[Dajjal]

The name "Dajjal" has finally been introduced into the mainstream media.

"After its battle in Dabiq, Cerantonio said, the caliphate will expand and sack Istanbul. Some believe it will then cover the entire Earth, but Cerantonio suggested its tide may never reach beyond the Bosporus. An anti-Messiah, known in Muslim apocalyptic literature as Dajjal, will come from the Khorasan region of eastern Iran and kill a vast number of the caliphate’s fighters, until just 5,000 remain, cornered in Jerusalem. Just as Dajjal prepares to finish them off, Jesus—the second-most-revered prophet in Islam—will return to Earth, spear Dajjal, and lead the Muslims to victory."

Excellent article.

For more information of Muslim End-Time beliefs see my FR Homepage and Links Page.

[odds]

The article is Very Good.

An anti-Messiah, known in Muslim apocalyptic literature as Dajjal, will come from the Khorasan region of eastern Iran and kill a vast number of the caliphate’s fighters, until just 5,000 remain, cornered in Jerusalem. Just as Dajjal prepares to finish them off, Jesus—the second-most-revered prophet in Islam—will return to Earth, spear Dajjal, and lead the Muslims to victory."

Few points:

1. I wonder how much of it is modified & propagated belief (insofar as people like Cerantonio are concerned).

2. Although I am not muslim, I know enough about the Iranian concept of "Dajjal", linguistically, culturally & for muslim tradition. I had never heard of any "Dajjal", specifically in this context, coming from "the Khorasan region of eastern Iran". In fact, never heard of Dajjal coming from a specific region. Though, in Iranian culture & folklore (muslim and not), there is an "anti-Christ" ("Dajjal"), so to speak.

3. While "Isa" (Jesus) is mentioned in the Koran, and similar to the Virgin Mary is held in very high regard, there is nothing in the Koran, as far as I know, to remotely suggest that "Isa" (Jesus) will come back to defend "muslims" or lead them to victory against the "Dajjal".

4. What I'm familiar with (and heard, in "Iranian" folklore) is that there will be a Mahdi in Islamic tradition (akin to the Second Coming of Jesus). There will be a "Dajjal" akin to the Anti-Christ (or anti-Mahdi, in Islamic tradition). In (Iranian) Islamic tradition, the Anti-Mahdi will actually kill Mahdi. That act will prompt a massive bloody war & then expedite "Judgement Day".

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Dajjal.

[PGalt]

Thanks for the ping, Dajjal. It’s good to see you. Interesting, informative, educational article. HOORAY Graeme Wood.

[GOPJ]

"Do you now, or have you ever believed, that the United States is the Dajjal?"

You're right - great article... You're question is right up there too... Thanks for the ping Dajjal.

[nuconvert]

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