to test whomever Allah wills. He will command the sky, and it will rain; and he will command the earth, and it will bring forth vegetation. If the desert dwellers follow him, their camels will return to them with udders fuller of milk than ever and in the finest condition of fatness. But if they disobey him or deny him, they will wake up destitute and drought-stricken, with their livestock following behind them like bees. (1)

This Dajjal—may Allah protect us—is an immense tribulation. Therefore, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, instructed whoever hears of him to keep far away from him. He said: “A man will come to him thinking that he is a believer, yet he will continue to influence him until he puts him to trial. So whoever hears of him should keep far away from him.” (2)

His tribulation is exceedingly grave. Yet our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, informed us that he will have a Paradise and a Fire with him; but his Paradise will be fire, while his Fire will be fresh, wholesome water. However, he will deceive people; hence he was called the Dajjal. He will remain on earth for forty days: the first day will be like a year—twelve months—the second like a month, the third like a week, and the fourth like our ordinary days. When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, related this hadith, they asked, “O Messenger of Allah, will one prayer suffice for us during that single day?” He replied, “No; calculate its measure.” (3)

Thus, the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, made clear that on that day we are to perform the prayers of an entire year. This refutes the assertion of the astronomers that the celestial spheres cannot change—neither by splitting, nor by delay, nor by advance. Their claim is based on the notion that they are eternal without beginning, and that what is without beginning is everlasting and does not change. But they have lied: the celestial spheres are created by Allah, who disposes of them as He wills.