Prophetic Hadiths About the Signs of Qiyamah

The concept of Qiyamah, or the Day of Judgment, is one of the fundamental beliefs in Islam. It represents the end of the world as we know it and the beginning of eternal life in the Hereafter. Both the Qur’an and the Hadith contain numerous verses and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) that describe the signs that will precede this momentous day. These signs act as warnings to the believers, urging them to remain pious and prepared for the final reckoning.

The signs of Qiyamah are divided into two categories: minor signs, which appear gradually over time, and major signs, which occur close to the final moments before the Day of Judgment. The minor signs have already begun to manifest in various forms, while the major signs will unfold in extraordinary and unmistakable ways.

This blog post delves into the Prophetic Hadiths about these signs, with both Qur’anic and Hadith references provided in Arabic alongside their English translations.


The Minor Signs of Qiyamah

 

The minor signs of Qiyamah are events that gradually unfold over time, pointing toward the inevitable arrival of the Final Hour. Many of these signs have already appeared, and we are witnessing them in today’s world.

The Spread of Ignorance and the Decline of Knowledge

One of the first signs that will appear before the Hour is the loss of knowledge and the spread of ignorance. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned that as the end of time approaches, religious knowledge will be taken away, and ignorance will prevail.

Hadith:

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ:
“إِنَّ مِنْ أَشْرَاطِ السَّاعَةِ أَنْ يُرْفَعَ الْعِلْمُ وَيَثْبُتَ الْجَهْلُ وَيُشْرَبَ الْخَمْرُ وَيَكْثُرَ الزِّنَا.”
رواه البخاري (80) ومسلم (2671)

Translation:
“Indeed, from the signs of the Hour is that knowledge will be taken away, ignorance will prevail, alcohol consumption will increase, and adultery will become widespread.”
(Sahih Bukhari 80, Sahih Muslim 2671)

This Hadith highlights the decline of religious knowledge and the increasing prevalence of ignorance. As time progresses, fewer people will have access to authentic Islamic knowledge, and falsehood will spread in its place. The Prophet also mentioned that alcohol and adultery would become widespread in society.


Widespread Killing and Bloodshed

 

Another sign of Qiyamah is the increase in violence and senseless killing. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) spoke of a time when killing would become rampant, and bloodshed would be a frequent occurrence.

Hadith:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ:
“لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَكْثُرَ الْهَرْجُ.” قِيلَ: وَمَا الْهَرْجُ؟ قَالَ: الْقَتْلُ.”
رواه مسلم (157)

Translation:
“The Hour will not be established until Harj increases.”
They asked, “What is Harj?”
He (ﷺ) replied, “Killing, killing!”

(Sahih Muslim 157)

In this Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) warns of a time when senseless killing will become so widespread that it will be almost impossible to stop. Harj refers to confusion and turmoil, but the Prophet (ﷺ) specified that it would primarily manifest as murder.


Prophetic Hadiths About the Signs of Qiyamah

The Spread of Immorality and Adultery

 

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also foretold that as Qiyamah approaches, moral values will decline, and adultery and fornication will become widespread. People will lose their sense of shame, and these immoral acts will become normalized.

Hadith:

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ:
“بَيْنَ يَدَيْ السَّاعَةِ ظُهُورُ الزِّنَا وَالرِّبَا.”
رواه الطبراني في المعجم الكبير (10352)

Translation:
“Before the Hour, adultery and interest (Riba) will become widespread.”
(Al-Tabarani, Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir 10352)

This Hadith emphasizes that two major immoral acts—adultery and the practice of usury (Riba)—will become common before the Day of Judgment. As these vices become more prevalent, the moral fabric of society will deteriorate.


The Love for Wealth and Materialism

 

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) spoke about how the love for wealth and materialism will dominate people’s hearts in the time leading up to Qiyamah. People will be so consumed by the desire for wealth that it will lead them to neglect their religious duties.

Hadith:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ:
“لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يُفَاضَ الْمَالُ فَضَّا حَتَّى يَكُونَ النَّاعِمُ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ قَتْلِ أَبِيهِ وَأُمِّهِ.”
رواه مسلم (104)

Translation:
“The Hour will not be established until wealth becomes abundant and overflowing, and people will compete in the acquisition of wealth.”
(Sahih Muslim 104)

As the love for wealth and material gain increases, people will become more selfish and less concerned with the needs of others. This competition for material success will overshadow the pursuit of righteousness and spirituality.


The Major Signs of Qiyamah

 

The major signs of Qiyamah are extraordinary events that will occur closer to the actual Day of Judgment. These signs will be unmistakable, and their appearance will signify that the end of the world is near.

The Appearance of Dajjal (The Antichrist)

 

One of the most significant major signs of Qiyamah is the appearance of Dajjal, the false messiah, who will deceive the masses and lead many astray. He will perform miraculous feats and claim to be a divine figure, but he will ultimately be a great trial for humanity.

Hadith:

عَنْ حُذَيْفَةَ بْنِ أُسَيْدٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ:
“إِنَّ الدَّجَّالَ خَارِجٌ لَا مَحَالَةَ، وَإِنَّهُ أَعْوَرُ عَيْنِهِ الْيُمْنَى.”
رواه مسلم (2933)

Translation:
“Indeed, the Dajjal will undoubtedly appear. He is blind in one eye, and between his eyes is written ‘Kafir (disbeliever).'”
(Sahih Muslim 2933)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described Dajjal as being blind in one eye and marked with the word “Kafir” written on his forehead. His appearance will be a major test for the believers, and only the sincere ones will be able to recognize and avoid his deception.


The Return of Prophet Isa (AS)

 

After the emergence of Dajjal, Prophet Isa (AS) will descend from the heavens to defeat the Antichrist and restore justice. He will follow the teachings of Islam and establish peace before the final events of Qiyamah.

Hadith:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ:
“وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، لَيُوشِكَنَّ أَنْ يَنْزِلَ فِيكُمْ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ، حَكَمًا عَدْلًا، فَيَكْسِرَ الصَّلِيبَ وَيَقْتُلَ الْخِنزِيرَ.”
رواه البخاري (3449) ومسلم (155)

Translation:
“By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, soon the son of Maryam (Isa) will descend among you as a just ruler. He will break the cross and kill the pig.”
(Sahih Bukhari 3449, Sahih Muslim 155)

The return of Isa (AS) will mark the defeat of Dajjal, the destruction of falsehood, and the establishment of peace and justice on Earth. Isa (AS) will lead the people to follow the true faith of Islam and correct any distortions that have occurred over time.


The Rising of the Sun from the West

 

One of the most miraculous signs of Qiyamah will be the rising of the sun from the west instead of the east. This event will be a clear indication that the doors of repentance are now closed, and no one will be able to change their fate.

Hadith:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ:
“لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ مِنْ مَغْرِبِهَا.”
رواه البخاري (4635) ومسلم (157)

Translation:
“The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from the west.”
(Sahih Bukhari 4635, Sahih Muslim 157)

This event will signify the end of opportunities for repentance, as the sun rising from the west will be an irreversible change in the natural order. It will be one of the final signs before the end of the world.


Conclusion

 

The signs of Qiyamah, both minor and major, serve as reminders for all believers of the inevitable reality of the Day of Judgment. These signs, as foretold by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), are meant to encourage us to remain vigilant, pious, and prepared for the Hereafter. The minor signs, such as the rise of ignorance, moral decay, and the pursuit of material wealth, are increasingly evident in today’s world, signaling that we are living in a time of great trials and challenges.

The major signs, such as the appearance of Dajjal (the Antichrist), the return of Prophet Isa (AS), and the rising of the sun from the west, will be unmistakable and miraculous, signaling the final moments before the Day of Judgment. These events will mark the ultimate reckoning, where every soul will be judged for their deeds.

As we witness these signs unfold, it is essential for us to turn back to Allah (SWT) in repentance, strengthen our faith, and lead lives of righteousness and compassion. The signs of Qiyamah are not only warnings, but also an invitation to reflect on our purpose in life and our relationship with Allah. May we all be among those who are prepared for the Hereafter, remaining firm in our faith until the very end. Ameen.

 


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