Signs of the Day of Judgment: A Detailed Exploration with Quranic and Hadith References

 

The Day of Judgment, known as Yawm al-Qiyama, is one of the most significant beliefs in Islam. It is the day when all humans will be resurrected for judgment based on their deeds. The Quran and Hadith describe numerous signs that will occur before this ultimate event. These signs are divided into two categories: Minor Signs (As-Signs al-Sughra) and Major Signs (As-Signs al-Kubra). In this blog post, we will delve deeply into these signs, supported by references from the Quran and Hadith.

Introduction

 

The Day of Judgment is an inevitable event that will happen when the earth and heavens will be transformed, and every soul will be held accountable for its actions. According to the Quran, it is a moment when Allah will separate the righteous from the wicked. The signs that precede this day have been foretold in Islamic teachings, and they serve as a reminder to believers of the reality of the Hereafter.

Allah says in the Quran:

اقْتَرَبَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَانشَقَّ الْقَمَرُ

“The Hour has come near, and the moon has split.”
(Quran 54:1)

 

This verse hints at the proximity of the Day of Judgment. The splitting of the moon, as referenced in the Hadith and Quran, is one of the significant minor signs. It is said to be a miraculous event that took place during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but it also holds symbolic meaning for the coming of the final Hour.

The Minor Signs of the Day of Judgment

 

The minor signs are events or conditions that indicate the approach of the Day of Judgment but will not directly signal its arrival. These signs are spread out over time, and their occurrences are meant to warn and prepare the believers.

The Appearance of False Prophets

One of the most significant minor signs is the rise of false prophets and impostors. Many individuals will claim to be prophets, leading people astray.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَبْعَثَ ثَلَاثُونَ كَذَّابًا، كُلُّهُمْ يَزْعُمُ أَنَّهُ نَبِيٌّ، وَأَنَا خَاتَمُ النَّبِيِّينَ، لَا نَبِيَّ بَعْدِي

“The Hour will not be established until there have appeared thirty dajjals (liars) who will claim to be prophets. I am the last of the Prophets; there is no prophet after me.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)

Widespread Corruption and Immorality

Before the Day of Judgment, corruption will spread across the earth. There will be an increase in acts of immorality, including dishonesty, adultery, and violence.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

إِنَّ مِنْ أَشْرَاطِ السَّاعَةِ أَنْ يُرْفَعَ الْعِلْمُ، وَيَظْهَرَ الْجَهْلُ، وَيَفْشُوَ الزِّنَا، وَيَكْثُرَ الْقَتْلُ

“Among the signs of the Hour are the following: Knowledge will be taken away, ignorance will prevail, fornication will be rampant, and there will be a great deal of killing.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

The corruption will not just be physical but also spiritual, with people forgetting or ignoring the core teachings of Islam.

Prevalence of Materialism and Greed

Another minor sign is the rise of materialism and the decline of the value of spirituality. People will prioritize wealth over faith, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures will eclipse the pursuit of knowledge and piety.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned:

لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَكْثُرَ الْمَالُ وَيَفِيضَ

“The Hour will not come until wealth becomes abundant and overflowing.”
(Sahih Muslim)

 

The Spread of Knowledge and Literacy

Interestingly, while knowledge will be taken away in some ways, there will also be a significant increase in literacy and the spread of knowledge. Technology and science will develop rapidly, but true knowledge of faith will be lost.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَكْثُرَ الْعِلْمُ، وَتَقِلَّ الْحِكْمَةُ

“The Hour will not come until there is much knowledge and little wisdom.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

The Prevalence of Earthquakes

Natural disasters, especially earthquakes, will become more frequent as the Hour approaches. This is a clear sign, as noted in the Hadith:

لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى تَكْثُرَ الزَّلَازِلُ

“The Hour will not be established until there will be many earthquakes.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This sign has been particularly noticeable in modern times, where the frequency of natural disasters has increased.

The Spread of Pestilence and Disease

Another sign mentioned in Hadith is the increase in plagues and diseases. These widespread afflictions will affect large populations and cause suffering.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَكْثُرَ الْمَوْتُ الْوَبَاءِ

“The Hour will not be established until there will be frequent deaths due to plague.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

The Disappearance of Trustworthiness

As time progresses, trustworthiness will vanish. People will become dishonest in their dealings, and the quality of trust will diminish significantly.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

إِذَا ضُيِّعَتِ الْأَمَانَةُ فَانْتَظِرِ السَّاعَةَ

“When honesty is lost, wait for the Hour.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

People will no longer be trustworthy, and betrayal will become common.

The Rise of Female Dominance

Another sign is the increase in women’s dominance and their involvement in matters that were traditionally the domain of men. This includes women being in positions of power and influence.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

وَيَكُونَ نِسَاءٌ كَثِيرٌ، وَيَقِلُّ الرِّجَالُ، حَتَّى يَكُونَ لِخَمْسِينَ امْرَأَةً الْقَيِّمُ الْوَاحِدُ

“The Hour will not come until women outnumber men, and when that happens, there will be a lot of violence and evil.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This refers to the breakdown of societal norms and the rise of imbalances in gender roles.

Signs of the Day of Judgment

The Major Signs of the Day of Judgment

 

The major signs are more direct and will be clear indicators that the Day of Judgment is imminent. These events are often miraculous or earth-shattering in nature, and once they occur, the Hour will approach quickly.

 The Appearance of the Dajjal (Antichrist)

The Dajjal, a false messiah, is one of the most prominent and terrifying major signs. His appearance will be a test for all believers, as he will claim to be a divine figure and will have extraordinary powers to deceive people.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

يَخْرُجُ الدَّجَّالُ وَمَعَهُ مَآءٌ وَنَارٌ، فَأَمَّا الَّذِي يَرَاهُ ٱلنَّاسُ مَآءً فَنَارٌ تَحْرِيقٌ، وَأَمَّا الَّذِي يَرَاهُ ٱلنَّاسُ نَارًا فَمَآءٌ بَارِدٌ عَذْبٌ

“The Dajjal will appear with a great deal of deceit, performing miraculous feats to deceive the people.”
(Sahih Muslim)

The Dajjal’s reign will be short but devastating, and only those with true faith will be able to resist his temptations.

The Return of Prophet Isa (Jesus)

One of the most awaited events is the second coming of Prophet Isa (PBUH). He will descend from the heavens to defeat the Dajjal and establish justice and peace on earth. His return will be one of the final signs before the Hour.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

كَيْفَ أَنْتُمْ إِذَا نَزَلَ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ فِيكُمْ وَإِمَامُكُمْ مِّنْكُمْ

“How will you be when the son of Maryam (Jesus) descends among you, and he will judge people with fairness?”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Prophet Isa (PBUH) will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizyah tax. His reign will bring peace and prosperity before the final judgment.

The Appearance of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog)

Ya’juj and Ma’juj are two nations that will emerge from behind a barrier that Allah has locked away. They will cause widespread destruction and chaos, and their appearance is a clear sign of the approaching end times.

The Quran mentions:

حَتَّىٰ إِذَا فُتِحَتْ يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ وَهُمْ مِن كُلِّ حَدَبٍ يَنسِلُونَ

“Until, when Ya’juj and Ma’juj are let loose, and they swoop down from every mound.”
(Quran 21:96)

Their emergence will be one of the final and most catastrophic events before the Day of Judgment.

The Beast of the Earth (Dabbat al-Ard)

A beast will emerge from the earth, which will speak to people and mark the disbelievers with a sign on their faces. This creature will play a role in distinguishing the believers from the non-believers.

The Quran says:

وَإِذَا وَقَعَ الْقَوْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ أَخْرَجْنَا لَهُمْ دَابَّةً مِنَ الْأَرْضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمْ أَنَّ النَّاسَ كَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ

“And when the word of the punishment is fulfilled against them, We will bring forth for them a creature of the earth to speak to them…”
(Quran 27:82)

The Smoke

A thick smoke will cover the earth, affecting both the believers and the disbelievers. This will be a physical manifestation of the impending wrath of Allah.

The Quran mentions:

فَارْتَقِبْ يَوْمَ تَأْتِي السَّمَاءُ بِدُخَانٍ مُبِينٍ

“So watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke.”
(Quran 44:10)

This smoke will cause widespread suffering, and only the believers will be protected.

The Sun Rising from the West

One of the most extraordinary signs is that the sun will rise from the west. This event will mark the closure of the door of repentance. Once the sun rises from the west, no one will be able to repent, and the final judgment will be near.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ مِن مَّغْرِبِهَا، فَإِذَا رَآهُ النَّاسُ آمَنُوا جَمِيعًا، فَذَٰلِكَ لَا يَنْفَعُ نَفْسًا إِيمَانُهَا

“The Hour will not come until the sun rises from the west, and when people see it, they will believe, but that will be of no benefit to them.”
(Sahih Muslim)

The Great Earthquake

Before the final events of the Day of Judgment, a massive earthquake will occur, shaking the entire earth. This earthquake will be so powerful that it will cause widespread destruction.

The Quran states:

إِذَا زُلْزِلَتِ الْأَرْضُ زِلْزَالَهَا

“When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake.”
(Quran 99:1)

This earthquake will be one of the most dramatic signs of the Day of Judgment.

 

The Quran and Hadith extensively discuss the signs that will precede the Day of Judgment. These are divided into minor signs (which occur over time) and major signs (which signal the nearness of the Hour).

Preparing for the Day of Judgment

 

The belief in the Day of Judgment is not just theoretical; it has practical implications for how Muslims live their lives. It encourages self-accountability, humility, and constant striving for righteousness.

Practical Steps:

  • Repentance (Tawbah):

إِنَّاللَّهَيُحِبُّالتَّوَّابِينَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ

“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant.”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:222)

Regular repentance purifies the heart and prepares the soul for the Hereafter.

  • Fulfilling Obligations: Muslims are reminded to fulfill their duties, including prayer, fasting, charity, and treating others justly.
  • Remembering Death and the Afterlife: Regular contemplation of the transient nature of this world motivates believers to focus on their eternal abode.

Conclusion

 

The belief in the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah) is a central tenet of Islam, deeply rooted in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It serves as a reminder of life’s temporary nature and the reality of accountability before Allah. Muslims are called to reflect on their deeds and prepare for the inevitable meeting with their Creator.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the certainty of the Day of Judgment:

وَاتَّقُوايَوْمًاتُرْجَعُونَفِيهِإِلَىاللَّهِوَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ

“And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah.”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:281)

On this day, no one will be wronged, and every soul will receive the recompense of its actions. The scales of justice will weigh even the smallest of deeds:

فَمَنيَعْمَلْمِثْقَالَذَرَّةٍخَيْرًايَرَهُ∗وَمَنيَعْمَلْمِثْقَالَذَرَّةٍشَرًّايَرَهُفَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ * وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَهُ

“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”
— (Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7-8)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also stressed the importance of preparing for this day. He said:

اِتَّقِاللَّهَحَيْثُمَاكُنْتَاِتَّقِ اللَّهَ حَيْثُمَا كُنْتَ

“Fear Allah wherever you are.”
— (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 1987)

The signs of the Day of Judgment, as outlined in the Quran and Hadith, act as reminders for believers to strive for righteousness. From the minor signs, such as widespread ignorance, to the major signs, like the emergence of Dajjal and the descent of Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him), each signals the approach of this inevitable event.

As Muslims, our preparation lies in sincere repentance, fulfilling our obligations, and seeking Allah’s mercy. Ultimately, success is for those who heed Allah’s reminders and strive for His eternal reward:

فَمَنزُحْزِحَعَنِالنَّارِوَأُدْخِلَالْجَنَّةَفَقَدْفَازَفَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ

“So whoever is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he has attained success.”
— (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:185)

 

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Internal Resources and Services

 

External Resources

 

  • “For a comprehensive understanding of the Last Day in Islam, you can explore the detailed explanations on Al-Islam.org.”
  • “Accountability before Allah is a central theme in Islamic theology, as explained in this resource by Islamic Studies Online.“
  • “The major and minor signs of Qiyamah are elaborated in detail in this article from SeekersGuidance.”
  • “Islamic eschatology contains profound predictions about the End Times, as explored in this analysis on Oxford Islamic Studies Online.“
  • “The role of Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) in the events preceding the Day of Judgment is extensively discussed on AboutIslam.net.“

 

 

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