In Islamic eschatology, the figure of al-Masih ad-Dajjal — the Antichrist — occupies a pivotal and terrifying role. He is described as the greatest tribulation (fitnah) that humanity will ever face before the end of the world. Among the numerous hadiths (prophetic traditions) concerning his emergence, one particularly significant detail stands out: the belief that Dajjal will traverse the entire Earth, deceiving and conquering all lands, except for two sacred cities — Makkah and Madinah. This article explores this theme from scriptural sources, scholarly commentary, and theological implications.
I. The Concept of Dajjal in Islamic Theology
The Dajjal, whose name literally means "the deceiver" or "liar," is depicted in hadith literature as a false messiah who will emerge before the Day of Judgment. He will claim divinity, perform miraculous feats, and test the faith of believers through deception and coercion. The Qur’an does not mention him explicitly by name, but his narrative is richly detailed in the Hadith collections, especially those of Sahih Muslim, Sahih Bukhari, Sunan Abu Dawud, and others.
His physical features, such as being blind in one eye and having the word kafir (disbeliever) written on his forehead, as well as his extraordinary ability to manipulate natural elements (like causing rain or drought), highlight his unique role as both a test and a terror.
II. Global Influence of Dajjal: A Universal Fitnah
According to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Dajjal’s influence will extend across the globe. Numerous hadiths indicate that he will travel the entire Earth quickly, like wind-driven clouds. In a narration found in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet said:
"There is no town which the Dajjal will not enter, except Makkah and Madinah." (Muslim, Hadith 2943)
In another narration, the Prophet emphasized the scope of his reach:
“He will stay on the earth for forty days, one day like a year, one day like a month, one day like a week, and the rest of his days like your days… He will pass through every city and town except Makkah and Madinah.” (Sahih Muslim)
These narrations make clear that the Antichrist will have global mobility and influence, exploiting modern or supernatural means to spread his dominion, sow disbelief, and test people’s faith. His power will be near-universal, affecting believers and non-believers alike, with people flocking to him due to the allure of material provision and false miracles.
III. The Exemption of Makkah and Madinah
The exemption of Makkah and Madinah is a significant eschatological detail. Both cities hold profound spiritual and theological significance in Islam:
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Makkah is the site of the Ka‘bah, the first house of worship built for humanity.
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Madinah is the city of the Prophet, the home of his mosque, and the location of his burial.
The belief that Dajjal cannot enter these two cities is derived from multiple sahih hadiths. The most frequently cited is:
"He (Dajjal) will approach Madinah but will find angels guarding it. He will be unable to enter it, so he will camp outside, and Madinah will shake three times. Every hypocrite and every disbeliever will leave it." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1881)
This prophetic narration suggests that while Dajjal’s influence is universal, divine protection has been decreed over these two sacred cities. According to various interpretations, angels will be stationed at the gates of Makkah and Madinah, preventing Dajjal from entering. In this sense, the two cities become bastions of true faith and havens of protection amidst global deception.
IV. Scholarly Interpretations
1. Physical Protection
Many classical scholars like Imam Nawawi and Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani interpreted these hadiths literally: Dajjal will physically attempt to enter the cities but will be blocked by angels, as per divine decree.
2. Symbolic Meaning
Some modern thinkers and scholars offer a more symbolic interpretation. They argue that Makkah and Madinah represent centers of divine truth and pure monotheism, and thus the Dajjal — as the embodiment of falsehood and ego — will have no influence there.
Still, even among such scholars, there is consensus that these cities will remain protected and untouched by Dajjal’s direct deception and domination, reinforcing their unique status in Islamic sacred geography.
V. The Test of the Believers
Although Dajjal cannot enter Makkah and Madinah, that does not mean the inhabitants of these cities will be entirely spared from his fitnah. The Prophet’s hadith about Madinah shaking three times, causing the hypocrites to leave, shows that the test of faith will still reach the people, even if the deceiver himself is kept at bay.
This highlights a crucial spiritual lesson: Geography alone cannot save a person. Only sincere belief and righteous action will shield a person from misguidance. The protection of these two cities is a mercy, but individuals must still work to purify their faith.
VI. Contemporary Relevance
In today’s increasingly globalized and interconnected world, many Muslim thinkers see in the Dajjal’s narrative a warning about unchecked materialism, deception, and loss of spiritual direction. The idea of a force that controls media, technology, food supply, and perception of truth resonates deeply in modern contexts.
Some interpret the prophetic traditions metaphorically, suggesting that Dajjal represents a system of global falsehood and manipulation, where even religious values may be commodified or corrupted. In this view, the preservation of Makkah and Madinah symbolizes the need to protect core Islamic values, especially in an age where truth is often obscured.
VII. Conclusion: A Prophetic Warning and Divine Assurance
The belief that Dajjal will conquer all lands except Makkah and Madinah is a powerful reminder of both the severity of the end-time tribulations and the mercy of divine protection. These two cities stand not just as physical spaces, but as symbols of purity, revelation, and divine guardianship.
The prophetic traditions underscore the universal reach of the Dajjal’s fitnah, which will touch nearly every corner of the Earth. At the same time, they reaffirm that those who hold firmly to the truth, whether inside or outside these sacred places, will ultimately be safeguarded by their faith and the mercy of Allah.