How to Pronounce Dajjal

Meaning and Context

In Islamic eschatology, the Dajjal (دَجَّال) is a profoundly menacing and deceptive figure whose arrival is a major sign of the approaching Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah). Often referred to as the Islamic Antichrist or false messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal), he is described in numerous Hadiths as a one-eyed impostor who will emerge claiming divinity, performing seemingly miraculous feats to lead humanity astray. His deceptive reign, characterized by fitnah (trial or tribulation), will be a ultimate test of faith for Muslims before the second coming of Prophet Isa (Jesus), who is believed to descend to defeat him. This apocalyptic narrative is a cornerstone of Muslim end-times prophecy, deeply embedded in Islamic theology and serving as a powerful metaphor for the struggle between ultimate truth and destructive falsehood. Understanding the Dajjal is essential to grasping Islamic beliefs about the final days, the Mahdi, and the cosmic battle preceding the resurrection.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary and correct transliteration from Arabic is Dajjal (دَجَّال). A common alternative spelling is Dajal, which omits the doubled 'j' sound; while sometimes seen, Dajjal is more precise as it reflects the emphatic consonant in the original Arabic. Frequent misspellings and typos include Dajjal, Dajjaal, Dajal, and Dajjal. The term is sometimes incorrectly translated or conflated as "the Deceiver" or "the Liar," which are descriptive titles but not the proper name. In non-English contexts, variations like Dacdal (in some South Asian languages) or Deccal (in Turkish) are also encountered. It is important to distinguish the Islamic Dajjal from broader, though related, concepts of an "Antichrist," as the Islamic narrative contains specific theological details not fully aligned with Christian eschatology.

Example Sentences

Scholars of Islamic eschatology often emphasize that unwavering faith and seeking refuge in God are the primary defenses against the deception of the Dajjal.

According to Hadith literature, the Dajjal will emerge from the east, between Syria and Iraq, wielding control over extraordinary resources to tempt people away from monotheism.

The prophecy holds that true believers will recognize him by the word "Kafir" (disbeliever) inscribed between his eyes, readable only by the faithful.

In sermons about the signs of the Hour, imams frequently recount how the Dajjal will claim lordship and perform illusions, such as commanding the sky to rain, to test the conviction of communities.

The eventual defeat of the Dajjal by Prophet Isa at the gates of Lod is a pivotal event in Muslim apocalyptic tradition, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of divine truth over falsehood.

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