Emergence of The Suffyani

The emergence of the suffyani (a descendant of Abu Sufyan) will emerge before Imam Mahdi from the depths of Damascus.

According to some weak narration his name will be Urwa bin Muhammed and his Kuniya ‘Abu-Utba’. The Ahadith regarding the Suffyani specify that he is a tyrant who will spread corruption and mischief on the earth before Imam Mahdi. He will be such a tyrant that he will kill the children and rip open the bellies of women. When he hears about the Mahdi, he will send an army to seize and kill him. However the Earth will swallow this army before it even reaches Imam Mahdi.

Abu Huraira (R.A.) has narrated that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said, ”A man will emerge from the depth of Damascus. He will be called Suffyani. Most of those who follow him will be from the tribe of Kalb.

He will kill by ripping the stomachs of women and even kill the children. A man from my family will appear in Haram, the news of his advent will reach the Suffyani and he will send forth one of his armies. He (referring to Imam Mahdi) will defeat them.

They will then travel with whoever remains until they come to a desert and they will be swallowed . None will be saved except the one who had informed the others about them. ” (Mustadarak)