Introduction.
The Day of Judgment (Qayamat) holds a central place in Islamic eschatology. It is a time when the world as we know it will come to an end, and all humans will be resurrected for accountability. Muslims believe in the signs preceding this inevitable day as revealed in both the Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Understanding these signs is important as they serve as warnings and reminders for believers to correct their paths and prepare for the afterlife.
Major and Minor Signs of Qayamat.
The signs leading up to Qayamat are generally divided into two categories: minor and major. Minor signs have been occurring over centuries and continue to manifest, while major signs will signal the proximity of the final day.
Minor Signs.
Minor signs are events and phenomena that happen as precursors to the bigger signs. They include societal changes, spiritual decay, and various moral degradations. Many of these minor signs are already visible today.
Major Signs
Major signs, on the other hand, are extraordinary events that will shake the foundation of the world and mark the nearing of the Day of Judgment.
First Minor Signs of Qayamat.
The Spread of Immorality and Corruption.
One of the first minor signs that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned was the widespread immorality and corruption. Today, we can see the decline of moral values, dishonesty, and rampant unethical behaviors across various aspects of society. The Prophet (PBUH) warned us about this in several Hadith.
Decline of Knowledge and Increase in Ignorance.
As we get closer to Qayamat, knowledge will diminish, and ignorance will rise. This is not only referring to academic knowledge but also religious knowledge, as more people will become disconnected from their faith.
Disobedience of Children Towards Parents.
A sign often observed today is the increasing disobedience of children towards their parents, which reflects the breakdown of family structure and values.
Trustworthiness Becoming Rare.
The Prophet (PBUH) also mentioned that trustworthiness would become scarce as people prioritize personal gains over honesty.
Notable Hadith on Minor Signs.
Hadith About the Loss of Trust.
In one famous Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "When trust is lost, then wait for the Hour." Trust has become a rare commodity in today’s world, indicating that we are approaching the time foretold.
Reference: “When trust is lost, wait for the Hour.” (Sahih Bukhari)
The Abundance of False Leaders and Deceit.
False leaders who misguide people and cause division among the community will become prevalent. The Prophet warned us to be wary of these individuals.
Increase in Consumption of Alcohol and Gambling.
These two vices, forbidden in Islam, will become common practices, leading people astray.
Widespread Adultery.
The normalization of adultery and promiscuity is another sign, and it’s evident in the societal shift we see today.
First Major Signs of Qayamat.
The Emergence of Imam Mahdi.
One of the first major signs will be the arrival of Imam Mahdi, a righteous leader who will restore justice in the world.
The Appearance of the Dajjal (Antichrist)
The Dajjal will be a false messiah, misleading many with his powers, and creating chaos before being defeated by Prophet Isa (Jesus).
The Return of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him)
Prophet Isa will descend from the heavens and kill the Dajjal, marking one of the final major events before the end of the world.
The Rising of the Sun from the West.
One of the most alarming signs will be the sun rising from the West, which will indicate that repentance will no longer be accepted.
Hadith Describing Major Signs of Qayamat.
The Arrival of Gog and Magog.
After the defeat of the Dajjal, another trial will emerge with the coming of Gog and Magog, who will spread destruction across the Earth.
The Three Major Earthquakes.
There will be three major earthquakes, each one more severe than the last, striking different parts of the world.
The Appearance of the Smoke.
A thick smoke will cover the sky, affecting both believers and non-believers, causing widespread panic.
The Great Fire in the Arabian Peninsula.
A massive fire will emerge from the Arabian Peninsula, driving people towards their final destiny.
The Role of the Quran in Describing Signs of Qayamat.
Relevant Quranic Verses on the Day of Judgment.
The Quran provides multiple verses detailing the signs of Qayamat, urging people to be mindful of the end.
Reference: “The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has split.” (Surah Al-Qamar, 54:1)
Warning Signs in the Quran for Humanity.
The Quran repeatedly reminds people that life is temporary and that everyone will be held accountable for their actions.
Conclusion.
The signs of Qayamat, as described in the Quran and Hadith, are clear indicators that the world will come to an end. While some signs are already manifesting, others are yet to appear. It is essential for believers to recognize these signs and prepare themselves spiritually for the Day of Judgment.
FAQs
How many minor signs have been fulfilled?
Many scholars believe that most of the minor signs have already occurred or are currently unfolding.
Are the major signs occurring simultaneously?
No, the major signs will occur in sequence, although some may overlap.
What is the significance of the Dajjal?
The Dajjal represents a significant trial for humanity, testing people's faith and belief.
Can we prevent the signs of Qayamat from happening?
The signs of Qayamat are predestined events and cannot be prevented, but individuals can prepare spiritually.
What is the relationship between the signs and current world events?
Many believe that current world events align with the signs mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, signaling the proximity of Qayamat.
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