One of the major questions asked by most of the Muslims residing in West is that, shaking hands with a non-mehram woman is permissible or not?

The ‘woman’ in the question includes both Muslim and Non-Muslim women. Though the Eastern countries provide far less places and chances, where non-mehram men and woman can shake hands with each other, on contrary survival is not possible without doing so in the western world. Moreover, shaking hands with a non-mehram woman is regarded as a sin in Islam.

As the Hadeeth of Prophet (PBUH) says:

“For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than that he should touch a woman who is not permissible for him”

This Hadeeth shows the extreme disliking of the act of shaking hands or touching a non-mahram woman. Touching a non-mahram woman is a grievous sin, and receiving a fatal stroke of iron pin on head is better than committing this sin.

The Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is in direct compliance with the message of Quran. Therefore, there is not a single chance that Prophet (PBUH) would do what is against the Quran. Umaymah the daughter of Raqeeqah narrates that:

‘The Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “I do not shake hands with women”

This is the clear message of Holy Prophet (PBUH) in case you seek answer to your question of shaking hands with non-mehram women. No reply could be as clear as the reply in the above hadeeth.

Now if Prophet (PBUH) did not shake hands with any women, then the next question that arises in mind is, how did he take the bay’ah (pledge) of all the women?

The custom with men was that, Prophet (PBUH) would take the hand of the other person in his hand and then take his pledge of Tauheed and pronounce him a Muslim. However, in case of women, Prophet (PBUH) adopted a different strategy, which did not require physical touch of any sort. As narrated by Aa’isha (May Allah be Pleased with Her):

“He used to accept the women’s oath of allegiance by words only”

Meaning that he did not apply the same custom of taking pledge of men on the women, there was no handshake and no physical contact.

You will find different tafseers of Mufassareen, where they would mention that during the pledge, the Prophet (PBUH) would ask for a vessel of water, and would dip his hands in to it, and then the women would do the same to complete the pledge. Some of the mufassareeen  say that, the Prophet (PBUH) shake hands with woman, with a Qatari Cloak in his hand, and some say that Umar (May Allah be Pleased with Him), would do the hand shake with women on his behalf.

All of these tafaseer are untrue and unauthentic, especially the last one. If you learn Quran, you will know that Prophet (PBUH) was Masoom (infallible), and if the Infallible Prophet (PBUH) could not shake hand with women, then how could Umar (Allah be pleased with him) do so.

Islam is a religion of understanding, so in case of necessity where a woman does not have any other woman to help her, like in medical treatment, removing of tooth, or any eye procedure, then a non-mahram can touch a woman and it would not be considered a sin. Because the act was performed in dire necessity, and there was no other option.

In a nutshell, shaking hands or touching a non-mahram is extremely prohibited in Islam, with no leverage whatsoever. You can only have physical contact with a non-mahram, if he or she is in a medical treatment, and don’t have the option of being taken care by the same gender.

Life is one of the most precious gifts one can ever demand from the Mighty Lord of the universe, i.e. Allah Almighty; Who not only created human beings, but every single particle constituting the whole wide universe we can see and think of.

Especially blessed are the ones who have been honored with the chance of living life as a Muslim, following the principles of life laid by Allah (SWT) Himself, communicated to us through a scripture as exalted as Quran. However, erroneousness of human nature compels many human beings to go astray and follow a lifestyle that not only creates many problems for them in this life, but the life hereafter.

This article describes some of the ways and habits every Muslim should avoid in order to live a life of peace and prosperity, also guaranteeing the accord of Allah Almighty in the eternal world.

Stay away from the company of ill-intentioned people

This is very important. As mentioned earlier, human nature is prone to getting astray easily. In fact, that is why Allah Almighty had been blessing humanity with constant guidance in form of more than one hundred and twenty four thousand messengers who devoted their lives in guiding humanity out of abyss of ignorance. That is why wise people insist that the company a person keeps counts a lot in determining the way one would live their life. Rogue and ill-intentioned people around you serve to inspire and compel you for bad things, leading you away from Quran education and Sunnah principles, as also mentioned in the following verse:

“… real wish is to see that you become a disbeliever, as they have disbelieved, so that you may become exactly like them. So you should not take friends from their ranks unless they immigrate in the way of God…” (Qur’an; 4:89)

Stop looking for help from anyone other than Allah

Being a Muslim, one of the basic requirements is to consider none other than Allah to be the ultimate source of power and strength, seeking help only from Him. However, it is quite unfortunate and disturbing when people resort to sources other than Allah Almighty as their help. Allah (SWT) loves every human being more than anyone else ever could, and listens to the please and prayers of those who resort to Him with full faith. Consider the following verse to get a better understanding on this:

If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should therefore respond to Me and believe in Me so that hopefully they will be rightly guided.
(Surat al-Baqara: 186)

Stop being ungrateful

For every human being in general, and for Muslims in particular, being ungrateful is the worst thing to do. Instead of asking for more and complaining for little things that you might have missed in life, think about how much you have gotten without even the need of asking from Allah Almighty.

Allah (SWT) says in Quran:

It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures: Therein is fruit and date-palms, producing spathes (enclosing dates): Also corn with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder and sweet-smelling plants. Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny? (Al Rahman 55; verses 10-13)

Conclusion

It is really up to us how happily we want to live our lives. We can either be the cry-babies, whining, crying, and complaining for the little bit of what we do not have; or be the thankful and grateful beings, expressing our gratitude for countless bounties bestowed to us by Allah Almighty.

You cannot achieve anything meaningful and significant without setting a fundamental objective in sight. In fact, it is the fundamental objective that motivates and drives a person to achieve any target one sets. This is also a fact that fundamental objectives of different societies of world differ significantly from each other, giving them a unique identity and a unique place in world.

For example, Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher, according to the wisdom of his times regarded the following three elements as the objectives:

• Beauty
• Truthfulness
• Deeds of good

Similarly, being Muslims, we should know what elements are treated as primary objectives from Islamic perspective. They include:

Total submission to Allah Almighty leading to His utter love, respect and adoration:

According to Islam, Allah is the ultimate creator of the universe. In fact, everything present in universe is meant to teach man about the supremacy of Allah Almighty, accounting to complete submission to Allah’s will in the most loving manner.

In the Name of God, the Lord of Grace, the Ever Merciful We have always sent messages (of guidance) as a mercy from your Lord. He alone is the One who hears all and knows all, the Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, if only you were firm believers. There is no deity other than Him; He gives life and deals death. He is your Lord and the Lord of your earliest ancestors. Yet they remain in doubt, playing about. (Smoke; Al-Dukhan; 44: 5-10)

Understanding oneself as well as the universe:

Allah Almighty has awarded humanity with what all other species and beings lack in the degree and essence, i.e. intelligence and the power of decision. This is because Allah (SWT) wants humans to contemplate on their own being and creation, as well as that of the whole universe. Consider the following verses of Quran for better understanding:

“Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the benefit of mankind; in the rain which Allah Sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth — (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:164)

Following Islamic values:

This also serves to be one of the major objectives from Islamic perspectives. Since Islam not only preaches religious beliefs and practices, but also awards a complete code of life, following Islamic values for living life, for Muslims serves as one of the major objectives of an Islamic society.

For that, Quran education and Sunnah (the life patterns of Muhammad PBUH) serve as the best sources, as told to us by none other than Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

“I am leaving you two things and you will never go astray as long as you cling to them — they are the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” [Reported by Al- Haakim - Sahih].

Conclusion

Islam is the only path that leads to Allah Almighty, as communicated by The Mightiest Himself

Aal-e-Imran [3:19] the Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His will): nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account.

Therefore, the best way is to live your life in a manner that pleases the Ultimate Creator, i.e. Allah Almighty. May Allah (SWT) endow to us the will and strength to achieve these objectives.

The Quran is the guidance for the Muslims throughout their life. So of course, it covers all the things related to the real life. The friendship is a very important part of the human life and the divine Quran has not failed to recognize it.

Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran, “And (remember) the day when the unjust one shall bite his hands saying: O! Would that I had taken a way with the Messenger! O woe is me! Would that I had not taken such a one for a friend! Certainly he led me astray from the reminder after it had come to me;” (Quran Surah Al-Furqan, 25:27-29)

The verse mentioned above is not the only verse about friendship in the Quran. The following two verses are also about friendship in the Quran.

Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran, “Friends on that Day will be enemies one to another, except al-Muttaqun (i.e. those who have Taqwa/Piety).” (Quran Surah Az-Zukhruf, 43:67)

Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran, “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Quran Surah Al-Maeda, 5:2)

The friendship is also recognized in the Hadees and in the sayings of the companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w). As an example, a saying of Ali Ibn e Talib (R.A.) is given below.

Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A.) said, “The felicity of this and the next world lie in two things: firstly, keeping secrets; and secondly, friendship with the good. And the miseries of this and the next world are summed up in two things: firstly, divulging secrets; and secondly, friendship with wicked persons.”

Therefore, as Muslims, it is our responsibility to believe in the verses of the Holy Quran and the clear instructions for befriending or not befriending of the people. This is for our own betterment in the world and in the hereafter.

The Quran has several verses, which tell different facts and particulars about it. Of course, the words in the Quran are the words of Allah Almighty. Therefore, any linguist who is not even a believer agrees that the things could not have been explained better.

The Quran is a great miracle and the gift of Allah to the human kind. Allah Almighty says,

“And certainly We have given you seven of the oft-repeated (verses) and the grand Quran”. Al-Hijr [15:87]

The verse mainly tells two things.

1. The Quran is a gift for the humanity revealed by Allah Almighty.
2. The “seven oft-repeated verses” which are referred to here refer to Surah Fatiha of the Quran, which is the first Surah of the Quran. it is recited in each Rakat of all the prayers.

The Quran was revealed in the most significant Islamic month, i.e. the Ramadan. It is mentioned in the following verse.

Allah Almighty says,

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction; therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks. Al-Baqara [2:185]

The verse mainly tells the following points.

1. Allah chose the month of Ramadan for the revelation of the Quran.
2. The Quran is the Hidaya for the humanity.
3. The Quran convinces logically with examples and with proofs.
4. The rest of the verse explains in detail about the fasting, which is a compulsion for the Muslims.

The month of Muharram holds a lot of importance and significance in Islam, which is proved by the verses of the Quran. It is recommended for the Muslims to have at least the basic knowledge about the importance of the month of Muharram. Muharram is the month of the Karbala incident; however, it is extremely important for other reasons too.

First month of the Islamic Year

The Quran declared Muharram as the first month of the Islamic calendar. It means that the first of Muharram is the first day of the Islamic year. It is a good time for the Muslims to set their New Year’s resolutions. It is not an Islamic ritual or not proved by the Sunnah, but only a suggestion. It is extremely beneficial to stick to the Quran and the Hadees for the guidance.

One of the four sacred months for Muslims according to the Quran

The divine Quran declared Muharram as the sacred month. The following is a verse from the Quran.

‘The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) – So ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: That is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves therein.’ (Surah Taubah. Al-Quran)

Fasting in Muharram

As narrated by Ibn Abbas (r.a) that when the holy prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) came to Medina he observed that the Jews used to fast on the 10^th of Muharram. He asked them the reason of their fast. The Jews told that on 10th Moharram Allah saved Moses from the tyrant king drowned the king and his army in the water. The Jews also told that Moses used to fast on 10^th of Muharram as a token of being thankful to Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, ‘We are more worthy of Moosa (AS) and nearer to him than you.’ Thereafter, he fasted on this day and ordered the companions to fast on this day. (Muslim, Vol. 1)

However later prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, “Observe the fast of Aashura and oppose (the way of) the Jews. Fast a day before it (also) or a day after it.’ (Baqihi)

Position of men and women in Islam

The Quran and the Prophet’s (PBUH) demonstration display that women and men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable privileges, and that woman is not inferior to man. For certain positions when the Shari’ah constrains to men or women, it does not signify discrimination. This should be appreciated inside the border of the general objectives of the Shari’ah, which are set by a Devine Law that is not subject to political correctness. These directives are granted by the Almighty God who understands our disposition better then us and has granted us guidelines to alignment the inhabits of men and women in a way that best matches our natures. On the topic of women-led Friday plea, men and women alike have disputed the validity of the activity and the sanctity of the motives of the organizers.

Islam about women in Jumah prayer and contradiction

The swamping most of Muslim women who interrogated the rationale behind such an activity and denied to be part of gender government enforced by some is commendable. They claimed quotations from the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) and they pursued the activities of the mothers of the believers (wives of the Prophet PBUH) who denied leading the Friday prayers to blended gatherings even when they were in a place to enforce their authority in prayers over the Ummah.

Ironically, those who support women-led Friday prayers failed to give any sound contention on the cornerstone of the Quran and Sunnah in support of their action.

Sunnah of Rasool Allah

Prophet (PBUH) used to visit Umm Waraqa in her own home; he appointed a Mu’adhin (one who calls the adhan for Prayer) for her, and ordered her to lead the members of her household (in Prayer).” Umm Waraqah-as stated in the sources-was an esteemed woman of Al-Ansar who had memorized the Quran. ‘Abdul-Rahman Ibn Khalid, the narrator of the Hadith, further states: “I happened to see her Mu’adhin, who was a person advanced in age.”

What is the role Muslim scholar of the present time?

Based on the overhead clues, some scholars have resolved that a woman is permitted to lead her own family constituents in Prayer particularly in the situations where she is trained over other ones who may not be so well versed in the directions of Prayer and information of the Quran.

What do we need to do?

Muslims leaders go against this view and they have utilized the masses to encourage their egos. They have deceived the Muslims in to assisting their own slender agendas and in numerous situations have garbled the divine note to make us more reliant on them. But our Creator and His messenger with his phrases of wisdom are there to direct us and lead us to the right path. Let us connect hands men and women simultaneously for a better world.

Islam is a restrictive religion in the eyes of those who think that modernization and the development in the technologies are hindered by Islamic teachings. This concept of the modern world has drawn misty clouds over righteous deeds and presented them as sins.

Surah e Furqan

As a result of which we have confused Muslim generation. They have lost the difference of the right and wrong as mention in surah e furqan:

“Blessed is He Who sent down the Discrimination upon His servant that he might be a Warner to the nations”.

The word furqan is an Arabic word that means Criterion or Standard. The instinct and nature of man is based on a balance between good and evil. When this balance is lost either man becomes a devil or he enters the blessings of Allah.

The meaning of this word is to distinguish between good and evil. Again Allah says in the in surah e furqan:

“And they who do not call upon another god with Allah and do not slay the soul, which Allah has forbidden except in the requirements of justice, and (who) do not commit fornication and he who does this shall find a requital of sin; The punishment shall be doubled to him on the day of resurrection, and he shall abide therein in a basement; Except him who repents and believes and does a good deed; so these are they of whom Allah changes the evil deeds to good ones; and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”

Fitra of mankind

According to Islam it is the fitra of a man that motivates his actions and defines his role on the course of life. The common needs of a man are food, shelter, and protection. The most important thing is success that everyone is looking for. Quite a number of people go under the influence of the method of attaining their goals by hook or crook means. The things provided to man are just to test him. So the people committing sinful acts are most of the times taking advantage of what they are provided with.

“Beautified for men is the love of things they desire: Women, Children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life, but

Allah has the excellent return (Paradise).” [3:141]

In Quran at several places the desires of human beings is mentioned to be used in a productive way to make the world here after a prosperous one. As said in the Quran:

“Seeking the perishable goods of the worldly life. There are much more profits and booties with Allah.” [4:94]

While the ones who do not transgress make a useful, productive and positive use of the blessings of Allah. They perform the practical of balanced natural desires that are aroused in the Fitra of a man.

The use of the natural desires with an evil motive can be quite dangerous. About this Allah says in the Quran:

“These are the limits (set) by Allah, so do not approach them”

[2:1871]

“These are the limits (set) by Allah, so do not approach them”

[2:1871]

Extremists Calling Themselves as Muslims

Terrorism is a word used by the non Islamic forces to propagate Islamic culture as an extremist in the ideological, political and social means of the injunction in practical sense. They criticize the non state terrorism and jumble it up with the teachings of Islam. Islam in fact has nothing to do with these groups of people. Cultural demands are jumbled up in the teaching of Islam and the proponents of non Muslim forces who are using it for their own political benefits. They are provided with the powers we call “world powers” and are basically used to introduce Islam as terrorists so that they have a justification to subjugate and oppress them all over the world. The group of forces who are destroying the name of Islam are those who themselves are ignorant of the Islamic teachings. The resistive forces of Islam that are fighting back for their rights do not come under this head.

There has not only been an armed suppression but forums and virtual technologies and denominating effects of the economic powers are also being used to affect the minds of the Muslims youth. So that the Muslims are weak enough to even fight back these forces.

Way of guidance of Quran and the word Furqan

For the growth and development of faiths of the Muslims youth it is essential that we make them realize that  Quran, and the messenger comes first and then the human desires follow according to their faiths. Following Ayahs tell us about the exact meaning of Furqan:

• “The day will come when we will raise from every community a witness from among them, and bring you as the witness of these people. We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters”. [16:89]

• The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the Last Day, and constantly think about GOD. [33:21]

When the earth is shaken with its (final) earthquake. And when the earth throws out its burdens, And man will say: “What is the matter with it?” 4That Day it will declare its information (about all what happened over it of good or evil). Because your Lord has inspired it. That Day mankind will proceed in scattered groups that they may be shown their deeds. So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it. Surah Al-Zalzala (The Earthquake)

Natural disasters:

The growing number of natural disasters depict the news of the arrival of the doomsday. Natural disasters like Lahars, Volcanic eruptions, Floods, Limnic eruptions, Cyclonic storms, Blizzards, Droughts, Cyclonic storms, Hailstorms, Heat waves, Tornadoes, forest fires etc are not in the control of mankind and thus it cannot be controlled by them either. Particularly earthquakes have caused great loss for mankind and can hit unexpectedly without even informing. One shake in the earth’s crust can destroy millions of life and give economic losses as well. The magnitude of earth Quakes vary and changes the intensity of the quakes. In scientific language we can say that earthquakes are reason of the geologic faults that are accumulated together and discharged by the earth’s crust.

Quranic verses about natural disasters:

No one in this world is burdened more than he can bear. Allah has granted man with According to the concepts of Muslims; man is here for being tested. He is tested by Allah in different manners by changing the circumstances he is in. geological, climactic changes are a part of Allah’s plan for the judgments day so that all the mankind can. The world would come to an end and mankind would be gathered for the judgment day.  Following are the verses that explain the reasons of the earthquakes in Islam:

• “Say: Have you considered if the chastisement of Allah should overtake you suddenly or openly, will any be destroyed but the unjust people?” 6:47 al Quran
• “(The apostles were sent) thus, for thy Lord would not destroy for their wrong-doing men’s habitations whilst their occupants were unwarned.” 6:131 al Quran
• “And it did not beseem your Lord to have destroyed the towns tyrannously, while their people acted well.” 11:117 al Quran
• “And (as for) these towns, We destroyed them when they acted unjustly, and We have appointed a time for their destruction.” 18.59 al Quran
• “How many did We destroy before them of the generations, then they cried while the time of escaping had passed away.” 38:3 al Quran
• “And how many of the generations did We destroy after Nuh! and your Lord is sufficient as Knowing and Seeing with regard to His servants’ faults.” 17:17 al Quran

Therefore it is the evil that has cross the extreme conditions that come under the influence of such natural disasters. Allah does not punish the ones who are just and on the right course. It is quite alarming that not only the non Muslim countries but also the Muslim countries come under the influence of the natural disasters. In Indonesia in 2004 Tsunami killed more than 110,000, Pakistan earthquake killed about 80000 people. The recent earthquakes include the Chile earth Quake that caused a major disaster in the world. According to the holy Quran natural disasters are a form of setting up of examples for the mankind. It is a punishment for the unjust and evil people.  As said in the Quran:

“Each one of them (wicked people) We seized for his crime: of them, against some We sent a violent tornado (with showers of stones); some were caught by a (mighty) Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up; and some We drowned (in the waters): It was not Allah Who injured (or oppressed) them:” They injured (and oppressed) their own souls.” 29:40

Allah saves those who are righteous from the natural disasters. As said in the Quran:

“Then shall We save Our messengers and the believers, in like manner (as of old). It is incumbent upon Us to save believers.”

Reason for natural disasters in Muslim countries:

Muslims are coming under the influence of the natural disasters too. The growing numbers of natural disasters in the Muslim countries is quite shocking and it demands the Muslims to face the truth that they have made mistakes they shouldn’t have and they need to repent their mistakes. The division in sects and groups are the main reason of the weak faith of Muslims. This is the major cause of the problems Muslims are facing all over the world. As said in the Quran:

“And be not like those who became divided and disagreed after clear arguments had come to them, and these it is that shall have a dreadful chastisement.” 3:105

Muslims have strayed from the path of Islam. They call themselves Muslims but they are not the true believers. As said in the Quran:

“……If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) unbelievers.” 5: 44

Statistics of Major Earthquakes in Muslim Countries

The deeds of the Muslims and the non Muslims make come fall under the destruction of natural disasters. Until or unless we help ourselves no one would help us out of the problems we are falling into:

13:11 “……..Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition….”

Hadhrat Imraan bin Husain (R.A.) relates that,

“I heard Rasulullah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) saying: “Since the birth of Adam (A.S.) till the advent of Qiyamah there is no fitnah (evil, test) much greater that of Dajjal.”

Dajjal is the greatest fitnah of the world as mentioned by the prophet. It is believed that he would lead people to fire. He would give rise to conflict, war and bloodshed.

Who is Antichrist (Dajjal)

Antichrist is one of the signs of end of times. He would emerge before the doomsday and organize the evil powers together to fight against good. This would turn the people away from religious and moral values.

Dajjal would deceive the people with weak faith and lead them to the edge of fire. These people would follow him because of Dajjal displaying magic, hypnotism, false miracle etc. People with lack of knowledge and weak faith would follow him. He would be the major source of violence, terror and evil.

In view of Quran

In one verse it is stated that: If someone shuts his eyes to the remembrance of the All-Merciful, We assign him a satan who becomes his bosom friend (Surat Az-Zukhruf: 36)

Each time they kindle the fire of war, Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. (Surat Al-Ma’ida: 64)

Those who are unbelievers are the friends and protectors of one another. If you do not act in this way there will be turmoil in the land and great corruption. ( Surat Al-Anfal: 73)

The above ayahs draw the true picture of the evil forces of the world. Satan is the friend of people who have deviated and who have weak faith. This is why Dajjal would follow satan. He would be scared of satan instead of being scared of Allah.

In view of Hadith

Prophet of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said,

“There will be three hard years before the Dajjal (appears). During them, people will be stricken by a great famine. In the first year, Allah will command the sky to withhold a third of its rain, and the earth to withhold a third a third of its produce. In the second year, Allah will command the sky to withhold two thirds of its rain, and the earth to withhold two thirds of its produce. In the third year, Allah will command the sky to withhold all of its rain, and it will not rain a single drop of rain. He will command the earth to withhold all of its produce, and no plant will grow. All hoofed animals will perish, except that which Allah wills.” He (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) was asked, ‘What sustains people during that time?’ He said, “Tahlil, takbir and tahmid (Saying, la ilaha ill Allah, Allahu Akbar and al-hamdulillah). This will sustain them just as food does.”

[Sahih Al-Jami` as-Saghir, no. 7875]

Signs of appearance

According to hadees it is evident that Dajjal will hide in a rocky place and it is believed that this rocky place Haram Sharif. In the same time it is evident from hadees that imam Mehdi will lead the forces of the believers against Dajjal. Jesus and Mehdi would say prayers together at bait ul muqadas.

Menace

The chaos caused by the Dajjal has its roots laid in the world. As we can see the conflicts between the countries and it has no valid reason for it. Terrorism is on its peak. Muslims are surrendered by bloodshed and pain in the present time. We can see turmoil and menace of the fitnah of Dajjal in the world.

How to protect ourselves

Holy Quran is the only way to succeed in the time of Dajjal. We should read, learn Quran and implement its teachings to take refuge in Allah’s shelter.

According to hadees following dua should be recited for taking refugee:

O Allah! I seek Your protection from the torture of hell, and I seek Your protection from the torture of the grave, and I seek refuge with You from the mischief of life and death, and I seek Your protection from the mischief of Dajjal pretending as Messiah.
[Sahih al-Bukhari 2:102, Muslim 1:412, 588]