Chapter One: In it, I discussed the emergence of al-Mahdī.

The discussion covers his name, description, and place of emergence. I then cited the evidence from the sunnah concerning his emergence, including reports that explicitly mention him and those that describe him. I also cited hadiths recorded in the two Sahih collections that describe al-Mahdī, even though they do not mention him by name.

I then presented the scholars’ statements that the hadiths concerning al-Mahdī are mass-transmitted, followed by a list of the books written about him and the scholars who authored them.

I then addressed those who deny the emergence of al-Mahdī and refuted their position.

Thereafter, I discussed the hadith, “There is no Mahdī except Jesus, son of Mary,” and explained that it cannot serve as evidence for those who deny the emergence of al-Mahdī.

As for Chapter Two, I discussed al-Masīh al-Dajjāl.

The discussion begins with the meanings of the terms al-Masīh and al-Dajjāl.

I then described the Dajjāl and cited the hadiths concerning him.

I next discussed whether the Dajjāl is presently alive.

This required a discussion of Ibn Sayyād, so I gave a brief account of his life, name, and circumstances; the Prophet’s testing of him—peace and blessings be upon him; the uncertainty surrounding him; and then his death. I then discussed the scholars’ disagreement over whether he was the Greater Dajjāl. I first cited the statements of the Companions and the hadiths reported on the matter. I then presented the scholars’ views concerning Ibn Sayyād and refuted those who claimed that Ibn Sayyād was a myth that had deceived