The concept of Qiyamah (Day of Judgment) is central to Islam. It is the day when humanity will be resurrected for judgment before Allah, each person accountable for their deeds. Islam provides detailed prophecies, signs, and events that precede Qiyamah. Scholars traditionally categorize these signs into Minor (Ashraat-e-Sughra) and Major (Ashraat-e-Kubra).
In this guide, we’ll deeply explore both minor and major signs, drawing upon authentic references from the Quran and Hadith.
A. Minor Signs of Qiyamah (Ashraat-e-Sughra)
Minor signs occur over a prolonged period and can span centuries. Many have already taken place, while others continue unfolding in our current age.
Here are some prominent minor signs described by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
1. Arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
His prophethood itself is among the first signs of Qiyamah. He said:
“I and the Hour have been sent like these two (fingers).” [Bukhari]
2. Death of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
This marked a significant event indicating that Qiyamah drew nearer.
3. Conquest of Jerusalem
This prophecy came true during the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).
4. Increase in False Prophets
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) foretold the emergence of about 30 false prophets claiming divine revelation. History witnessed individuals like Musaylima al-Kadhdhāb and many others throughout history.
5. Widespread Immorality
The normalization of zina (fornication), alcohol consumption, and musical instruments as foretold in hadith:
“Near the end of times, people will regard fornication, silk, alcohol, and musical instruments as permissible.” [Bukhari]
6. Rampant Ribā (Usury/Interest)
Interest-based transactions will be common, nearly impossible to avoid, exactly as seen today.
7. Loss of Trust and Honesty
People in positions of authority betraying trust, corruption becoming rampant, and honesty diminishing greatly. The Prophet (ﷺ) warned clearly:
“When trust (amanah) is lost, await the Hour.” [Bukhari]
8. Knowledge Decreasing and Ignorance Spreading
The death of knowledgeable scholars without suitable replacements, increasing widespread ignorance.
9. Time Passing Rapidly
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said time will seem shorter, and years will pass like months, months like weeks, and weeks like days. [Tirmidhi]
10. Frequent Bloodshed and Killing
Violence and senseless killing increase significantly. The Prophet said:
“The Hour will not come until killing becomes widespread.” [Bukhari, Muslim]
11. Competition in Building Tall Buildings
Shepherds and traditionally nomadic tribes competing to build the tallest skyscrapers, as we witness in modern Middle Eastern nations. [Muslim]
12. Arabia Turning Green
Arabian deserts returning to green pastures and flowing rivers. Current climate trends suggest this is occurring gradually. [Muslim]
13. Euphrates Revealing Mountain of Gold
Prophecy about the Euphrates River uncovering treasure, leading to fierce fighting over this wealth. [Bukhari, Muslim]
14. Imbalance in Gender Ratio
A dramatic increase in the number of women compared to men. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) mentioned a ratio of about 50 women to one man near the end of time. [Bukhari]
15. Disobedience to Parents
Children disrespecting parents, severing family ties, and following misguided leaders instead.
16. Increased Natural Calamities and Earthquakes
Earthquakes and natural disasters becoming frequent, affecting regions previously unaffected.
17. Wealth Abundance but Lack of Satisfaction
Wealth and prosperity will increase, yet people feel unfulfilled, greedy, and discontent.
18. Spread of Diseases and Epidemics
Epidemics like plague and previously unknown diseases emerge rapidly, causing widespread deaths.
(This list represents major highlights; scholars typically enumerate dozens more.)
B. Major Signs of Qiyamah (Ashraat-e-Kubra)
When major signs appear, they occur swiftly, leaving little time for reflection or repentance. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated clearly that these signs follow one after another quickly, like beads dropping from a broken necklace.
Here are the major signs listed explicitly in authentic Hadiths:
1. Appearance of Imam al-Mahdi
A righteous leader from the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who will unite Muslims, bringing justice and peace after widespread injustice and corruption.
2. Emergence of Dajjal (The Antichrist)
A great deceiver performing miracles, misleading many to disbelief. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) called him humanity’s greatest trial. [Muslim]
3. Return of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him)
Isa (AS) will descend near Damascus, defeat the Dajjal, break crosses, abolish false religious doctrines, and establish true faith and peace. [Bukhari, Muslim]
4. Emergence of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog)
Massive destructive tribes will be unleashed, causing chaos, death, and widespread destruction before Allah ultimately destroys them. [Quran Surah Al-Kahf, Surah Al-Anbiya]
5. The Smoke (Al-Dukhan)
A thick smoke enveloping the entire earth, causing widespread suffering, as explicitly mentioned in Surah Al-Dukhan [44:10-11].
6. The Beast (Dabbat al-Ard)
A miraculous creature emerging from the earth, marking people clearly as believers or disbelievers, as mentioned in Surah Al-Naml [27:82].
7. Rising of the Sun from the West
A supernatural event signaling the closing of repentance. After this event, no repentance or acceptance of faith will be possible. [Bukhari, Muslim]
8, 9, & 10. Three Major Landslides (Khusuf)
Three massive earth collapses—one in the East, one in the West, and one in the Arabian Peninsula, swallowing entire communities. [Muslim]
11. Great Fire from Yemen
A tremendous fire erupting from Yemen, driving all people to the gathering place for the final judgment. [Bukhari, Muslim]
(The emergence of Imam al-Mahdi is sometimes mentioned separately, but most scholars include him within the broader signs preceding Dajjal.)
Conclusion and Reflection
Understanding the signs of Qiyamah serves an essential purpose in Islamic spirituality—reminding believers about accountability, vigilance, and preparation for the hereafter.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized that no one except Allah knows exactly when Qiyamah will occur. Hence, every believer is advised to remain prepared spiritually and morally.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“If the Hour (Qiyamah) begins to happen and one of you is holding a palm-shoot or sapling, let him plant it.” [Musnad Ahmad]
This powerful message encourages continual good deeds and productive actions until the very last moment.
Reflect and Act
- How many of these minor signs can you identify occurring today?
- How are these signs influencing your spiritual awareness and actions?
May Allah grant us wisdom, steadfastness, and strength to act rightly until the end of our lives.
(If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it to spread awareness and beneficial knowledge.)
References:
- Qur’an
- Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami’ Tirmidhi
- Classical works of Ibn Kathir, Imam Nawawi, Al-Qurtubi
