to figurative interpretation unless the literal meaning is impossible—especially since his assertion contradicts the statements of the Quran commentators. They explained that this Beast is unlike anything human beings ordinarily encounter and is therefore a supernatural phenomenon, just as the sun rising from the west is a supernatural phenomenon.

A hadith states that the two will occur in close succession. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said: “The first signs to appear will be the rising of the sun from the west and the emergence of the Beast before the people in the forenoon. Whichever of the two occurs before the other, the second will follow soon thereafter” (1).

What must be believed is that, near the end of time, Allah Most High will bring forth for the people a Beast from the earth that will speak to them. Its speaking will be a sign to them, demonstrating that they deserve the threatened punishment for denying Allah’s signs. When the Beast emerges, the people will understand and know that it is the extraordinary sign heralding the approach of the Hour. Before then, they had not believed in Allah’s signs or affirmed the Promised Day.

Further evidence that this Beast will speak and address people in words they can hear and understand is that it is mentioned in Surat al-Naml. This surah contains scenes and conversations involving certain insects, birds, the jinn, and Solomon—peace be upon him. Thus, the mention of the Beast and its speaking to people accords with the scenes and general atmosphere of the surah (2).

Ahmad Shakir—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “The verse states explicitly in Arabic that it is a dābba (creature). The meaning of dābba in Arabic is well known and clear, requiring no figurative interpretation … Numerous hadiths in the authentic collections and elsewhere also report the emergence of this dābba