What Are The Signs of Last Day in Islam

What are the signs of last day in islam? What will happens on the last day in islam?

One day, some of the Companions were discussing a subject among themselves. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked what they were discussing. They said, “We are discussing the Last Hour.”

Allah’s Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “The Last Hour will not come until ten signs appear: the smoke (dukhan); the Dajjal; the beast of the earth (dabbat al-ard); the rising of the sun from the west; the descent of Isa the son of Maryam (upon him be peace); the Gog and Magog; and landslides in three places, one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia at the end of which fire would burn forth from Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their Assembly.” (Muslim, Fitan, 39-40; Abu Dawud, Malahim, 11; Ibn Maja, Fitan, 28)

Muslim scholars have taken these events as the major signs of the Last Day. While this prophetic narration makes mention of these ten major signs of the world’s end, there are also various narrations that deal specifically with each of these signs separately.

Knowledge related to the Resurrection falls under the category of ‘the Unseen’. Knowledge about the Unseen can only be learned as much as is revealed to us by Allah Himself, through His Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The subject of the Unseen is touched upon in sixty places in the Qur’an, in accordance with its importance. These verses state that only Allah knows the Unseen. There is only one exception. This is indicated again in the Qur’an as follows:

“He is the Knower of the Unseen, and does not diverge His Unseen to anyone – except a Messenger with whom He is well pleased, and then He posts sentinels before him and behind him.” The Jinn (Al-Jinn, 72:26-27)

As can be clearly seen, information concerning the Last Day, the Next World, the Garden and Hellfire, among other things, was revealed by Allah to His Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and he reported to us what he saw fit. Without a doubt, what Allah’s Messenger has informed his community is that which Allah willed to be known. Through Allah’s help, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also came to know the truths that transcend the limits of human perception and which can only be grasped with the light of Prophet hood. However, the Messenger has not conveyed to his community this knowledge which has been reported to him exclusively, except for the truths that he was charged with communicating. As he states in a prophetic narration:

“Indeed, I see what you do not see, and I hear what you do not hear. The heavens creak, and it is their right to creak. For there is no space the width of four fingers but has an angel, placing its forehead in it, prostrating to Allah. By Allah, if you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much, and you would never taste the pleasures of your women in your beds, and you would go out in the streets, beseeching Allah…” (Tirmidhi, Zuhd, 9/2312; Ibn Maja, Zuhd, 19)

It ought to be stated at this point that the fact that knowledge concerning such matters as death, the grave, resurrection, and the Next World has been veiled from mankind is a mercy to protect the general order of things from being upset and disturbed. Had such knowledge transcending human perception been given, we would not be able to endure it and it could cause insanity. However, the Divine and Prophetic knowledge about death and the next world that is given to human beings is not for the purpose of disturbing the order of things, but instead to put life into order and context.

In spite of this, mankind, in their wrongdoing and ignorance, are often curious about those things the knowledge of which will harm them, rather than pursuing those truths in which they are in need. However, it is a Divine blessing and mercy not to know certain things.

For instance, had a person learned that they would die a year later, they would become mentally imbalanced, they would lose their zest for life and would as good as die a thousand deaths instead of a single one. Whereas a human being who lives unaware that they will die in three days’ time, is more peaceful and happy.

The formidable journey awaiting the human being, which encompasses death, the grave, resurrection, reckoning and the bridge of Sirat, and the unknowable nature of their end is a great cause of anxiety and trepidation. Were a person to remain in a constant state of contemplation of this with all their conscience, they would not be able to eat or drink and would not be able to continue their normal existence.

Only as an overflowing favour and mercy from Allah that we have our lives and worldly existence, with certain realities veiled from us. This goes to show that a certain degree of forgetfulness is a necessary blessing for the regulation of human life. What is wrong is for this forgetfulness to exceed the bounds. In other words, to lead a whole life unaware of the reality of death, indifferent to reckoning after death, unconcerned with the notion of reward and punishment, or leading a life without any consideration of the Next World. The consequence of this is eternal loss.

This is why the religion of Islam constantly teaches and enjoins fear and hope. That is, realising our slavehood by establishing a spiritual balance between fear of Divine wrath, and hope in His mercy.

1. The Smoke (Dukhan)

One of the ten major signs of the Last Day is dukhan (smoke). There is also a chapter in the Qur’an of this name. There has been debate as to whether the smoke mentioned by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as one of the signs of the Final Hour is the same smoke referred to in this Qur’anic chapter. Allah Almighty declares in herein:

“So be on the watch for a day when heaven brings forth a distinctive smoke, which enshrouds mankind. ‘This is a painful punishment! Our Lord, remove the punishment from us. We are really believers.’ How can they expect a Reminder when a clear Messenger has already come to them?” (Ad-Dukhan, 44:10-13)

There are two differing views concerning this verse:

The first view:

According to ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be well pleased with him) and the majority of scholars, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked Allah to punish the Meccan idol-worshippers with famine when he saw them increase their persecution against the Muslims, and Allah accepted his prayer. Thus, the people of Mecca were subjected to a severe famine. So severe was the drought that the Meccans were forced to eat carrion and dry bones, and they saw what they thought to be smoke covering the sky. They came to the Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asking him to pray to Allah on their behalf and end the drought, and promised that they would believe if it indeed came to an end.

But with the alleviation of the drought after the Messenger’s prayer, the idolaters reverted to their former insults and persecution of the Muslims. According to ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, the smoke mentioned in the Qur’anic chapter al-Dukhan signifies the foggy vision of the Meccan polytheists, which was caused by hunger.

Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be well pleased with him) relates:

“The Quraysh were slow to accept Islam and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) invoked Allah against them. They thus suffered a drought during which some of them died and they were forced to eat carrion and bones. Abu Sufyan came to him and said, ‘O Muhammad, you came to enjoin that ties of kinship be maintained and now your people are dying. So, make supplication to Allah.’

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) or Ibn Mas’ud recited the Qur’anic verse, ‘So be on the watch for a day when heaven brings forth a distinctive smoke’[1]

The Quraysh subsequently reverted to their unbelief, and that brought about the words of Allah Almighty, ‘On the day we launch the Great Assault’ (44:16) referring to the Battle of Badr.

Mansur, one of the transmitters, adds the following:

“The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) made supplication and they received rain which continued for seven days and nights. The people then complained about there being too much rain and he said, ‘O Allah, around us and not on us,’ and the clouds streamed away from over his head, and the people in the surrounding areas had rain.”[2]

It should be noted here that the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) who was sent as a mercy to all the worlds, made such a supplication against the Meccan polytheists not just because of their persecution, but because of their denial of Islam and their rebellion against Allah. And, indeed, he made supplication for the end of their suffering with the hope of their being honoured with belief. That is to say, his sole concern was their ultimate salvation.

The second view:

According to Companions like ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas and ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be well pleased with them both) this smoke is a smoke which will envelop the world before the Final Hour. Some Qur’anic commentators like Ibn Kathir have also adopted this view.

Accordingly, when the Last Day approaches, a smoke will descend upon the earth from the skies, engulfing the whole world and continuing for forty days. The earth will overheat. The believers will feel a slight effect of this smoke, in the form of a flu-like illness, while the unbelievers and hypocrites will be violently shaken by it, becoming like drunken people.[3]

2. The Dajjal

There is no information in the Qur’an about the Dajjal, the word itself carries the meaning of a liar, a deceiver, a person who confounds good and evil. We learn from prophetic narrations that the liar and imposter Dajjal will appear before the end of time, and with certain Divinely-bestowed abilities and extraordinary talents, will mislead people.

Al-Nawwas ibn Sam’an (may Allah be well pleased with him) narrates:

“The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) mentioned the Dajjal at length one morning and then lowered his voice and then raised it again until we thought that he might be in a cluster of date-palms nearby. When we went to him in the evening, he noticed our concern and asked, ‘What is wrong with you?’

We said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, in the morning you mentioned the Dajjal and then lowered your voice and then raised it again so that we thought he must be in a cluster of date-palms nearby.’

He said, ‘It is something other than the Dajjal that I fear most for you. If he were to appear while I was still among you, I would overcome him with arguments on your behalf. If he appears when I am not among you, then each man must have his own arguments. And Allah will preserve every believer after me. He is young, with curly hair and eyes protruding, resembling ‘Abduluzza ibn Qatan. Anyone of you who sees him, should recite the first verses of Surah al-Kahf. He will appear from a place that is between Syria and Iraq and will cause devastation right and left. O slaves of Allah! Hold fast!’

We asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! How long will he remain on earth?’

He said, ‘Forty days. One day like a year, one day like a month, one day like a week, and the remainder of his days are like your days.’

We said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, in the day which is like a year, will it be sufficient for us to observe the prayers of a single day in it?’

He said, ‘No. You will have to estimate it accordingly.’

We said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, how fast does he travel about the earth?’

He said, ‘Like a rain storm propelled by the wind. He will come to a people and summon them to believe in him and they will believe in him and respond to him. He will command the Heavens to bring forth rain, and it will rain, and he will command the earth to bring forth growth, and it will have growth. Their herds will return to them with their coats the longest, their udders the fullest and their stomachs the fattest.

Then he will come to a people and summon them and they will deny him and reject his claims. Then he will turn away from them and they will be struck by drought and lose everything they have.

Then he will come upon some ruins, saying to them, ‘Bring forth your treasures!’ And their treasures will follow him like drone bees.

Then he will call a man in the full bloom of youth and he will strike him with a sword, cutting him in half. Then he will summon him, and he will come forward with his face beaming.

While he is doing such things, Allah Almighty will send the Prophet Isa Ibn Maryam (Isa son of Mary, upon him be peace).

He will descend at the white minaret, to the east of Damascus, wearing two dyed garments, with his hands on the wings of two angels. When he lowers his head, beads of sweat will fall and when he raises it, drops like pearls will come down. His breath does not reach any unbeliever but he dies, and his breath will reach as far as his sight.

He will pursue the Dajjal until he seizes him at the gate of Ludd (near Jerusalem) where he will kill him. Then Isa (peace be upon him) will come to some people whom Allah has protected from the Dajjal, and he will stroke their faces, telling them of the end to the trials of Dajjal, and inform them of their degrees in the Garden…” (Muslim, Fitan, 110)[4]

The trial of the Dajjal is undoubtedly the greatest trial that mankind will witness on earth. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“There is no trial from Adam’s creation until the establishment of the Hour that is greater than that of the Dajjal.” (Muslim, Fitan, 126)[5]

It is for this reason that all Prophet s and Messengers informed their communities of this trial and warned them thereof.[6] The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also sought refuge in Allah from the trial of the Dajjal and enjoined us to do the same.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated that “about thirty Dajjals” would appear from his community who would each claim that they are a Messenger of Allah.[7] Indeed, throughout history, many such imposters and liars have appeared, and Allah destroyed all of them. The great Dajjal will surely face the same end and will be shamed and disgraced.

Rib’i ibn Hirash relates:

‘Uqba ibn ‘Amr said to Hudhayfa, “Will you not relate to me what you heard from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?” He said, “I heard him say, ‘The Dajjal will emerge accompanied by water and fire. What appears as water will in fact be fire that burns, and what appears as fire will in fact be cold water. Anyone among you who meets him, should plunge into what appears to them as fire, for it will in fact be sweet, cold water.'” (Bukhari, Anbiya 50, Fitan 26; Muslim, Fitan, 105, 108)

According to a Narration recorded in Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“I know what the Dajjal will have with him. He will have two flowing rivers, one that appears to the eye to be clear water and one that appears to the eye to be flaming fire. If anyone sees that, let him go to the river which he thinks is fire and close his eyes, then lower his head and drink from it, for it is cool water.”

In other narrations, it is stated that the Dajjal will have with him a garden and fire and that his fire would be a garden and his garden would be fire. (See Muslim, Fitan, 109)

Allah, who transformed Nimrod’s fire into a water for Prophet Ibrahim (upon him be peace) will turn the so-called fire of Ad-Dajjal into sweet, cold water for those believers who are not deceived by the Dajjal. His fire will not harm the believers in any way.

The Dajjal will be sent as a big trial for the people, so that those who truly believe be distinguished from those who do not. The believers should refute the Dajjal and should not be afraid of that which he presents as fire. For this is not fire but mercy. It is not Hell, but the Garden.[8]

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“There will be no land which would not be covered by the Dajjal with the exception of Mecca and Medina, and there would no paths out of the paths leading to them which would not be guarded by angels arranged in rows. Then he will appear in a barren place and Medina will be shaken with its people three times, and every unbeliever or hypocrite will come out of it.” (Muslim, Fitan, 123)[9]

This Narration clearly states that the Dajjal will travel to all areas of human settlement on earth with the exception of Mecca and Medina, and that all people will therefore be subjected to a severe trial through him. Allah will protect from the Dajjal the two sacred precincts of Makka al-Mukarrama and Madina al-Munawwara, and those sincere Muslims who refuse to abandon them

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated:

“Race to do good works against seven. Are you waiting but for overwhelming poverty, or distracting richness, or debilitating illness, or babbling senility, or sudden death, or the Dajjal, so that hidden evil is what is awaited, or the Hour? The Hour is more calamitous and bitter.” (Tirmidhi, Zuhd, 3/2306)

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said:

“The Dajjal will emerge and a man from among the believers will go towards him. He will be met by armed men, who are the bodyguards and supporters of the Dajjal.

They will say to him, ‘Where are you going?’

He will say, ‘I am going to this one who has appeared.’

They will say to him, ‘Don’t you believe in our lord?’

He will say, ‘There is nothing hidden about our Lord (that we abandon belief in Him for belief in another).’

They will say, ‘Kill him.’

Some from among them will say, ‘Didn’t your lord forbid you to kill anyone without his consent?’ So they will take him to the Dajjal and when the believer sees him, he will say, ‘O people, this is the Dajjal, the false Messiah of whom the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) spoke.’

The Dajjal will order that he be made to lie spread-eagled on the ground.

The Dajjal will say, ‘Take him and strike him on the head,’ and the believer will be beaten severely on his stomach and back.

Then he the Dajjal will say, ‘Do you not believe in me?’

The believer will say, ‘You are the false Messiah.’[10]

“Then it will be ordered that he be sawn in half. The Dajjal will walk between the two halves and say to him, ‘Get up,’ and he will stand up straight.

Then the Dajjal will say to him, ‘Do you believe in me?’

He will say, ‘It has only made me more certain about you.’ The believer will then say, ‘O People, he will not be able to do this to anyone after me.’

Then the Dajjal will take hold of him to slaughter him, but the area between his neck and collar bone will be turned into copper and he will not be able to harm him. Then he will take hold of his hands and feet and throw him and the people will think that he threw him into Hell, but he will be thrown into the Garden.”

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) concludes his words as follows:

“This believer will be the greatest of martyrs before the Lord of the Worlds.” (Muslim, Fitan, 113)[11]

Some have suggested that this believer who is well acquainted with the nature of the Dajjal and his tricks and intrigues is al-Khidr (the famous saint who is widely believed to have been grant an extraordinarily long lifespan of many thousands of years, upon him be peace).

This devoted believer’s challenging the Dajjal in the presence of his armed men and saying, “There is nothing hidden about our Lord,” is an expression of the believers’ knowing their Lord according to His Names and Attributes and not entertaining even the slightest doubt about His existence, unity, power and His absolute perfection and freedom from all defects.

This situation reveals the importance of experiential knowledge of Allah for the human heart in the face of trials and spiritual dangers. The example of this staunch believer before the Dajjal also clearly demonstrates how important and instrumental knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunna is for a believer when it comes to the trials and signs of the end of time.

This prophetic narration indicates that the trial of the Dajjal will come to an end not long after he appears. Consequently, the duty of the believers to be tested with this trial is to hold on even tighter to their belief, to never become complacent, and to take an unyielding stand against the Dajjal, without any fear.

Characteristics of the Dajjal

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“There is no Prophet who has been sent but that he warned his people about the one-eyed liar. Your Lord is not one-eyed.

Written between his eyes is the word kafir (unbeliever).” (Bukhari, Fitan 26, Tawhid 17; Muslim, Fitan 101, 102)[12]

“…his eye is like a protruding grape.” (Bukhari, Fitan 26, Tawhid 17; Muslim, Iman, 274)[13]

As has been reported in similar narrations that some of the Dajjal’s characteristics can be summarised as follows:

üBoth eyes of the Dajjal will have defects. His right eye will be blind and look like a protruding grape, while his left eye will be ‘wiped’ (i.e. will not function properly).

The creation of the Dajjal with characteristics that can be easily seen, recognised and remembered by the believers is a special favour of Allah Almighty. But only those sincere believers with unshakeable belief will be able to duly realise the potential of this Divine favour when faced with this formidable trial.

üWritten between his eyes will be the Arabic letters ka-fa-ra (denoting unbeliever). Every believer will be able to read it, whether or not they are versed in Arabic. Those deprived of Divine mercy, however, will not be able to decipher this writing, even if they have a command of the Arabic language.

üThe Garden and Fire that the Dajjal will have with him are the seeming the Garden and hellfire that he will present as reward and punishment to those he puts to trial. But that supposed garden is in reality a fire. In other words, anyone who enters the place the Dajjal presents as the Garden finds themselves in a garden outwardly, but in reality has entered Hell. Anyone thrown into the fire of the Dajjal because they opposed him would in reality have entered into the Garden.

ü The Dajjal’s hair is curly and he is young in age.

üHe is of large build and short stature.[14]

ü The Dajjal will emerge from a land in the east, probably from Khorasan or Isfahan, or from a place between Syria and Iraq.[15]

ü As Allah Almighty will protect the cities of Mecca and Medina with angels, the Dajjal will not be able to enter these sacred precincts.

üLike the thirty-odd imposters to appear before him, the Dajjal will at first say that he is a Messenger of Allah[16] and subsequently claim to be Allah.

üSince the Dajjal will be a severe test for those living at the time of his emergence, great powers will be given to him, such as commanding the sky to rain, afflicting people with drought and bringing forth the earth’s treasures. These extraordinary powers given to the Dajjal will pose a great danger those who possess weak faith.

üBecause the Dajjal will be of Jewish descent,[17] the Jews will offer him the greatest following and support.

ü The Dajjal will cut a person in half with a saw and then revive him and in spite of this, this believer will exclaim to the Dajjal himself that he is a liar and imposter, after which the Dajjal will no longer be able to kill anyone.

Prophet Isa the son of Maryam (upon him be peace) will kill the Dajjal and put an end to this great trial.

For Protection Against the Dajjal

Seeking refuge in Allah from the trial of the Dajjal is an important injunction from the Messenger to his Community. Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said:

“When one of you utters the tashahhud he must seek refuge in Allah from four (trials) and should thus say:

Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min ‘adhabi jahannam, wa min ‘adhabil-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal

‘O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the Fire and from the punishment of the grave and from the trials of life and death and from the evil of the trial of the false Messiah (Masih al-Dajjal).'” (Muslim, Masajid, 128)

Moreover, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has also said:

“Whoever learns by heart the first ten verses of the Qur’anic chapter al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjal.” (Muslim, Musafirin, 257; Abu Dawud, Malahim, 14)

It is also recorded in the sources that it is advisable to read the last ten verses of the same chapter. The first ten verses of this Qur’anic chapter refer to knowledge of the divine essence and attributes and mention Allah’s protection of the people of the Cave from the evil of the tyrant Daqyanus. It is presumably because of this association that those who see the Dajjal have been advised to recite these particular verses.[18]

The Prophet’s stating in one narration, “It is something other than the Dajjal that I fear most for you…”[19] essentially indicates that the Dajjal will not pose a great risk for those with firm faith.

As a result, protection from the trial of the Dajjal is contingent upon righteousness, raising sincere scholars who put their knowledge into practice in accordance with the Qur’an and the prophetic example. Only these such people will take a stance against the lying Dajjal – with Divine grace and favour – will not be defeated and will eventually be worthy of entry into the Garden.

Undoubtedly, the most reliable measure of recognising the Dajjal is the Qur’an and the Sunna. Those people who present themselves with a religious claim must be measured against these two criteria.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “…If he appears when I am not among you, then each man must have his own arguments…”[20] demonstrates that every Muslim needs to learn their religion properly. If Muslims learns Islam, then neither the great Dajjal nor the imposters to come before him will be able to deceive him.

3. The Beast of the Earth (Dabbat al-Ard)

The word dabba denotes creatures who are in need of food and drink. Dabbat al-ard signifies a beast that emerges from the earth. The Qur’an makes mention of this very beast that is one of the major signs of the Last Day, in the following words:

“When the Word is justly carried out against them, We will produce a Beast from the earth which will speak to them. Truly mankind had no certainty about Our Signs.” (An-Naml, 27:82)

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated in another Narration:

“When three things appear, belief will not benefit the person who has not previously believed or who has derived no good from his belief:[21] the rising of the sun in its place of setting, the Dajjal and the beast of the earth.” (Muslim, Iman, 249; Ahmad, II, 445)

“A beast will emerge from the earth. With it shall be the seal of Sulayman (upon him be peace) and the staff of Musa (upon him be peace). It will brighten the believer’s face with the staff, and brand the unbeliever’s nose with the seal, such that when the people gather to eat, one man will call out to another, saying, ‘O believer,’ or ‘O unbeliever’ (i.e. both the believer and the unbeliever will be distinguishable from their faces).” (Tirmidhi, Tafsir, 27/3187; Ibn Maja, Fitan, 31)

“The first sign (of the signs of the emergence of the Dajjal) will be the rising of the sun from its place of setting and the appearance of the beast to the people in the forenoon. Whichever of these comes before the other, the other is close at hand.” (Muslim, Fitan, 118; Abu Dawud, Malahim, 12)

Dabbat al-ard is a creature that will emerge from the earth. But the exact nature of this creature has not been given. It is indicated, however, that he will warn the people with a clear speech. There are also reports which state that he will emerge at a time when enjoining the good and forbidding evil is abandoned and that he will declare all religions other than Islam to be false.

Moreover, this event clearly shows to those who do not believe that Allah Almighty will raise the dead back to life.

The beast will notify the unbelievers of the approach of the Last Hour. By enabling this creature to speak, Allah, glorified and exalted is He, will inflict disgrace on the unbelievers. For they are those unfortunate souls who have turned away from the most exalted speech – that is, the Qur’an – with which the Prophet  Muhammad, the most honourable of mankind and speaking the most eloquent language, was sent. Allah Almighty will convey to them the truth through the language of a different creature, in a manner that they will understand. The belief of the deniers after this, however, will be to late to do them any good.

4. The Sun’s Rising from the West

The sun’s rising from the west is one of the major signs of the Last Day. Since the creation of the universe, heavenly bodies have been pursuing their course through space according to a very delicate and precise balance.

Allah, glory unto Him, declares:

“The sun and the moon both run with precision.” (Ar-Rahman, 55:5)

Indeed, the sun and the moon are two delicate systems in the heavens as manifestations of Divine power and majesty. All human beings regulate their time in accordance with these two systems. It is such a delicate system of reckoning time that it does not stall for a second and there is not the slightest alteration.

However, even a machine made with the most advanced technology of our time eventually wears, malfunctions and ultimately becomes unusable after a certain period of time. What a magnificent manifestation of Divine majesty is it that the sun and moon follow their course from the moment of their creation without the minutest deviation!

What is more, this delicate balance is not particular to the sun and moon. Allah Almighty asks in a Qur’anic verse:

“He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful?”

Look again – do you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your eyesight will return to you dazzled and exhausted!” (Al-Mulk, 67:3-4)

When Allah, the Creator and Owner of the universe, wills to end the worldly life of humanity, He will destroy this delicate balance that He Himself created, again by executing His Will. The sun will then rise from the west and those who witness it will know without a doubt that the world is at its end. But because the door of repentance would have been closed for good, this realisation will not be of any use to them. It will be too late and the opportunity wasted.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states in one Narration:

“The Hour will not come until the sun rises from the west. When it rises and the people see it, they will all believe. But that will be the time, “On the day that one of your Lords Signs does come, no faith which a self professes will be any use for it.” Livestock (Al-An’am, 6:158).” (Bukhari, Riqaq, 40; Ahmad, II, 369)[22]

“Whoever seeks repentance before the rising of the sun from the west, Allah turns to him with Mercy.” (Muslim, Dhikr, 43)

“Allah, the All-Exalted and All-Glorious, extends His Hand during the night so that the people may repent for the wrongdoing committed from dawn till dusk, and He extends His Hand during the day so that the people may repent for the wrongdoing committed from dusk to dawn. (This will continue – He would accept repentance – until) the sun rises in the west (before the Day of Resurrection).” (Muslim, Tawba, 31)

So, everything depends on its being done at the right time. Given that the world will surely come to an end and all people will surely account for their actions on the Day of Reckoning, then what we need to do is obvious: turn away from all wrongdoing and sincerely repent to Allah while we still have the chance, to hold fast to belief, and to fortify our belief with deeds of righteousness and good works.

5. The Descent of Prophet Isa

Isa, otherwise known as Isa (upon him be peace) was sent as a Prophet to the Tribe of Israel. As one of the examples of Divine power, he came to the world without a father and was given many miracles. The Children of Israel first accused him of lying. They then wanted to crucify him, but Allah saved him and raised him to His Presence.

Allah Almighty declares in the Qur’an as follows:

“…and their saying, ‘We killed the Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of Allah.’ You did not kill him and they did not crucify him but it was made to seem so to them, those who argue about him are in doubt about it. They have no real knowledge of it just conjecture. But they certainly did not kill him. Allah raised him up to Himself. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” (An-Nisa, 4:157-158)

“When Allah said, ‘Isa, I will take you back and raise you up to Me and purify you of those who disbelieve. And I will place the people who follow you above those who disbelieve until the Day of Rising.” (Al ‘Imran, 3:55)

On the basis of this verse, Muslim scholars have concurred that Prophet Isa Ibn Maryam was raised to the heavens. But they have disagreed as to whether this ascension was only with the spirit, or with the spirit and the body.

There are verses in the Qur’an which indicate that he will return to the world before the end of time. In addition to the above-mentioned, the verses below declare:

“There is not one of the People of the Book who will not believe in him before he dies; and on the Day of Rising he will be a witness against them.” (An-Nisa, 4:159)

“He is the Sign of the Hour have no doubt about it. But follow me. This is the straight path.” (Az-Zukhruf, 43:61)

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated in a Prophetic narration:

“By the One in whose hand is my soul, the time is near when the son of Mary will descend among you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the pig,[23] and abolish the jizya-tax (i.e. only Islam will remain as a religion). Wealth will become so abundant that there will be no takers for it.” (Bukhari, Buyu’ 102, Mazalim 31, Anbiya 49; Muslim, Iman 242, 243, 247, Hajj 216, Fitan 34, 39, 110)[24]

“A group from among my Community will not cease fighting for the truth and will prevail until the Day of Resurrection. Isa Ibn Maryam (peace be upon him) would then descend and their commander of the believers will say, ‘Come and lead us in prayer.’

But he will say, ‘No, some among you are leaders over others as an honour from Allah to this community.'” (Muslim, Iman, 247)

There are many other prophetic narrations concerning the descent of Prophet Isa to earth and his restoration and practice of Islamic law.[25]

There is no contradiction between Isa’s return to earth and our master Muhammad the Messenger of Allah (upon him be peace and blessings) being the last Prophet to be sent to humanity. This is because Isa (upon him be peace) will descend upon earth not as a Prophet sent to communicate new divine injunctions, but as a “just Muslim ruler” living and practicing the religion with of the the final Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

6. Gog and Magog

Perhaps the greatest trial after the Dajjal is the trial of Gog and Magog (Ya‘jūj and Ma‘jūj). The tribes of Gog and Magog are mentioned in two places in the Qur’an:

The first is the complaint to Dhu’l-Qarnayn concerning Gog and Magog’s causing corruption in the land and Dhu’l-Qarnayn’s constructing a huge wall in front of them as an impenetrable barrier blocking them in with blocks of iron to prevent them from escaping.[26]

The second are the following verses which describe the collapse of this barrier and Gog and Magog’s invasion of the civilised world:

“When Yajuj and Majuj are let loose and rush down from every slope, and the True Promise is very close, the eyes of those who disbelieved will be transfixed: ‘Alas for us! We were unmindful of this! No, rather we were certainly wrongdoers.” (Al-Anbiya, 21:96-97)

These two tribes will spread across the earth and cause unrest for some time.

As related by the Prophet’s wife Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be well pleased with her) that she once entered upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and found him saying, ‘There is no god but Allah! Woe to the Arabs for an evil that is drawing near! Today, an opening like this has been made in the barrier of Ya‘jūj and Ma‘jūj,’ and he formed a circle joining his thumb and forefinger.

Zaynab asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, will we be destroyed even when the righteous are among us?’

He said, ‘Yes, if wickedness prevails.'” (Bukhari, Fitan 4, 28; Muslim, Fitan, 1)[27]

Commentaries of this Narration mention that the destruction that will take place with the prevalence of evil and wrongdoing are not specific to the time of Gog and Magog, but constitute a general rule, and therefore apply to any time in which wickedness and immorality prevails.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said:

“(After Isa, kills the Dajjal,) Allah will reveal to him these words: ‘I have brought forth from amongst My slaves such people against whom none has the power to fight; take these people safely to Tur (for protection).’

And then Allah will send Gog and Magog and they will swarm down from every slope. The first of them would pass the Lake of Tiberias and drink out of it until they leave it completely dry. Those who come after them will pass by that river and say, ‘There was once water here.’

Our master Isa (peace be upon him) and his companions will then be besieged there and the head of a single ox will be dearer to them than one hundred dinars is for one of you today. The Prophet of Allah, Isa and his companions will turn to Allah for help in earnest supplication and then Allah will respond by sending worms (that will attack their necks), and they will all perish in one go, in the morning.

Allah’s noble Messenger Isa son of Maryam (upon him be peace) and his companions will then come down to the earth and they will not find a single hand span of space which is not filled with their putrefaction and stench. They will then again supplicate to Allah, who will send birds like the necks of Bactrian camels which will carry them (i.e. their carcasses) and throw them wherever Allah wills.

Then Allah will send rain which no house of clay or camel hair will be able to keep out and it will wash the earth until it is like a mirror.

Then the earth will be commanded to bring forth its fruit and restore its blessing. On that day, a group of people will eat from a single pomegranate and shelter beneath its skin. Milk will be so blessed that a camel’s milk will be sufficient for a crowd of people, a cow’s milk will be sufficient for a tribe of people, and a sheep’s milk will be sufficient for a whole family.[28]

At that time, Allah will send a pleasant wind which will envelop them beneath their armpits and will take the soul of every believer and every Muslim. Only the most wicked of people will remain and they will fornicate like donkeys and upon them the Hour will come.” (Muslim, Fitan, 110)[29]

Landslides:

7. In the East

8. In the West; and,

9. In the Arabian Peninsula

In the Narrations whereby he states that the Last Hour will not come until ten major signs appear,[30] the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) mentions landslides taking place in the east, the west and in the Arabian Peninsula as three of these signs.

Just as there are a number of minor signs that emerge before the major ones, as their precursors and indicators, so too of course, have there been many landslides to date. However, it is stated that the landslides of which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) spoke of are much greater and much more terrifying than these.

10. A Fire from Yemen or the Hijaz

At the approach of the Hour, a great fire will emerge either from Yemen, or from the HIjaz, which will burn so bright it will illuminate distances far and wide.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“The Hour will not come until a fire emerges from the land of the Hijaz which will illuminate the necks of the camels in Busra [in Syria].” (Bukhari, Fitan, 24; Muslim, Fitan, 42)

Again, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated:

“A fire will emerge before the Last Day from the sea of Hadhramawt or from Hadhramawt, and it will gather the people.”

(Those present) said, “What do you instruct us to do, O Messenger of Allah?”

He said, “I advise you to go to Damascus (to Syria).” (Tirmidhi, Fitan, 42)

A great fire to emerge in the Hijaz region will be visible from Syria. This is another one of the major signs of the Last Day.

[1] (44:10)

[2] Bukhari, Istisqa’, 13; Tafsir, 30,44/2. cf. Muslim, Munafiqin, 39,40; Ahmad,I, 431,441.

[3] See Metin Yurdagür, “Duhân”, Diyanet İslâm Ansiklopedisi, IX, 547.

[4] Also see Tirmidhi, Fitan, 59; Ibn Maja, Fitan, 33.

[5] See also Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, IV, 19-21.

[6] Tirmidhi, Zuhd, 3; Ibn Maja, Fitan, 33.

[7] Bukhari, Fitan, 25; Muslim, Fitan, 84.

[8] It should be pointed out here that just as Doomsday is a tremendous event for the whole world, it is only natural that the signs of the Last Day have their extraordinary aspects too. Consequently, it should not be surprising that certain events that are beyond comprehension and imagination today will come to pass as the end of the world approaches. Indeed, it is evident that those things that could not even be predicted forty or fifty years ago are possible today with the rapid progress in science and technology. The predictions related in the Qur’an and the Prophet ic Traditions will also most certainly come to pass when the time comes, for nothing is difficult for Allah Almighty.

[9] See also Bukhari, Fada’il al-Madina 9, 26, 27, Tawhid, 31; Ibn Maja, Fitan, 33.

[10] Just as Prophet Isa is called the Messiah (Masih), the Dajjal is also referred to with the same term (Masih al-Dajjal) – the (false) messiah. Masih is a derivative of the word mash, which means, to wipe or pass one’s hand over something. The Dajjal’s being known by this name is because of goodness being taken or wiped away from him, and because of his left eye being ‘wiped’ such that it is as if it had never existed. One side of his face is completely flat and because of this he is blind in one eye. (Refer to Bukhari, Ta’bir 11, 33.) It has also been suggested that the Dajjal has been given this title because he will ‘wipe the earth’ or travel widely.

Isa being called the masih is by virtue of his passing his blessed hand over the ill and healing them, by Allah’s permission. It is significant that Allah destroys one messiah with another. The Qur’anic verse, “Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through it and it vanishes away! Woe without end to you for what you portray!” The Prophets (Al-Anbiya, 21:18) illustrates the end of evildoers in general, including the Dajjal.

[11] See also Bukhari, Fitan 27.

[12] Also refer to Abu Dawud, Malahim 14, Sunna 25-26; Tirmidhi, Fitan 56, 62; Ibn Maja, Fitan, 33.

[13] Also see Tirmidhi, Fitan, 60.

[14] See Bukhari, Fitan, 26; Abu Dawud, Malahim, 14.

[15] See Muslim, Fitan, 110.

[16] See Bukhari, Fitan, 25; Muslim, Fitan, 84.

[17] See Muslim, Fitan, 90.

[18] See Yaşar Kandemir, İsmail Lütfi Çakan, Raşit Küçük, Riyâzü’s-Sâlihîn Tercüme ve Şerhi, İstanbul: Kampanya Kitapları, 1434/2013, VII, 536-578.

[19] For the full text of the Tradition, see pp. 211-213.

[20] For the full text of the Tradition, see pp. 211-213.

[21] 6:158.

[22] Also see Muslim, Fitan 140, Iman 248.

[23] Prophet Isa, upon him be peace, will forbid the consumption of pig meat so vehemently that he will order that pigs be destroyed in order to demonstrate its importance and to emphasise the prohibition of their consumption. Also implied in this command is a rebuke of those Christians who sanction eating the meat of swine and consume it with great avidity while they claim to follow the way of Jesus. Also implied in Prophet Isa’s command is an abolition of Christianity, by removing the symbols that its adherents have presented as indispensable.

[24] Also see Abu Dawud, Malahim 12, 14 (4324); Tirmidhi, Fitan 21, 54, 59, 62.

[25] Muhammad Anwar Shah al-Kashmiri (1875-1933) compiled 101 of these narrations, seventy-five of which go back to the Prophet (known as marfu’ Traditions) in his work entitled, al-Tasrih bima Tawatara fi Nuzul al-Masih (Aleppo: Maktabat al-Matbu’at al-Islamiya, (1385/1965).

[26] Refer to (18:94-98).

[27] See also Bukhari, Anbiya 7, Manaqib 25; Abu Dawud, Fitan, 1; Tirmidhi, Fitan, 23; Ibn Maja, Fitan, 9.

[28] That Allah will destroy these unassailable barbarians at a single stroke by inflicting worms upon them, and His then reviving the earth and making it more conducive to human existence, is undoubtedly yet another mark of the infinite Power and Majesty of the Lord of the Worlds.

[29] See also Tirmidhi, Fitan, 59; Ibn Maja, Fitan, 33.

[30] For the full text of the Tradition, see p. 206.

Source: Osman Nuri Topbaş , Journey To Eternity, Erkam Publications

Dying as Muslims

Death’s Mirror