Dajjal (The Liar)
Question:
Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Shalih al Uthaymeen was asked:
Why did the prophets warn their people about Dajjal, whereas he will only come out near the end of time?
Answer:
The severest trial that happens on the earth since the creation of Adam until the Day of Resurrection is the trial caused by Dajjal. That is what the Prophet -peace and prayer of Allah be upon him- had said. Therefore, all of the prophets – since Noah until Muhammad -peace and prayer of Allah be upon him- each had warned his people about Dajjal. This warning was aimed to inform them about its magnitude and so that they will be cautious of it.
Allah Knows that Dajjal will not come out except in the end of time, but Allah ordered His messengers to remind their people of Dajjal so that they’ll know about the major trials and calamity that he’ll bring. In a valid hadith, it is mentioned that the Prophet – peace and prayer of Allah be upon him – had said,
“If Dajjal comes out and I am amongst you, then I’ll be the one from among you to defeat him, and if not, then each is the defender for himself. Allah is my caliph over every muslim. Indeed, the best caliph (substitute, defender, or aider) is our Lord, The Almighty.”
Indeed, Dajjal is greatly terrible and his trials is the gravest and the most severe that ever take place in this world since the creation of Adam until the Last Day. Therefore, it is only natural that ta’awwudz (reciting ‘A’uudzu billaahi..’/I seek protection) from the trials of Dajjal is specifically done in prayer (shalat).
“‘O Allah, I take refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, from the torment of the Fire, from the trials and tribulations of life and death and from the evil affliction of al-Maseeh ad-Dajjaal.’”
The name Dajjal is taken from the word “ad dajl”, meaning “at tamwith” (liar and deceiver), because he is indeed the biggest of liar, and deceive the most, in quantity and quality.
[Rewritten from the book “Fatawa Anil Iman wa Arkaniha”, compiled by Abu Muhammad Asyraf bin Abdul Maqshud, Indonesian title: Soal-Jawab Masalah Iman dan Tauhid, Published by Pustaka At-Tibyan]
Article of www.whatisquran.com