The Great Trials Before the End of Time

The Great Trials Before the End of Time: A Detailed Exploration in Islam

In Islam, the end of time is a profound concept that revolves around a series of major events, trials, and transformations, ultimately leading to the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah). These events, known as “The Great Trials” (الفتن الكبرى), are believed to be tests from Allah (SWT) for humanity. They include the emergence of dangerous figures, cosmic upheavals, and trials that will test the faith and endurance of Muslims, shaking the foundations of society, individual beliefs, and moral principles.

This blog post delves deeply into the trials and tribulations foretold in the Quran and Hadith, offering a detailed analysis of the great tests that will precede the Day of Judgment. These trials include the rise of the Dajjal (The Antichrist), the appearance of the Mahdi, the descent of Isa (AS) (Jesus), the Beast of the Earth, the Smoke, and other major signs. We will provide both Quranic verses and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) in their original Arabic form with English translations, exploring their significance in shaping Islamic eschatology.

The Concept of Trials in Islam

Before delving into the specifics of the great trials, it’s important to understand the concept of trials in Islam. In Islam, life is viewed as a test. Allah tests the believers in different ways, whether through hardship, prosperity, or the events of history. The ultimate trial is the fitnah (فتنة), or trial, that challenges one’s faith. These trials are a means to purify the soul, distinguish the righteous from the wicked, and bring individuals closer to Allah.

In the Quran, Allah says:

Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69):
Arabic:
وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Translation:
“And those who strive for Us, We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”

The great trials of the end times will be a means through which the believers will be tested in their faith, and only those who remain steadfast in their belief will succeed.

The Great Trials Before the End of Time

The Emergence of the Dajjal (The Antichrist)

The Dajjal is perhaps the most terrifying trial before the end of time. He is a false messiah, a deceiver who will appear before the Day of Judgment, claiming to be God. His appearance is a major sign of the approach of the end times, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned extensively about him. The Dajjal will cause widespread chaos and destruction, and he will be a test of faith for those who encounter him.

Hadith:
عن عبد الله بن عمر رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “ما من نبي إلا وقد حذر قومه الدجال، وأنا أحذركموه. إنه أعور، وإن الله ليس بأعور، وإنه ياتي معه مثل الجنة والنار، فما تراه ناراً فهي الجنة، وما تراه جنة فهي النار.”
Translation:
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “There is no prophet who has not warned his people about the Dajjal, and I am warning you about him. He is one-eyed, and Allah is not one-eyed. He will come with what looks like Paradise and Hell, but what you perceive as Hell is actually Paradise, and what you perceive as Paradise is actually Hell.”

The Dajjal’s trial will be immense. He will lead people astray, offering false promises of paradise, while in reality, he will be leading them toward destruction. The believers will have to rely on their faith in Allah to recognize the truth and avoid falling for the Dajjal’s deceptions.

The Descent of Isa (AS) – Jesus

The return of Isa (AS) is another major sign before the end of time. According to Islamic belief, Isa (AS) was not crucified but was raised to the heavens by Allah. He will return in the final days to defeat the Dajjal and restore justice to the world. His descent will be a sign of hope for the believers and a definitive victory over evil.

Hadith:
عن النواس بن سمعان رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “كيف أنتم إذا نزل ابن مريم فيكم، وإمامكم منكم؟”
Translation:
An-Nawas ibn Sam’an (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “How will you be when the son of Mary (Isa) descends among you, and your leader is one of you?”

Isa (AS) will descend from the heavens and lead the Muslims in prayer, ruling according to the Quran and Sunnah. His return will signify the triumph of truth over falsehood.

The Emergence of the Beast of the Earth (Dabbat al-Ard)

The Beast of the Earth is another significant sign of the end times. According to the Hadith, this beast will emerge from the earth and speak to the people, marking them as either believers or disbelievers.

Hadith:
عن عبد الله بن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إن من أعظم الفتن التي تخرج في آخر الزمان: خروج الدابة. يمر الناس عليها فيقول: إنا مَرَّ بنا فتنة كذا وكذا، فيأتيهم العذاب.”
Translation:
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Among the greatest trials that will emerge in the last days is the coming of the Beast. People will pass by it and say: ‘We have passed through a trial such and such,’ and then they will be struck by punishment.”

This beast will be a clear sign for the people, marking the division between those who believe in Allah and those who reject Him.

The Smoke

Another significant trial before the end of time is the emergence of the Smoke (الدخان). This smoke will cover the earth, causing great distress and affliction. The exact nature of the smoke is unclear, but its arrival will be a terrifying sign of the impending Judgment.

Hadith:
عن حذيفة بن أسيد رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “الدخان الذي يخرج في آخر الزمان من أعظم الفتن.”
Translation:
Hudhayfah ibn Asid (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The smoke that will emerge in the end times is one of the greatest trials.”

The smoke will be a clear indication that the time of reckoning is near, and it will serve as a warning for people to repent and turn to Allah.

The Sun Rising from the West

Another major sign before the end of time is the Sun rising from the West. This event will signify that the door of repentance has been closed, and no one will be able to change their fate.

Hadith:
عن عبد الله بن عباس رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “لا تقوم الساعة حتى تطلع الشمس من مغربها.”
Translation:
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The Hour will not come until the sun rises from the west.”

This event will mark the closure of the opportunity for repentance, and after that, no one will be able to embrace Islam if they had not already done so.

The Role of the Mahdi

Before the great trials, a righteous figure known as the Mahdi will emerge. The Mahdi will lead the Muslims to a period of justice and peace, and he will prepare the world for the final battle against the Dajjal. His role is crucial in restoring the Islamic principles of justice before the final trials begin.

Hadith:
عن علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “المهدي منا أهل البيت، يصلح الله أمره في ليلة.”
Translation:
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The Mahdi is from us, the family of the house. Allah will rectify his affairs in one night.”

The Mahdi will be a divinely appointed leader who will restore righteousness and justice, preparing the way for the final events.

Conclusion

The great trials before the end of time, as described in the Quran and Hadith, are not just historical events but spiritual tests that will challenge the faith of Muslims worldwide. These trials include the appearance of the Dajjal, the descent of Isa (AS), the Mahdi, the Beast of the Earth, the Smoke, the Sun rising from the West, and many other signs that will precede the final judgment.

The trials are reminders for Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, to prepare for the inevitable Day of Judgment, and to remain aware of the signs that Allah has given us. The ultimate victory will belong to those who remain patient, steadfast, and faithful to Allah, and they will be rewarded with eternal Paradise.

May Allah protect us from the trials of the end of times and grant us the strength to remain firm in our faith.