Dābbat al-Arḍ
/ˈdɑːb.bat al ˈʔarˤdˤ/noun
An eschatological creature described in the Qur’an as emerging from the earth near the end of time.
Did you know?In Qur’an 27:82, Dābbat al-Arḍ is associated with speaking to or confronting humanity, but the Qur’an does not give a detailed physical description, leaving later traditions to expand its legend.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic (reconstructed)
Proto-Semitic
*d-b-b
“To move slowly or creep; the reconstructed root underlying Arabic motion and creature terminology.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
dābbah
“A moving creature, animal, or beast; literally something that moves upon the earth.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
arḍ
“Earth, ground, or land.”
7th Century
Qur’anic Arabic
دَابَّةُ الْأَرْضِ (dābbat al-arḍ)
“The creature of the earth, mentioned in Qur’an 27:82 as a sign associated with the final age.”
Medieval Islamic tradition
Arabic
Dābbat al-Arḍ
“An eschatological beast whose identity and appearance were elaborated in later Qur’anic commentary and hadith traditions.”
Modern English
English
Dabbat al-Ard / Dabbat al-Arḍ
“A transliterated name for the Qur’anic end-times creature.”