For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake, those days shall be shortened.
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there {is Christ}; believe it not.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible {but Allah will protect those who truly believe because HE gave HIS Promise}, they shall deceive the very elect.
Math (24: 21-24)
That is a pretty drastic statement found in the New Testament. However, as one can see from Islamic materials, it is all too true! It is true during that time period of the Major Signs signaling the end of an age or era when the Earth shall shake and pour out its wrath due to the on goings happening on this planet.
Al-Mustaurid b. Shaddad reported the Prophet (pbh) as saying, “I have been commissioned when the end of time is near and I have preceded it as this has preceded that,” indicating his forefinger and his middle finger. (Tirmidhi)
And that is due to the ‘quality’ of the people living at ‘those times’. What is very disconcerting to some is that ‘these times’ are swiftly leading up to those times and some might feel in their hearts that we are less than two decades away from the start of the period of terror – the Major Signs of the Last Hour. And joyfully we have the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbh) who talked much about the ‘deterioration’ of mankind which boils down to ‘when the hearts of men grow cold’.
In a hadith found in Bukhari and Muslim, Zainab daughter of Jahsh asked Allah’s Messenger (pbh) whether they would perish {even} when there were righteous people {living} among them, and he {the Prophet} replied, “Yes, when wickedness is abundant.”
‘Abdullah b. Mas’ud reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, “The Last Hour will come only when people are wicked. (Muslim)
When the hearts grow cold has several meanings including the growth of stinginess, callousness, laziness in performing religious duties towards Allah, mankind and the nature around us, pettiness, small mindedness, arrogance (religious or otherwise), worldliness, oppressiveness, narcissism and a few more characteristics. That is being said because these warnings in the hadiths are spread out over many categories and at times not easy to locate.
Prophet Muhammad (pbh) liked for the believers to be optimistic. Being optimistic about whether one’s spouse is good looking or not, whether one can become a financial success or whether one will become famous is not being talked about.
What is meant by being optimistic is the faith in the ONE GOD WHO is the BENEFACTOR and PROTECTOR of the believers in this world and in the Hereafter, that HE will keep HIS promises and that the strivings of the believers will be rewarded beyond their wildest imaginations. That is important in any case but especially important in the ‘times’ of great turmoil and duress as the Prophet (pbh) has declared.
‘Imran b. Husain told that he heard Allah’s Messenger (pbh) saying, “Between the creation of Adam and the coming of the last hour there is no more serious matter than the dajjal.” (Muslim)
Before entertaining the dreadful topic of the dajjal, it might be wise and take a breather with a little comic relief. It is stated in the New Testament that “the word became flesh and dwelt among us” John (1: 14) as referring to Jesus the son of Mary (pbh). Many Christians hold to that statement in some form or fashion.
Now that statement makes a lot of sense although apparently some are bound and determined to make ‘doggerel’ out of it. Had the Christians done what they were told to do {as in a commandment put on them by their prophet Jesus (pbh) in that they were to turn to another Prophet (pbh) to understand the truth – John (16: 13)} they might have had a better understanding of that verse.
One would expect any man to come in the ‘flesh’ following after the pattern of Adam (pbh). It would be quite ridiculous for Jesus or any other person to be born and appear like a tree trunk or an apple. So the human being appearing as a son of Adam, who is our father, (as in likeness following likeness), and being given a covenant from before Q (7: 172-172) we so gleefully stepped on the Earth, became by our swearing to that covenant something akin to ‘a’ word. That is to say, as we loyally pledged our word to HIM WHO created us that our lifestyle, intentions and heartfelt desire was to be obedient to HIM. Therefore, our life and actions are our ‘word-bond’ that we would be faithful in all the days of our lives.
Whatever misfortune happens to you is because of the things your {own} hands have wrought and for many (a sin) HE grants forgiveness. Q (42: 30)
Well that didn’t quite turn out as well as we had planned but at least hopefully many had the good intentions to at least try and be upright even if we ‘cheat’ a little bit or even a lot as the case may be.
Not only that, every man’s soul comes into the ‘flesh’ not by mommy or daddy but by having his or her soul placed by angels inside the ‘watery womb’ 120 days after conception. So a person ‘becomes flesh’ or enters into the flesh (not a tree trunk or an apple) and dwells among us (as in living with other human beings).
We are not close to being as upright or as highly blessed as Jesus (pbh) was and is but it is nice to know that he is an outstanding and blessed human being and that we are human beings also.
‘Abdullah b. Mas’ud reported that Allah’s Messenger (pbh) who is the most truthful (of human beings) and his being truthful (is a fact) said, “Verily your creation is on this wise. The constituents of one of you are collected for forty days in his mother’s womb in the form of blood, after which it becomes a clot of blood in another forty period of forty days. Then it becomes a lump of flesh and forty days later Allah sends HIS angel to it with instructions concerning four things, so the angel writes down his livelihood, his death, his deeds, his fortune and misfortune. By HIM, besides Whom there is no god, that one amongst you acts like the people deserving Paradise until between him and Paradise there remains but the distance of a cubit, when suddenly the writing of destiny overcomes him and he begins to act in the way of the denizens of Hell and thus enters Hell. And another one acts in the way of the denizens of Hell, until there remains between him and Hell a distance of a cubit that the writing of destiny overcomes him and then he begins to act like the people of Paradise and enters Paradise. (Muslim) {Not mentioned in this hadith is the other characteristic of the person to be born and that is whether that person will be male or female}.
It is a peculiar world that we live in and make no mistake about it. Once, while listening to the TV, I saw a program whereby the oppressive Nazi regime before it reached full swing, made the Jews to live in restricted areas like an enclosed ghetto.
Allah says in HIS WORD that oppression is worse than slaughter!
…for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter… Q (2: 191)
The poor Jews were pinched and so restricted that they were being in reality strangled slowly to death in a demeaning way. Truly that was a monstrous and villainous way to act from a so-called civilized people but history has shown that not many of those people who followed the Nazi party-line of oppressors were all that civilized.
Now it just so happens that the Israelis have shown the world and of course by their actions have shown the ONE GOD just the kind of quality they are made of. Guess what? The Israelis are doing just about the same thing to the Palestinians as the Nazis did to them in the early years!
Will wonders never cease! And they can get away with it because they are clever at shaping world opinion and are of those who like to ‘cry wolf’ like the story of Peter and the Wolf. There are a lot of monuments dedicated to the ‘suffering Jew’ strewn about the world to constantly remind people how they suffered terribly under the hand of the villainous ‘godless’ Nazis.
And by proclaiming to be a ‘special people’ as opposed by the sayings found in the Holy Books, the Israelis make a big to do about being god-filled (specially chosen) or whatever that might imply and thus should be treated differently than the regular run-of-the-mill human being.
I suppose that some dupes believe that the Israelis are an extraordinarily blessed people who should be allowed extra vices that to the ‘special ones’ are turned into virtues by such a dumb thing as being born into a certain race, creed or geographical location.
Of course all of the Holy Records strongly denounce this travesty of justice but it is not uncommon for people to ‘play around’ with their Holy Records or just flat out ignore the painful realities of truth for ‘personal gains’ – at the expense of the Hereafter of course. It just so happens that a thief is a thief, a killer is a killer and a rapist is a rapist in any true society, and is not supposed to be shielded by race, creed, color, geographical birthrights, wealth or whatever man would hide behind. And so the Holy Books tell us but see who cares for those records!
Then there are those who call themselves Christians. Actually, I believe most of them would rather be called ‘westerners’ of a Christian persuasion having fallen in love with themselves by presenting various cultures that they have built up by way of their cleverness. I suppose they would accept that these things would be gifts of God, if and when they would think of HIM, but mostly one is led to believe it is from their own knack for intuitive intelligence and God is only brought along basically for the ride as a kind of ‘lucky charm’.
Whether it is from the media moguls or just plain being simpleminded, the ambivalence towards Islam in the west is only surpassed by the dislike and distrust of Islam. For example, more than 90% of the violent crime waves committed in western countries come from homegrown terrorists sporting that countries culture and religious majority which is a drain on the economy as much as it is on the fabric of that particular civilization and not from anything Islamic but the phobia is there fanned by various criminals in sheep’s clothing – plastic-coated patriots who claim that they mean well and are out to protect society.
However, when in doubt or when bored, blame the Muslims as many fanatics do, like Geert Wilders. Blame Islam (as if they really knew what Islam was in the first place!) with vitriolic speech and watch the blues go away because others, especially foreigners are out to destroy something cherished beyond comprehension which is vicariously called the west and the ways of the west (whatever that means – but by no means mention the Ways of GOD).
However, people like Mr. Wilders, who recently has been recorded as trying to save Muslims from Islam, have a right to say as they please and so let them read this from the Quran – as they please!
Then there are some who say, {modern day man or pagan Arabs} “We believe in Allah {the One God} and the Last Day” {some form of Resurrection}, whereas they do not believe at all. {Their own actions and deeds show them out to be liars}
They thus try to deceive Allah and the believers, but they succeed in deceiving none except themselves and they realize it NOT.
In their hearts is a DISEASE which Allah has INCREASED ALL THE MORE and a painful doom is in store for them for the LIES they utter.
Whenever it is said to them, “Spread not disorder on the earth”, their reply is, “We only seek to put things right.” {Through their ‘home-baked philosophies of so-called liberty, or the rights of man, or religious viewpoints or some other such nonsense that is contrary to scripture and not taken from scripture or the prophets}
Beware! They do spread disorder but they realize it NOT.
And when it is said to them, “Believe sincerely as the other people {believers in ages past} have believed”, {in truth, following their prophets} they reply, “Should we believe as the FOOLS have believed?” Beware! They themselves are FOOLS, {for mocking Allah and HIS prophets} but they know it not.
When they meet those who believe, they say, “We, too, are believers”, {in the Way of the LORD} but when they privately meet their evil geniuses, {self glorifying addictions, advisors or fellow comrades and or Jinn} they say, “Indeed we are with you. We are only mocking at these people {Believers}.” (Little do they realize that) Allah is mocking at them. He gives them rope enough, and they wander on blindly in their mischief and rebellion {against Allah’s Laws}.
These are people who have bartered away Guidance for error, but this is a profitless bargain they have made, and they are not {at} all on the Right Way {of Belief}. Q (2: 8-16)
See you such a one as takes for his god his own passion (or impulse)? Could you be a disposer of affairs for him? Q (25: 43)
And blaming the Muslims is becoming quite noticeable and tolerated as the norm if the Muslim population reaches a certain small percentage of that particular country’s total population. So this ‘common sense’ or way of practice goes along with using garlic to keep vampires at bay and not stepping on a crack in the sidewalk to avoid breaking one’s mother’s back. Hence, the illogical recoiling from what might be tabbed ‘another species’ or alien (non-human presence) – Muslims in general and Islam specifically.
Actually, western culture does tend to be kind of loose and many people like it that way. The sacred texts of religious beliefs tend to be kept on the shelves and not viewed very closely. This makes for a good game of ‘I won’t tell if you won’t tell’. Currently, the homosexual question raging through the west at this time is a good example. What do the Holy Records declare about this issue? Basically the answer is, “Who cares?” and “What right does any god have to tell us anyway?”
When the Jews and the Christians are lined up side-by-side what happens? When the Jews reminisce about their glorious prophets (peace be upon them all) what do they say about the last of the Jewish prophets Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) in their honored speeches? Well, that answers that question on comparative religion!
When the Christians and Muslims are lined up side-by-side discussing religion what do the Christians say about the Muslims? They say, “We are right and you are wrong.” Well, that answers that question on comparative religion.
In truth, Islam is the ‘judging’ factor as well as the ‘golden mean’ that all people have to watch out for on the Last Day of Judgment according to the following hadith.
Abu Sa’id reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying, “On the day of Resurrection Noah will be brought and asked if he proclaimed the message, {Unity of the Godhead and following The Way} and when he replies, ‘Yes, my LORD,’ his people will be asked whether he conveyed the message to them. They will say NO warner came to them, {that Noah is lying} so he {Noah} will be asked who his witnesses are and {he} will reply that they are Muhammad and his people.” Allah’s Messenger (pbh) said, “You {Muslims} will then be brought and testify that he {Noah} did convey the message.” He then recited, “Thus We have made you an intermediate people that you may be witnesses to mankind and the Messenger {Muhammad} may be a witness to you.” {As to you being faithful to your religion – that which was ordained in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbh)} (Bukhari)
In a hadith found in Bukhari narrated by Jabir bin ‘Abdullah concerning when some angels came to the Prophet (pbh) when he was sleeping … “The house stands for Paradise and the call-maker is Muhammad and whoever obeys Muhammad, obeys Allah; and whoever disobeys Muhammad, disobeys Allah. Muhammad separated the people (i.e. through his Message, the good being distinguished from the bad, and the believers from the disbelievers.”
Now we come to the so-called dreaded Muslims. Most Muslims have one head, two arms and two legs like the above mentioned two groups (Jews and Christians). They also share the same characteristics as those two groups especially after the end of the righteous Caliphs left this Earth. It may be hard to believe but the following hadith explains a lot.
Abu Sa’id reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, “You will certainly follow the practices of your predecessors span by span and cubit by cubit, so that if they were to enter a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.” He was asked if he meant the Jews and the Christians and {he} replied, “Who else?” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Ibn ‘Umar reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying, “People are just like a hundred camels among which you can scarcely find a riding beast.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
It is true that every group has its own ‘specialty’ or peculiarity that it might like to disown on the Last Day of Judgment and one of the characteristics found among Muslims in this day and age seems to be the act of placing bickering (leading to Fitna) above the FAITH brought by Muhammad (pbh). One of the worst violations performed in this assault on the truth is to try and ‘help’ Allah with HIS system as if HE was helpless.
Now it’s good to help and old and frail person across the street but Allah (SWT) doesn’t need anyone’s help in running and maintaining HIS SYSTEM! If that were not the case, He would be judged weak and needy. Allah permitted HIS Prophet (pbh) to firmly establish the religion of truth while he was alive and HE gave the first two Caliphs, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, the job of maintaining its purity and setting a solid ground for its survival.
After the death of ‘Umar, within the space of a few years, Islam started to face a few bumps and bruises that continued to fester badly and then exploded during the Caliphate of ‘Ali. That is when Islam really hung in the balance as two major forces were at work that strove very hard to destroy Islam.
‘Ali was very wise, gentle but strong and unyielding to the forces of evil. The two forces of evil were the obnoxious group called the Al-‘Saba’iyya group that would pose some future threat and the Kharijite group that would have made Islam near impossible for anyone to join. Imagine only a few hundred thousand people being able to call themselves Muslims from the time of Muhammad (pbh) to the present day because of the ‘iron hearts’ of those deranged Kharijite.
Thanks to Allah, ‘Ali was made the fourth Caliph for no man at that time had the strength and determination to lead the Muslims as he did – and it was a job fraught with danger as well as being a thankless job. ‘Ali was made the fourth Caliph because that was his destiny as to Allah’s Will to be the fourth Caliph – not before and not afterwards! And such is the Power and Dominance of Allah (SWT) that HIS PLANNED DESTINY prevails over the foolish actions and superstitions of men.
Disagreements during the time of ‘Ali did arise between the Companions not on matters of faith but through a petty loophole exploited by the devil called revenge for the death of ‘Uthman the third Caliph. And because of Allah’s Divine Plan in giving ‘Ali the fourth Caliphate, Islam was put in a position where a semblance of order could be maintained as time went by, to develop excellent scholars and other individuals who could produce works on the faith for future generations and for those who have eyes to see let them see and for those who in their intransigence are stubborn, let them be blind!
The following is taken from the book, The Islamic Messiah pp.115-117.
APPENDIX B
“Spiritual Leader versus spiritual guides
By definition a Spiritual Leader is what man would call the ‘founder and keeper of the Way or true faith’. This would translate into the word prophet or messenger sent to people for guidance. He can transmit, rule and govern as far as his capacity has been given to him to protect and defend the truth but he is not omnipresent and must leave the world. In his place are set up spiritual guides of lesser quality whose job is to defend the faith (‘light’) that was left behind and to keep the path to right guidance clear. Usually these men suffer the consequences of troubled times and fall as martyrs or in some cases are replaced by rivals. And since time is fluid and not static and because religion becomes fair game for the unwary, there arises here and there spiritual guides whose cunning, guile and deceit would try to fool the very elect, if they could get away with it.
As time goes by and strength becomes diluted, the devil, who has no quit in him, works hand in glove with those disrupters to modify, alter and change what can be corrupted. His weapons are guile and deceit whereby false promises in the form of delusions enter into the heart. So the man thinks he is wise whereas he becomes a fool as Paul declared. Therefore, what he believes as a stroke of genius becomes error and by his stature as a spiritual guide he replaces even the original prophet – not openly of course. Hence, his council is to mislead others into wrong belief.
We can see the condemnation in the Old Testament in previous cultures who rejoiced in idol worship and of the Jews who desired to follow the crooked way of false practices guided by the corrupt spiritual guides.
The New Testament is a Jewish book with Greek language and philosophical overtones, now called a Christian production, berating the Jews about hypocrisy and predicting the evils of anti-christs from amongst their own flock who would go on to pollute the message given by Allah to Jesus His servant.
Islamic literature also claims that the one nation of Islam would deteriorate and that many sects would arise that would be false. The faith would remain pure but the people would revert to a weakness in religion.
People are people no matter what religion they claim to follow. Underlings do not move the ship; the captain does so one should look at the historical movers and their attempt at making false creeds. Basically, it has always been the ‘builders of society’, the spiritual guides who appear to rule the waves and make pronouncements by interpretation concerning religious material.
Historically speaking, some spiritual guides have been excellent, some have been very good, and some have even been adequate but others have come who were weak, foolish or even evil and have as scholars led people astray. To counter their effect on individuals, it is helpful to remember to go back to the original source, the strongest source and that in Islam would be the Quran. Negation of any part of the Quran is a negation of faith. Also, looking for hidden meanings in the Quran puts one on the pathway of error. Those people who do that usually end up trying to cancel out parts of the Quran by their own foolishness and wreck havoc with the concept of Divine Unity. So there is a fine line between understanding and seeking knowledge and pure, unadulterated invention.
It is true that interpretation of the holy records is a touchy subject but all those who have ever done so or whoever will do so face strict questioning on the Last Day of Judgment. While some are under the impression that it is a sin to try and understand these records, others believe that knowledge about the scriptures is essential. In the past there have been notable explainers of the Quran like ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas, Qatadah and others. Also, several people have tried their hands at explaining the Quran in book form from whence the various Tafsirs have been formed. These people will also be questioned as to their motives and desires.
The best of knowledge is the knowledge that can be the most useful of knowledge. This knowledge is the type of knowledge that one should pray for. That is to pray to be given useful knowledge and to be kept away from knowledge that will not benefit. So the best knowledge, at least in my opinion, is the knowledge that cleans the heart and makes for an understanding of how to serve the Creator Lord rather than one’s own self desires.”
How MARVELLOUS IS ALLAH’S PLAN AS HE SETS OUT SNARES TO ENSNARE THOSE WHO HAVE DEVIOUS NOTIONS FOUND IN THE SECRET RECESSES OF THEIR HEARTS IN ATTACKING THE COMPANIONS OF THE PROPHET (pbh).
And why should a Loving God place this deception in men’s hearts, if man is so pure and noble and not so self-willed or devious?
Say “Everyone acts according to his own {inward} disposition: but your Lord knows best who it is that is best on the Way.” Q (17:84)
“This is because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent on before you: for Allah never does injustice to those who serve HIM” {in truth}. Q (3: 182)
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe in a lie {as to being deceived}:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians (2: 11-12).
“You have met this fate because you rejoiced on the earth in things other than the truth, and then exulted in it.” Q (40:75)
The basic problem with the Muslims today is that they sometimes get caught up in irrational thinking seeking to shore-up Allah’s Plan as if it was somehow defective.
Some Muslims differ in going about their daily lives in an Islamic way but people were told what to do and how to go about doing it. Unfortunately, some Muslims have a different outlook on Islam than what was given by our blessed and beloved Prophet (pbh) and decide to purify what already has been purified or do other strange maneuvers leading to strange practices and beliefs that lead to different sects that will lead to their destruction. One, after all, must use Common Sense.
Nafi’ told that two men came to Ibn ‘Umar during the civil war of Ibn Al-Zubair and said, “The people have done what you see, and you are ‘Umar’s son and the companion of Allah’s Messenger, so what prevents you from going forth {to fight}?” He replied, “What prevents me is the fact that Allah has made it unlawful for me to shed my Muslim brother’s blood.” They asked if Allah Most High had not said, “And fight with them till there is no dissension,” to which Ibn ‘Umar replied, “We have fought till there was no dissension and the religion was Allah’s, {for it was solidified and made perfect and complete before the death of Muhammad (pbh)} but you want to fight so that there may be dissension {breaking up the unity of the believers} and the religion may pertain to someone other than Allah.” (Bukhari)
It is good to have ‘pure Islam’ reign but that will be only in the Hands of Allah at HIS CHOOSING AND NOT BEFORE. So it is expected that if a person wants a better Islam in society that he first becomes better in himself and accepts not to make fitna with society in general.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying, “A Muslim is a Muslim’s brother; he does not wrong, desert, or despise him. Piety is found here (pointing three times to his breast). Despising his brother Muslim is enough evil for any man to do. Every Muslim’s blood, property and honor are sacred to a Muslim.” (Muslim)
It has been narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar that the Holy Prophet (pbh) said, “It is obligatory upon a Muslim that he should listen (to the ruler appointed over him) and obey him whether he likes it or not, except {in the case} that he is ordered to do a sinful thing. If he is ordered to do a sinful act, a Muslim should neither listen to him {that leader} nor should he obey his orders. (Muslim)
Abu Barda told on his father’s authority that he, meaning the Prophet (pbh), raised his head to the sky, which was a common practice of his, and said, “The stars are a means of safety for the sky, and when the stars depart what they have been threatened with will come to it {pass}. I am a means of safety for my companions, and when I depart, what my companions have been threatened with {fitna/civil strife} will come to them. My companions are a means of safety for my people, and when my companions depart, what my people have been threatened with will come to them.” (Muslim)
It is narrated on the authority of Jarir b. ‘Abdullah that the Apostle of Allah (pbh) asked him on the occasion of the Farewell Pilgrimage to make the people silent and then said, {to the assembled masses} “Do not return to unbelief after me {when I shall depart this world} by striking the necks of one another.” (Muslim)
Ibn ‘Umar reported the Prophet (pbh) as saying, “He who mixes with people and endures the harm they do is better than he who does not mix with them or endure the harm they do.” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
The whole purpose of these things is to show in a comparative religious atmosphere that faith without works is fruitless and works without faith is also fruitless.
What does it profit, my brothers, though a man say {with his tongue} he has faith, and {he} does not have works? Can faith save him?
Even so faith, if it {faith} has not works, is dead, being alone.
{That} you believe that there is ONE GOD, you do well; the devils also believe {that there is only ONE GOD} and tremble.
But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? James (2: 14, 17, 19-20)
Now we get the same thing in Islam but with more depth of material and meaning from this hadith.
‘Ali reported that one day Allah’s Messenger (pbh) was sitting with a {piece of} wood in his hand and he was scratching the ground. He raised his head and said, “There is not one amongst you who has not been allotted his seat in Paradise or Hell.” They said, “Allah’s Messenger, then why should we perform good deeds, why not depend upon our destiny?” Thereupon, he {Muhammad} said, “No, do perform good deeds, for everyone is facilitated in that for which he has been created”; then he recited this verse: “Then who gives to the needy and guards against evil and accepts the excellence (the truth of Islam and the path of righteousness it prescribes), WE shall make easy for him the easy end …”Q (92: 5-10) (Muslim)
It’s absolutely true and that is that Allah ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES!
‘Abdullah b. Amr b. al-‘As reported that he heard Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying: “Verily the hearts of all the sons of Adam are between the two fingers out of the fingers of the COMPASSIONATE LORD as one heart. He turns them to any (direction) HE likes.” Then Allah’s Messenger (pbh) said: “O Allah, the Turner of the hearts, turn our hearts to THY obedience.” (Muslim)
There is nothing that this world can throw at a believer that is worse than the dajjal.
‘Imran b. Husain told that he heard Allah’s Messenger (pbh) saying, “Between the creation of Adam and the coming of the last hour there is no more serious matter than the dajjal.” (Muslim)
Abu Huraira reported Messenger (pbh) as saying, “When the time becomes short, knowledge will be withdrawn, civil strife will appear, niggardliness will be cast into people’s hearts, and harj will be prevalent.” He was asked the meaning of harj and {he} said it meant slaughter. (Bukhari and Muslim)
It is not for naught that this evil man is called the Anti-christ for in a way he mirrors the real Christ (Messiah pbh) and that is one of the reasons why he is called the Anti-christ. Where the real Messiah (pbh) is a soul of beauty right blessed by his LORD, the Anti-christ soul is an ugly perverted soul of filth.
This perverted creature, but he is only a man is recorded in Holy Scripture and in hadith material and though some think he is only a fairytale or something other than a man, the truth is that he is a human being.
It is true that all the prophets mentioned him to their people, at least the Major Prophets, as being a great deceiver. The Old Testament as well as the New Testament discusses some things about this Anti-christ while Islamic hadiths give a grave picture about his diabolical intentions. And these things are fairly clear and open.
Anas reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying, “There is no prophet who has not warned his people about the one-eyed liar. I tell you that he is one-eyed, but your LORD is not one-eyed. On his forehead are the letters k, f, r.” {standing for kafir or unbeliever} (Bukhari and Muslim)
However, his darkened and perverted shadow does cross through the Old Testament and New Testament in a faint, nearly invisible way but that which is in the past is neither our concern nor can we be totally certain of these whisperings. For some things that have been written about that shadow of a soul are correct and some things that have been written about him are wrong. Therefore, it is best to be on the safe side and stay away from controversy and falsehood.
Like what has been expressed about the Messiah-soul in that it is ancient so also is the soul of the one who will inherit the disgrace of being the dajjal. For as was written in 700 plus BC, Micah (5: 2) and found in the Old Testament, the Messiah-soul (pbh) whose origin was from ‘ancient times’ means that he had a beginning or origin from of old. But all should know that the ONE GOD has NO beginning or origin! For Allah is TOO GREAT for that.
O! It was not always such that this now fetid, ugly soul who will soon bother the believers was held in disgrace. Once that soul was of those who were of the near greats but he turned his ‘thoughts and desires’ to fruitless endeavors while not fearing his LORD and thus became ensnared by Satan himself. And when he continued to pursue his corruptions, he was cut off and his ‘fate’ was sealed.
The lesson here is that what was shown by Muhammad’s (pbh) Companions in that they had incorporated into their hearts the love, hope, trust and fear of their LORD such that Allah (SWT) is the turner of the hearts and HE can turn them in any way HE sees fit. So Muhammad’s (pbh) Companions lived a kind of life of remembering their LORD in their hearts in fear and love which led to their exemplary behavior and righteous living thus serving their LORD in true faith and belief.
Nowadays, one can say that the life and lifestyle are somewhat different as being much more complicated than in the days of the Companions and that men are ‘preoccupied’ more with the ‘life of this world’ than the life of the Hereafter. That is true and that is the price many pay being born into this hectic time period and that is also covered in the hadiths.
However, one must also learn never to judge a book (a person’s soul) by its cover and that Allah takes into account ALL things! It is the inner most sanctuary of the heart that HE reads so it pays great dividends to be ‘optimistic’ as was discussed earlier. Those who put their trust in Allah in reality ‘have won the game’ if they are so blessed in being patient and not haughty, proud or arrogant (narcissistic) and truly worship in sincerity none but Allah THE ONE, THE IRRESISTIBLE.
As to the condition of the dajjal, it is safe to say that no one knows for sure except Allah! That is to his exact place of birth, when he exactly will come forth or exactly how old he is at this time. If some were to suggest that he is probably a ‘youth’ at the time of this writing, I would not say that is incorrect provided that the understanding of the term ‘youth’ would mean anywhere from 13 to 19 years of age and providing that he is born from a woman.
If that were the case, truly we are close to the end of this age and if that is the case, then the world will soon enter a period of extended chaos (called in Islam as the period featuring the Major Signs of the Last Hour) such that all lands and even the oceans will bring forth great torment to those things living on or under it. And this we have been promised and Allah always keeps HIS PROMISES!*
What important things can we be sure of about this accursed dajjal character from the Holy Writings? If we can use our common sense and trust in the Book of Daniel (pbh) and especially ‘approved’ hadith material we can know quite a few things and if his time draws closer, which it most assuredly must, then we must not be caught sleeping when the ‘thief’ comes forth to disrupt and corrupt the minds of those who desire to believe. Therefore, even in knowing that one cannot alter ‘destiny’ or wish this cruel villain away, it is those who are of sound heart that will survive his horrible onslaught.
In times of great world-wide turmoil causing stress, especially since the whole world will be put under great turmoil in the period of the Major Signs of the Last Hour, it will be hard to ponder these things. Let us take a lesson from nature. As has been filmed in the wild before, the leopard which would gladly eat a defenseless rabbit will happily coexist with the rabbit on a log when a great flood is occurring such that the thought of survival overrides the chance for a kill.
Such is the way of life when one is put under great stress that ‘normality’ takes a holiday. In other words, the time of the dajjal’s ‘coming out’ or coming forth will be during waves of bitter turmoil called the ‘Major Signs’ which will bring many to the depth of despair, especially those whose trust is put in the world and not in the Hereafter or those who lament the passing of normality – life as it once was.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying, “By Him in whose hand my soul is, the world will not pass away before a man comes by a grave and rolls on it saying he wishes he were in the place of the occupant of that grave, not for religious reasons, but because of {the unbearable } tribulations.” {Occurring at that time} (Muslim)
In those times at the beginning of the terrible stress before things get too much to bear there will come forth a man appearing with great wisdom. In truth this fetid soul of darkness will not care about the ‘common man’ but will have dealings with those in power and he by his clever deception will sound so wise and sincere such that he will be likened unto a prophetic type of character by those bewitched by his false charms. Daniel (11: 21)
But this young man whose concentration is on the Middle East and whose wisdom and thoughtfulness will be adjudged by some as worthy will in truth be covered up so that his corrupted lust will be hidden and he, being most deceitful and hateful of Islam, will in fact be judged by some as a ‘wise savior’ to Islam in times of crisis so that others may be led to their ruin.
He is not yet become the dreaded and feared dajjal but his pathway is geared to lead others to destruction. He accomplishes this by pitting one group against another as he slyly sows his seeds of dissension. Daniel (11: 23-28)
Then when the signs of worldly destruction continue to increase to bring men to their knees for the kingdom of the real Messiah (pbh) draws close at hand and a great anger comes upon this darkened soul, he will be metamorphosed or become transformed into the monster that he really is. Daniel (11: 30)
Anas reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying, “There is no prophet who has not warned his people about the one-eyed liar. I tell you that he is one-eyed, but your LORD is not one-eyed. On his forehead are the letters k, f, r.” {standing for kafir or unbeliever} (Bukhari and Muslim)
Now the cover that he so cleverly hid behind will vanish and he now enters that period of being the dajjal to go forth openly and will seek to overcome the believers Daniel (11: 31-37) by the aid of that which he so ardently pursued and in secret he so ardently worships – a certain evil and that is the evil of the Jinn Daniel (11: 38).
And the world being in the condition that it will be in and populations all over the world under great torment and the Arabs being few in number as compared to what it used to be especially after the ‘great war’ with Rome/Byzantines/Greeks as these names appear interchangeable and as the Prophet (pbh) has declared, this foul and ugly human being will go forth as declaring himself ‘The God’ to ruin the believers.
Umm Sharik reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, “People will fly from the dajjal till they get to the mountains.” She asked where the Arabs would be in that day, and the Prophet (pbh) replied that they would be few. (Muslim)
The Arabs in that day will be few in number as the ‘great war’ among other things will have taken a dramatic toll on the population.
Mu’adh b. Jabal reported the Apostle of Allah (pbh) as saying, “The flourishing state of Jerusalem will be when Yathrib (Medina) is in ruins, the ruined state of Yathrib (Medina) will be when the Great War comes, the outbreak of the Great War will be at the conquest of Constantinople and the conquest of Constantinople {will be} when the Dajjal (Anti-christ) comes forth. He the Prophet (pbh) struck his thigh or his shoulder with his hand and said, “This is true as you are here sitting (meaning {the man sitting with him} Mu’adh b. Jabal). Sunan Abu Dawud
Yusair b. Jabir reported, “Once there blew a red storm in Kufah that there came a person who had nothing to say but (these words), “‘Abdullah b. Mas’ud, the Last Hour has come.” He (‘Abdullah b. Mas’ud) was sitting reclining against something, and he said, “The Last Hour would not come until the people divide inheritance and rejoice over booty”, and then said pointing towards Syria, with the gesture of his hand like this, “The enemy shall muster strength against Muslims and the Muslims will muster strength against them (Syrians). I said, “You mean Rome?” And he said, “Yes, and there would be a terrible fight and the Muslims would prepare a detachment (for fighting unto death) which would not return but victorious. They will fight until night will intervene {on} them; both the sides will return without being victorious and both will be wiped out. The Muslims will again prepare a detachment for fighting unto death so that they may not return but victorious. When it would be the fourth day, a new detachment out of the remnant of the Muslims would be prepared and Allah will decree that the enemy should be routed. And they would fight such a fight the like of which would not be seen, so much so that even if a bird were to pass their flanks, it would fall down dead before reaching the end of them. (There would be such a large-scale massacre) that when counting would be done, (only) one out of a hundred men related to one another would be found alive. So what can be the joy at the spoils of such war and what inheritance would be divided? They would be in this very state that they would hear of a calamity more horrible than this. And a cry would reach them, “The Dajjal has taken your place among your offspring.” They will, therefore, throw away what would be in their hands and go forward sending ten horsemen as a scouting party. Allah’s Messenger (pbh) said, “I know their names and the names of their forefathers and the color of their horses. They will be {the} best horsemen on the surface of the earth on that day or amongst the best horsemen on the surface of the earth on that day. (Muslim)
Az-Zubair b. ‘Adi said, “We went to Anas b. Malik and complained to him of what we were suffering from {a man called} al-Hajjaj, and he replied, “Show endurance, for no time will come to you which will not be followed by one that is worse till you meet your LORD. I heard this from your Prophet.” (Bukhari)
Such a great and drastic population reduction before the dajjal comes forth might seem that this woe begotten creature of darkness cannot compare to an Adolf Hitler of the 20th century. However, this is not about a numbers game but about a criminal who through the use of oppression tries to overthrow (kill) the essence of FAITH and all that is holy and pure in the world and who, if it was up to him, makes his assault on the remnants of the faithful to utterly obliterate FAITH. In other words, this is not a normal ‘killing field’ type of situation.
How long will this malformed person be permitted to pretend that he is ‘the god’? He will have only one year, two months and several weeks to perform his criminal deeds as the Prophet (pbh) declared but that time period will bring out the best of men or the worst of men and those who know their true LORD will indeed be put to a great test. That will be a sore trial of endurance indeed for those who seek after salvation.
What can man do but arm himself with the knowledge that the Prophet (pbh) gave to combat this malformed human creature of deception when he makes his fateful appearance.
It may sound like a fairytale to some but what do they know of the records that state these things and how can anyone imagine the coming grief that has been foretold. This is especially true of those who have what has been called ‘the love of the world’ in their hearts but in truth, man cannot judge these things unless he is so ignorant as to announce that he knows what he cannot know and that is ‘just exactly what another person has in the deepest recesses of his heart’!
And for those who brag of bravery who are they but people who just blow an empty wind. We are in no way like the character of Muhammad’s (pbh) Companions so we should not let false pride, in this case arrogance, flimflam our thinking.
Well that is what it is and to solidify matters more, all one has to do is study the Islamic sayings concerning a foul creature (Ibn Sayyad) that was born in the era of Prophet Muhammad (pbh). After studying some hadiths it becomes apparent that a man in the secret recesses of the heart better be awful careful for what he wishes for because if Allah grants a person’s sincere but foolish wishes, that person will be stuck with it.
It is true that this bizarre individual (Ibn Sayyad) was a strain on the Muslim community basically after the Prophet (pbh) passed away and the vast majority of the Companions wanted to have nothing to do with that deranged individual even though he became a Muslim. The truth of the matter, at least to our understanding anyway, is that if that character was walking down a street, the Companions of the Prophet (pbh) would find a way to walk far away from his presence.
Those who encountered this degenerate person soon found that their minds were becoming somehow altered (bothered) so his companionship was to say the least highly undesirable. AND THEY WERE THE COMPANIONS AND WE ARE NOT OF THEIR QUALITY!
Nafi told that when Ibn ‘Umar once met Ibn Sayyad on one of the roads of Medina he said something to him which angered him {Ibn Sayyad} and he swelled up till he filled the street. Ibn ‘Umar went in to visit Hafsa who had heard of the incident, and she said, “Allah have mercy on you! What did you want with Ibn Sayyad? Do you not know that Allah’s Messenger (pbh) said it would just be because of his being seized by a fit of anger that he would come forth {show himself clearly as to what he really is}?” (Muslim)
It’s true that he (Ibn Sayyad) ‘disappeared’ during the battle of Harrah and was never found again (Thanks be to Allah). His true condition is only known by Allah for sure and the mystery of his vanishing is not a tale told with surety of knowledge in this world. However, he did not fulfill the qualifications of being the dajjal basically because that is a condition that comes upon a man as to being transformed permanently having no ability to transform back into the shape he once had as a regular man.
BUT WHAT PEOPLE MAY CONSTANTLY FORGET IS THAT IT IS ALLAH THAT IS IN TOTAL CONTROL OF SPACE, TIME, CONDITION, PLACE ETC AND NOT MAN so how could any lowlife dictate his will to any as opposed to Allah’s Will and Permission?
The dajjal has been stated in one hadith reported by Al-Mughira b. Shu’ba found in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim to be ‘insignificant’ in the EYES of Allah and in reality he is nothing and has nothing. He is just a ‘tool’ to bring to his way those who are appointed to go his way. That thought should be humbling especially to the pompous who believe or are led to the belief that they control ‘things’.
In fact, according to one hadith narrated by Abu Huraira mentioned that the dajjal will be slain by Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) states that EVEN IF JESUS DID NOT KILL HIM OR TO THE EFFECT THAT IF JESUS WAS NOT EVEN THERE, THE DAJJAL WOULD DIE AT THE TIME APPOINTED FOR HIM TO DIE AND AT THE PLACE OF HIS APPOINTED DEATH. IT IS TRULY ALLAH WHO IS IN CONTROL OF ALL THINGS AND HIS PLAN HAS NO WEAKNESS IN IT WHATSOEVER FOR HE IS THE POWER THE MIGHTY AND NONE CAN COMPARE UNTO HIM.
However, the amazing thing about the story of this foul creature known as Ibn Sayyad is not his deformed exploits (how can the soul of the dajjal come out before its time?) but how tolerant the Muslim community was to such a pathetic character. Tolerant to the fact that even though he was a disgusting, devious person, he was allowed to live in relative peace especially knowing in what has been recorded by some of the Companions about him.
So one can take some wisdom from the following hadith concerning this warped individual and apply it to one’s own thinking.
Jabir said: “The Apostle of Allah (pbh) said one day on the pulpit: When some people were sailing in the sea, their food was finished. An island appeared to them. They went out seeking for bread. They were met by the Jassasah (the spy for the Anti-christ). I said to Abu Salamah: What is the Jassasah? He replied: A woman trailing the hair of her skin and of her head. She said: In this castle. He then narrated the rest of the tradition. He asked about the palm-trees of Baisan and the spring of Zughar. He said: He is the Messiah (Anti-christ). Ibn Salamah said to me: There is something more in this tradition, which I could not remember. He said: Jabir testified that it is he who is Ibn Sayyad. I said: He died. He said: Let him die. He said: He accepted Islam. He said: Let him accept Islam. I said: He entered Medina. He said: Let him enter Medina. (Sunan Abu Dawud)
This is an interesting hadith when compared to the quite lengthy hadith discussing the same subject matter by ‘Amir b. Sharahil Sha’bi Sha’b Hamdan found in Sahih Muslim. The first hadith found in Sunan Abu Dawud gives us a very valuable lesson that is not easy to pick up but when it is understood, becomes quite a lesson.
The message is to ‘stop wandering around in something beyond one’s control so as not to be confused but really stick to the importance found in following the Prophet (pbh) in the interest of SALVATION and not in trying to stick one’s nose in a business that doesn’t really matter to a believer’. In other words what is Allah’s Will is Allah’s Will so why dwell on such stuff and be in danger of losing one’s way? So one of the Companions had some knowledge or thought he had some knowledge and said what he had to say, and didn’t want to be bothered by or even hurt his fellow Muslim brother by engaging in useless conversation that would have gotten nowhere and might have caused confusion. In other words, it is true that people should think and ponder about Allah’s Greatness and Power and that sticking to the right guided pathway or the essentials of right guided behavior is worth a lot more than un-provable debates, theories or philosophical wanderings.
The second hadith by Hamdan (not shown in this article) shows that Allah Controls All things and can place any soul where HE likes and under any condition HE likes and at any time HE likes and for whatever reason HE likes. The occurrence in this hadith of placing that dajjal on that island did occur and for a very good reason. It was used to support HIS Messenger Muhammad (pbh) in reinforcing the truthfulness of the bizarre type creature called the dajjal. His closest Companions did not need this reinforcement but ‘others’ might have found the story a little bit strange but not after Tamim ad-DARI, a former Christian who converted to Islam, testified to it as a certifiable fact.
Is that horrible creature living on that island now as some believe? No, and that hadith tells us so. Besides this, with Google Earth and GPS navigation systems don’t you think that it would be easy to find this island and the monastery with the dajjal still hanging around?
My thoughts about Ibn Sayyad are recorded in my book, Kill The Beast. Other than that, what is gone is gone and what is coming is coming and that will be what HE (ALLAH) ALONE DECIDES AND NOT WHAT MAN DECIDES.
For the Jews at that time (before the dajjal comes forth) shall be consumed by worry and shall be covetous of their land so as to gain the increase and not be obliterated. They shall seek out a ‘savior’ in their desperation to help them against that which is holy but that so-called savior will be false.
And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. Daniel (11: 31)
The ‘daily sacrifice’ are those daily prayers prayed in and around the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. Some Christian organizations are joyfully planning the day when Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock are ‘taken away’ and replaced by a Jewish holy site (led by Jesus the son of Mary) whereby a daily sacrifice of slaughtering special animals for sacrifice is performed by a ‘high-priest’ or Jesus the son of Mary. And this will happen (according to them) when the Muslims are ‘thrown out’ of the way and Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) will reign as their ‘god’.
Even now in these times there are some organizations that are contributing funds to the Israeli State for the purpose of providing such nonsense. Furthermore, some ‘born again’ Christians are reportedly raising special cattle in the United States for these planned sacrifices. Wouldn’t it be a treat to find out what Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) had to say about such goings on?
Wherefore when he {Jesus} cometh into the world, he said {concerning GOD}, Sacrifice and offering YOU would not {as a Sign for salvation}, but a body YOU O GOD prepared {given} for me:
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin YOU have had no pleasure.
Then said I, {Jesus} Lo, I come (in the volume of the BOOK {the BOOK kept in the Heavens} it is written of me,) to do YOUR WILL, O GOD. Heb (10: 5-7).
But I know you that you have NOT the love of GOD in you {to willfully follow the practices and word that I {Jesus brought – The Straight Way (Sunnah) – that would make you believers}
I am come in my GOD’s name {speaking the truth and bringing you true guidance}, and you receive me NOT: {However} if another shall come in his own name {glorifying himself as the worldly do}, him you will receive {follow and accept as someone truthful and appealing to you}. John (5: 42-43)
O you who believe! Follow not Satan’s footsteps. If any will follow the footsteps of Satan, he will (but) command what is indecent and wrong. And were it not for the Grace and Mercy of Allah on you, not one of you would ever have been pure but Allah does purify whom He Pleases and Allah is One Who Hears and Knows (all things). Q (24: 21)
* It appears that just about every century there has been a few people warning about the ‘imminent’ end of our world. However, back then the ‘time’ did not appear to grow short.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying, “Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) as saying, “When the time becomes short, knowledge will be withdrawn {in part because many people do not think clearly during times of great strife and in part because people do not find religious knowledge to be of great benefit}, civil strife will appear {due to fitna}, niggardliness will be cast into people’s hearts, and harj will be prevalent.” He was asked the meaning of harj and {he} said it meant slaughter. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Anas told that he heard Allah’s Messenger (pbh) say, “Among the signs of the last hour will be the removal of knowledge, the abundance of ignorance, the prevalence of fornication, the prevalence of wine-drinking, the small number of men {especially after the ‘great war’} and the large number of women, so that fifty women will have one man to look after them.” A version has “the small amount of knowledge and the presence of ignorance”. (Bukhari and Muslim)
It would appear that the problems of this current world are causing many to fall into a dazed consternation (economic woes, environmental woes) of life. It would also seem normal (according to the pattern established from before) that mankind will think that he will be able to climb out of these world difficulties and then be able to celebrate a normal and once again a productive, virtually carefree life.
Let not the unbelievers think that OUR respite is good for themselves: WE grant them respite that they may grow (further in their wanderings and their) iniquity: but they will have a shameful punishment. Q (3: 178)
The Word changes not with ME and I do not the least injustice to MY servants. Q (50: 29)
But when they forgot the warning they had received, WE opened to them the gates of all (good) things, until in the midst of their enjoyment of OUR gifts, on a sudden, WE called them to account, when lo! They were plunged in despair! Q (6: 44)
It is much like the story of people riding in a boat on a vast sea. When a storm hits tossing their boat this way and that, they cry out to their LORD for relief and for salvation (safety). However, once they reach the shore safely, they tend to forget about their LORD and go forth to celebrate their good fortune. This time it would appear to be different in that in the midst of rejoicing about how mankind ‘righted the ship’ the torrents of torments will begin.
When it is said to them: “Come to what Allah has {now} revealed to the Messenger”: They say: “Enough for us are the ways {customs and traditions} we found our fathers following {practicing}.” What! Even though their fathers were void of knowledge and guidance? {Following after make believe tales to satisfy their existence instead of turning to the truth} Q (5: 104)
But the evil results of their deeds overtook them, and that every (Wrath) at which they had scoffed hemmed them in. Q (16: 34)