When Netflix released its series centered on a mysterious messianic figure, Muslims around the world took notice. The show draws heavily from Islamic eschatology — borrowing elements from authentic descriptions of the Dajjal (the Antichrist) found in the Quran and Sunnah. In a powerful conversation, Dr. Bilal Philips broke down what every Muslim and truth-seeker needs to know about the Dajjal, the return of Jesus (peace be upon him), and why Islam holds the most detailed, revelation-based account of these end-times events.
What Is the Dajjal in Islam?
The word Dajjal comes from the Arabic root meaning “false” or “deceiver.” When paired with al-Masih (the Messiah), it translates to the False Messiah — what Christians commonly call the Antichrist. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that every single prophet before him warned their people about the Dajjal, making this a universal warning rooted in divine revelation, not human speculation. The Prophet described the Dajjal in crystal-clear detail — his physical appearance, where he will emerge, who will follow him, and the unprecedented trial he will pose for all of humanity. No other religious tradition offers this level of prophetic detail about the Antichrist.
Every single prophet who preceded Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned his people about the Dajjal. From the time of Adam to the ending of the world, there has been no greater trial for humankind than the Dajjal — the False Messiah.
How the Netflix Messiah Series Borrows from Islamic Sources
- The show features a mysterious figure appearing in regions like Yemen and Jerusalem — locations significant in Islamic eschatology regarding the end times and the Dajjal.
- The character’s name carries echoes of the Mahdi, suggesting the producers studied Islamic sources to build their narrative.
- Islam provides the most comprehensive ancient account of these events — the Quran and Sunnah date back over 1,400 years with specific, verifiable details no other tradition can match.
- Dr. Bilal Philips noted that Netflix and its producers likely drew from Islamic texts because no other source offers such rich, detailed eschatological material on the Antichrist.
The Signs Before the Dajjal — What Muslims Should Know
- The coming of the Mahdi: A righteous leader whose name matches that of the Prophet, who will rise and unite the Muslim forces.
- A great confrontation with the West (described as “Rome”): This Armageddon-like battle precedes the Dajjal’s arrival.
- A devastating global drought: In the first year, one-third of the earth receives no rain; the second year, two-thirds; and the third year, no rain falls anywhere on earth.
- The Dajjal’s deceptions: He will arrive with mountains of food during a time of starvation, appear to raise the dead using jinn, and command rain to fall — all as a test of faith from Allah.
- The return of Jesus (peace be upon him): Prophet Isa will descend, lead the believers, and personally slay the Dajjal with a spear, ending his reign of deception once and for all.
Muslims and Jesus — A Bond the Media Ignores
One of the most important truths that mainstream media consistently overlooks is that Muslims deeply love and revere Jesus (peace be upon him). Islam teaches that Jesus was one of the greatest messengers of God — a prophet who called people to pure monotheism, not to worship himself. Believing in Jesus is a fundamental requirement of the Islamic faith. The accusation that Muslims are “anti-Christ” is historically and theologically false; it was propaganda used during the Crusades to motivate armies against the Muslim world. In reality, Islam affirms the miraculous birth of Jesus, his mission, his ascension, and his promised return to defeat the Dajjal and restore truth.
Islam embraces Jesus. He is the prophet who came before the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them both). It is a part of our faith to believe in Jesus. If someone says they do not believe in Jesus, they have stepped outside the boundaries of Islam.
Why Muslims Must Lead the Conversation on the Dajjal
- Dr. Bilal Philips stressed that Muslims have been “sleeping” on this topic — we possess the most authentic, detailed information about the Dajjal yet have allowed Hollywood and streaming platforms to shape the global narrative.
- Whenever scholars speak about the Dajjal, audiences are captivated — this is a topic that naturally draws people because of its supernatural and prophetic nature.
- Muslim children know every detail about fictional superheroes and their arch-enemies, yet have no knowledge of the greatest real threat to humanity that the Prophet warned about.
- Countries like Turkey have demonstrated with series like Ertugrul that Islamic content can captivate global audiences — the same approach is desperately needed for authentic Islamic eschatology.
- The truth is more powerful than fiction — real prophetic accounts carry a deeper impact than any Hollywood screenplay, and Muslims must invest in sharing these truths through modern media.
Strengthen Your Faith with Real Knowledge
The Dajjal’s greatest weapon will be exploiting ignorance. People whose faith is built on shallow foundations — entertainment, distraction, and worldly attachment — will be the easiest to deceive. Dr. Bilal Philips reminded us that real knowledge is the shield against the greatest trial in human history. Whether it is studying the authentic hadith about the Dajjal, understanding Islamic eschatology, or simply having honest conversations with people of other faiths about what Islam truly teaches about Jesus and the end times, every Muslim has a role to play. The Netflix Messiah series may have sparked curiosity, but only the truth of Islam can provide the answers the world is searching for.
