Dabbābat al-Arḍ
/ˈdab.baː.tu‿l.ʔarˤdˤ/noun
An eschatological creature mentioned in the Qur’an that emerges from the earth as a sign of the approaching Judgment.
Did you know?In Qur’an 27:82, the Dabbābat al-Arḍ is described as an earthly creature that speaks to humanity, though the text does not specify its physical form.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*d-b-b
“To move slowly, creep, or crawl; the reconstructed root behind Arabic dabba.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
dābbah (دابّة)
“A moving creature or animal; literally, something that moves upon the earth.”
7th Century
Qur’anic Arabic
دَابَّةُ الْأَرْضِ (dābbat al-arḍ)
“The creature of the earth, appearing in Qur’an 27:82 as a sign associated with the final judgment.”
Medieval Islamic Era
Arabic
دابّة الأرض (Dābbat al-Arḍ)
“A major apocalyptic figure in Islamic commentary and eschatological traditions, whose identity and appearance were variously debated.”
19th–20th Century
English
Dabbātat al-Arḍ / Dabbat al-Ard
“A transliterated Arabic religious term used in English discussions of Islamic eschatology.”