Q: I have a question regarding the appearance of the dajjal and shortage of food. In one report it says before his arrival, there will be shortage of food and drinks for 3 years (musnad ahmed). However, in another hadith it says under the Mahdi, there shall be abundance of food to such an extent a man will say “mahdi, give me” and he shall reply “take it”. Now my confusion is that the dajjal is to emerge during the mahdi’s time, so how to reconcile the two situations?
A: The Hadith that explains about shortage of food before the appearance of dajjaal refers to a global fitnah. However, this does not oppose the Ahaadith that explain the generosity of Mahdi in his individual capacity.
Another explanation to reconcile both the Ahaadith is that both refer to different places.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)