According to the Prophet Muhammad, the Antichrist Will First Appear in Isfahan, Iran

In Islamic eschatology, the figure of the Antichrist, known as Al-Masih ad-Dajjal (literally “the false messiah” or “the deceiving messiah”), holds a central place in the narrative of the end times. According to numerous hadiths (sayings and teachings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad), Dajjal will be a powerful, deceptive figure who appears near the end of the world to lead people astray, claiming to be divine. Among the specific and startling details offered in these traditions is the claim that the Dajjal will first emerge from Isfahan, a city in modern-day Iran.

Who Is the Dajjal?

In Islamic tradition, the Dajjal is not mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an, but he is vividly described in the Hadith corpus, particularly in Sahih Muslim, Sahih Bukhari, and other authenticated compilations. The Dajjal is portrayed as a false messiah who will perform apparent miracles to deceive people into following him. He will claim divinity, and his rule will be marked by turmoil, widespread deception, and tests of faith for believers.

Some key characteristics of Dajjal mentioned in hadiths include:

• He will be blind in one eye.

• The word “kafir” (disbeliever) will be written between his eyes, visible only to true believers.

• He will travel rapidly across the earth, spreading his false message.

• He will have control over worldly resources, such as food and water, using them as tools to manipulate people.

The Prophetic Warning: Dajjal’s Emergence from Isfahan

One of the more geographically specific hadiths concerning the Dajjal's emergence places his initial appearance in Isfahan, a city historically and culturally significant in Persia (modern Iran). According to a narration found in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:

“The Dajjal will emerge from a land in the East called Khurasan. He will be followed by people with faces like hammered shields.”
— (Sahih al-Tirmidhi)

In a more specific narration, the Prophet is reported to have said:

“The Dajjal will emerge from the Jewish district of Isfahan, followed by seventy thousand Jews wearing robes.”
— (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith, while open to interpretation, clearly links the appearance of the Dajjal with Isfahan, and more specifically, to its Jewish quarter, known in some narrations as Yahudiya.

Significance of Isfahan in Islamic Eschatology

Isfahan, historically an important center of Persian culture, learning, and governance, is a city located in central Iran. In the medieval period, it had a notable Jewish population, which lends historical context to the hadith. The mention of Isfahan’s Jewish quarter has led to various interpretations, both literal and symbolic.

The city’s prominence may not be incidental. In classical Islamic literature, the Dajjal's association with Isfahan is sometimes interpreted as a symbolic link to a region known for its complex religious and political history. Some scholars suggest that the hadith indicates a concentration of support for the Dajjal in that area, rather than a literal birthplace.

Others argue that the Prophet’s mention of Isfahan points to a future reality that will unfold during the end times, where the city becomes a geopolitical or ideological hub that supports falsehood and opposes the true message of monotheism.

Scholarly Interpretations

Muslim scholars have differed in their interpretation of the hadith regarding Dajjal's origin. The literalist approach takes the hadith at face value — that the Dajjal will literally emerge from Isfahan, particularly its Jewish population. This view is often emphasized in more traditional and conservative readings.

On the other hand, some contemporary scholars urge a symbolic understanding. According to this view, the mention of Isfahan may not necessarily refer to the modern Iranian city in a geopolitical sense, but rather to an ideological or religious stronghold that will align itself with deception and opposition to God’s truth.

Notably, there is no indication in Islamic tradition that Jewish people as a whole are to be blamed or vilified. The hadith specifies a group — “seventy thousand” followers — which is interpreted by many scholars as a subset who will follow the Dajjal, not an indictment of the entire Jewish community. Context is crucial here, as Islam also contains many teachings promoting respectful coexistence with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians).

The Dajjal’s Reign and the Role of Jesus (Isa)

Islamic eschatology teaches that the Dajjal will reign for a short but intense period — typically said to be forty days, though the first day will last like a year, the second like a month, the third like a week, and the rest like normal days.

During this period, the Dajjal will wreak havoc on the earth, leading many astray. However, his reign will ultimately be brought to an end by Jesus (Isa), who is believed in Islam to be the true Messiah. Jesus will descend from the heavens, land near a white minaret in Damascus, and join forces with the Mahdi (a guided leader also expected to appear in the end times). Together, they will confront the Dajjal.

According to Islamic belief, Jesus will kill the Dajjal near Lod (Lydda), in present-day Israel, signaling the beginning of a new era of peace and monotheism.

Theological Implications for Muslims

The story of the Dajjal, including the detail of his emergence from Isfahan, serves several purposes in Islamic theology:

1. A test of faith – Believers are warned to be vigilant and informed so as not to be deceived.

2. A call to preparedness – Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge, recite certain chapters of the Qur’an (such as Surah Al-Kahf), and stay strong in their belief.

3. A reaffirmation of divine truth – The eventual defeat of the Dajjal reaffirms the ultimate triumph of God’s guidance over falsehood.

Conclusion

The prophecy concerning the Dajjal’s appearance from Isfahan remains one of the more striking and specific geographical references in Islamic end-times literature. Whether taken literally or symbolically, the narration underscores the Islamic emphasis on vigilance against deception, the importance of faith, and the eventual victory of truth. For Muslims, the warnings of the Prophet Muhammad regarding the Dajjal are not simply matters of curiosity — they are reminders to remain spiritually prepared, intellectually alert, and firmly grounded in their belief.