Question: Certain methods of treatment go so far as to strike the afflicted patient. What is your view, esteemed Shaykh?
Answer: As for striking, it can in some cases be permissible. If it is confirmed that the person is possessed by jinn—that he is truly under their control—there is no objection to hitting him, for the blows do not fall on the human being or cause him pain; they fall on the jinn. Consequently, when the patient regains consciousness and the jinn depart, no trace of the beating is found on his body and he feels nothing of it. Yet not everyone who suffers an ailment is necessarily possessed; one must ascertain the matter first. And Allah knows best.
The Trial of al-Masīḥ al-Dajjāl (the Antichrist)
Question: We hear about al-Masīḥ al-Dajjāl and the tribulation from which the Messenger ﷺ sought refuge and ordered us to seek refuge. Who is al-Masīḥ al-Dajjāl? What are his characteristics? What is the trial from which we seek protection, and when will he appear? Is his fitnah restricted to the living, or does it encompass both the living and the dead? How can we guard ourselves against it, and what must we do to remain safe from its danger?
Answer: Al-Masīḥ al-Dajjāl is a man who will emerge at the end of time; his emergence is one of the signs of the Last Hour. He will bring with him enormous trials that will sway those of weak faith, and many people will be ruined because of him—except those whom Allah protects. The Prophet ﷺ constantly warned his community about the Dajjāl and instructed the Muslims to seek refuge with Allah from his tribulation.