morning or evening.”
Trials of the Sea and Famine
- Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (رضي الله عنه) said: “There will be a naval expedition; whoever joins it will never face poverty. Then the sea will remain calm for six years, then turbulent for six years, then calm for six more — totalling eighteen years — then the Dajjal will emerge.”
- It was also narrated that before the Dajjal emerges, Three signs will appear: three years of hunger, rivers will dry up, and farmlands will shrivel. Tribes will migrate and shift, and people will speak of the Dajjal in their homes.”
The Dajjal’s Deceptive News
- Several narrations state: “After the Muslims conquer Constantinople, they will receive news that the Dajjal has appeared — but it will be false. They will return, only to find he has not yet emerged — then shortly after, he will appear.”
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “If the Dajjal emerges while I am among you, I will contend with him on your behalf. If he emerges while I am not among you, then each must contend with him on his own — and Allah is the guardian of every believer. One of his eyes is wiped out, the other appears as if mixed with blood, like a shining star.”
Other Reported Signs
- There will be a massive division: “People will split into two camps: a camp of faith with no hypocrisy, and a camp of hypocrisy with no faith. When they meet, expect to see the Dajjal.”
- Some narrations mention: “A child will be born in Baysan from the tribe of Levi, with the markings of weapons on his body.”
- Another narration describes: “A cold eastern wind will demolish the idol of Alexandria and uproot the olive trees of the Levant. Rivers like the Euphrates will dry up, and the seasons will be disturbed.”
Final Reminder
The Prophet ﷺ warned his Ummah of the Dajjal’s trial more than any other. He said:
“If he appears while I am with you, I will shield you by Allah’s permission. If not, every believer must guard himself, and Allah will protect the believers.”
Authentic References
All narrations above are preserved as they were reported from:
- Sahih Hadith such as that of Abu Hurayrah and Asma’ bint Yazid (رضي الله عنهما).
- Reports from the noble Companions (Abdullah ibn Bishr, Hudhayfah, Ka‘b, and others).
- Statements from early righteous predecessors that reflect a consistent understanding.
May Allah protect us from the fitnah of the Dajjal and keep us steadfast.
