The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 279
7 DAJJAL OR THE ANTICHRIST The word Dajjal has two connotations: First, it signifies a group which supports falsehood and works with cunning and deceit. Secondly, it is the name of the Satan who is the father of all falsehood and corruption. [Haqiqat-ul-Wahī, Rūņānī Khazā'in, vol. 22, p. 326] Dajjal and Satan The Dajjal mentioned in the Aḥādīth is described by the Holy Qur'an as the Satan, whom it quotes as saying: قالَ انْظِرْنِي إِلَى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ ، قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ الْمُنْظَرِينَ 202 'He (Satan) pleaded in the presence of God to be granted respite until those who are dead of heart are revived. God said: You are given respite till that time. ' Thus the Dajjal who is mentioned in the Ahādīth is none other than the Satan who will be slain in the latter days. This is recorded in the book of Daniel as well as in some Aḥādīth. As Christianity is the perfect manifestation of Satan, Surah Al-Fatihah makes no mention of Dajjal, but prescribes supplication for refuge against the evil of the Christians. If the Dajjal had been some other mischief- maker, the Holy Qur'an would not have enjoined us to seek refuge against the mischief of Dallin [those who have gone astray] but for security against the Dajjal. The verse إلى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ mentioned above does not mean the 202 Al-A'raf 7:15-16 [Publisher]