Introduction
Belief in the Day of Judgment (Qiyāmah) is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith. The Qurʾān and the Sunnah (Prophetic teachings) describe signs that will precede that day, reminding believers to remain spiritually prepared. Islamic scholars often divide these signs into Minor (Ashrāṭ al-Sughrā) and Major (Ashrāṭ al-Kubrā). In this blog post, we will explore both categories in a concise yet comprehensive manner.
Part I: Minor Signs of Qiyāmah
Minor signs are events and conditions that gradually unfold, sometimes over centuries. Many have already occurred or continue to manifest in our times.
1. Prophethood of Muḥammad (ﷺ)
Evidence:
- The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I and the Hour have been sent like these two (fingers).” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
- His very mission as the final prophet is considered one of the earliest signs that the Day is drawing near.
2. Death of the Prophet (ﷺ)
This event had a profound impact on the Muslim Ummah and signified a further approach of the Hour.
3. Conquest of Jerusalem
Historical Note:
- This prophecy came true during the rule of the second Caliph, ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (ra).
- Jerusalem’s conquest is also counted among the early milestones prophesied in ḥadīth.
4. Plague of ʿAmwās
Context:
- A devastating outbreak in Syria/Palestine during the early Islamic era, fulfilling prophetic warnings about plagues and widespread disease.
5. Emergence of False Prophets
Ḥadīth Reference:
- The Prophet (ﷺ) foretold about 30 impostors claiming prophethood. (Abū Dāwūd)
6. Spread of Immorality
Key Signs:
- Normalization of zinā (fornication), widespread consumption of alcohol, and an obsession with music.
- “Near the end of time, people will regard fornication, silk (for men), alcohol, and musical instruments as permissible.” (Bukhārī)
7. Loss of Trust (Amānah)
Hadīth:
- “When the trust is lost, then wait for the Hour.” (Bukhārī)
- Manifested by corruption, deception, and betrayed pacts.
8. Prevalence of Ribā (Usury/Interest)
Modern Relevance:
- Almost unavoidable involvement in interest-based transactions—fulfilling the prophecy that everyone will be touched by it, directly or indirectly.
9. Knowledge Taken Away & Ignorance Prevails
Reason:
- Through the passing away of genuine scholars, religious knowledge becomes scarce. (Bukhārī, Muslim)
10. Increase in Murder and Violence
Ḥadīth:
- The Hour will not come until “Harj (killing) increases.” (Bukhārī, Muslim)
11. Competition in Tall Buildings
Famous Ḥadīth:
- “You will see barefoot, naked shepherds competing in building tall structures.” (Muslim)
- Observed in certain regions today with skyscraper “races.”
12. Arabia Turning Green
Hadīth:
- “The Hour will not be established until the land of the Arabs returns to being pastures and rivers.” (Muslim)
13. One Man to Fifty Women
Hadīth:
- Near the end of time, the ratio of women to men will be 50:1, indicating societal shifts.
14. Euphrates River Uncovering Gold
Warning:
- People will fight over it, and many will perish. (Bukhārī, Muslim)
(These are only a selection—scholars list dozens more minor signs, often ranging from 50 to over 70.)
Part II: Major Signs of Qiyāmah
When the Major Signs begin, they come in swift succession. They are 10 in number, based on a famous Prophetic narration.
1. Emergence of al-Dajjāl (The Antichrist)
Ḥadīth:
- “From the time of Ādam until the Day of Resurrection, there is no trial greater than that of the Dajjāl.” (Muslim)
- He will claim divinity, show miraculous feats, and mislead many.
2. Descent of ʿĪsā (Jesus, peace be upon him)
Qurʾān:
- “There is none from the People of the Scripture but that he will surely believe in him before his death…” (4:159)
- ʿĪsā (AS) will return, defeat al-Dajjāl, and restore justice.
3. Yaʾjūj and Maʾjūj (Gog and Magog)
Qurʾān:
- Surah al-Kahf (18:94–99), Surah al-Anbiyāʾ (21:96).
- A mighty, corrupt force released to cause immense havoc before Allāh destroys them.
4. The Smoke (al-Dukhān)
Qurʾān:
- “Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke, covering the people…” (44:10–11)
5. The Beast of the Earth (Dābbat al-Arḍ)
Qurʾān:
- “And when the Word is fulfilled against them, We shall bring forth for them a beast from the earth, speaking to them…” (27:82)
6. Rising of the Sun from the West
Ḥadīth:
- “The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from where it sets.” (Bukhārī, Muslim)
- After this, the door of repentance is closed.
7. Three Major Landslides
- One in the East, one in the West, and one in the Arabian Peninsula. (Abū Dāwūd)
8. A Massive Fire from Yemen
Narration:
- A fire will force people to migrate toward their final place of gathering (some narrations mention Shām). (Bukhārī, Muslim)
9. The Advent of al-Mahdī (Often Included as a Major Sign)
Note:
- Although mention of al-Mahdī is not always in the same hadith that lists the other signs, numerous scholarly works affirm his emergence.
- He will be a righteous leader from the lineage of the Prophet (ﷺ), who establishes justice prior to al-Dajjāl’s appearance.
(Some narrations group the Mahdī under the major signs, others count him as a precursor to the main events. Nevertheless, he is typically included in the overall 10 major signs framework.)
Conclusion
In Islamic eschatology, these signs serve as reminders to stay firm in faith and righteous deeds. While the Minor Signs unfold gradually—many evident in our own time—the Major Signs will occur in rapid sequence, signaling the imminence of the final Hour.
Qurʾān (7:187):
“They ask you [O Muḥammad] about the Hour: when will its arrival be? Say, ‘Its knowledge is only with my Lord…’”
No one knows the exact timing, yet believers are urged to prepare continually. May we all reflect on these signs, stay mindful of our accountability, and strive for a life that pleases Allāh.
Further Reading & References
- Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim for authentic hadīth on Qiyāmah signs.
- Sunan Abū Dāwūd and Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī for additional narrations.
- Classical Scholarly Works like Ibn Kathīr’s “al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah” and al-Qurṭubī’s tafsīr for in-depth discussion.
