The Smoke as a Sign of the Last Day

 

The Smoke (Arabic: الدخان) is one of the major signs of the Last Day in Islamic eschatology, specifically mentioned in the Quran and Hadith literature. It is considered one of the major signs of the impending Qiyamah (the Day of Judgment). The Smoke will appear at a time when people will have fallen into great confusion, and it will be a momentous event that will serve as both a warning and a means of purification for humanity. This phenomenon is not only mentioned in Islamic texts but also holds profound theological significance.

In this blog post, we will explore the detailed description of the Smoke, its significance in Islamic eschatology, and the role it plays in signaling the approach of the Day of Judgment. We will also provide both Quranic and Hadith references in Arabic along with their translations, to help understand the theological and eschatological importance of this sign.


What is the Smoke?

 

The Smoke is one of the prominent signs that will appear before the Day of Judgment. It is mentioned explicitly in the Quran, and several Hadith narrations provide further insight into its nature and effect. The Smoke will be a mysterious event that will affect the entire world, and it will be one of the first of the major signs of the end of times.

According to Islamic teachings, the Smoke will cover the earth and cause significant distress. Some scholars believe it will come as a result of a major calamity, such as a great fire or the eruption of a volcano. Others interpret it as a manifestation of divine wrath, marking the beginning of the final stages of human history.

The Quran mentions the Smoke in Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:10-11), where Allah (SWT) warns of the impending calamity that will engulf humanity.


Quranic References Regarding the Smoke

 

The Smoke is described in Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:10-11), which is a key passage that speaks of this sign. In this Surah, Allah (SWT) warns the disbelievers about the coming of a clear sign — the Smoke — that will afflict them.

Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:10-11)

Arabic:

فَارْتَقِبْ يَوْمَ تَأْتِي السَّمَاءُ بِدُخَانٍ مُّبِينٍ (١٠) يَغْشَى النَّاسَ هَذَا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ (١١)

Translation:

“Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke. Covering the people; this is a painful punishment.”

These verses describe the Smoke as a visible and tangible phenomenon that will cover the earth. The people will be affected by it, and it will cause great distress. The Smoke will be a clear sign of Allah’s power and the approach of the Day of Judgment. It is described as a painful punishment for the disbelievers, a reminder of the truth they ignored.

The verse highlights that the appearance of the Smoke is not a natural event, but one that is divinely ordained. It will be a moment when the people will experience the power of Allah and the consequences of their actions.


The Smoke as a Sign of the Last Day

The Nature of the Smoke

 

The Smoke will cover the sky, and it will affect the people in various ways. Some interpretations suggest that the Smoke will be a cloud or a mist that will obscure the sun and cast a shadow over the earth. People will be forced to breathe it in, causing them to suffer from suffocation and other physical symptoms. The Smoke will serve as a visible manifestation of Allah’s wrath, and its appearance will signal that the final days are at hand.

The Hadith literature further elaborates on the effects of the Smoke and its significance in the context of the end times. Several Hadith passages describe how it will impact both the believers and the disbelievers.


Hadith References Regarding the Smoke

 

There are various Hadith narrations that shed light on the appearance and impact of the Smoke. These narrations describe the Smoke as a manifestation of divine punishment for the disbelievers, but also a test and purification for the believers.

The Hadith of the Smoke from Sahih Muslim

One of the most significant Hadith regarding the Smoke comes from Sahih Muslim, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spoke about the event of the Smoke in the end times.

Arabic:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: “يَأْتِي الدُّخَانُ فَيَمْلَأُ مَا بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ.”
Translation:

Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The Smoke will come and fill everything between the heavens and the earth.”

This Hadith emphasizes the vastness and all-encompassing nature of the Smoke. It will cover the entire world, and no part of the earth will be free from its effect. The Prophet (PBUH) also mentioned that this event would serve as a reminder to all humanity of the nearness of Qiyamah.

The Hadith of the Impact of the Smoke on the Believers

In another narration, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described the Smoke’s impact on the people:

Arabic:

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: “فَأَمَّا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ فَسَيَصِيبُهُمْ مِّنْهُ فَسَحًا وَيَشْفَى بِهِ قُلُوبُهُمْ.”
Translation:

A’ishah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “As for the believers, they will be affected by it, but it will purify their hearts.”

This Hadith highlights the fact that the Smoke will not be a punishment for the believers in the same way it will be for the disbelievers. For the believers, it will serve as a purification, helping to cleanse their hearts and increase their faith in the face of trial.

The Hadith on the People’s Reaction to the Smoke

Another important narration describes how the people will react to the appearance of the Smoke.

Arabic:

عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: “قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: يَأْتِي الدُّخَانُ فَيَمْلَأُ مَا بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ، فَيَسْتَجِيبُهُ النَّاسُ فَيَقُولُونَ: يَا رَبِّ، إِنَّا نُؤْمِنُ بِهِ.”
Translation:

Umm Salamah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The Smoke will come and fill everything between the heavens and the earth, and the people will respond, saying: ‘O Lord, we believe in it.'”

This Hadith indicates that the appearance of the Smoke will lead to a widespread realization among the people of the truth of Allah’s signs. Many will respond with belief and repentance, recognizing the approaching of the end times.


The Significance of the Smoke in the Context of Qiyamah

 

The Smoke is a powerful symbol of the Day of Judgment and the inevitable end of the world. It serves as a clear sign from Allah (SWT) that the time for reckoning has arrived, and humanity must prepare for the ultimate judgment. The following points highlight the theological and eschatological significance of the Smoke:

A Sign of Divine Wrath

The Smoke is one of the major signs of Allah’s power and wrath. For the disbelievers, it will be a punishment and a reminder of their rejection of the truth. It will signal that the time for repentance is nearly over, and the Day of Judgment is at hand.

 A Test for the Believers

For the believers, the Smoke will serve as a test. It will be a trial that purifies their faith and strengthens their resolve. It will remind them of the ultimate purpose of life, to worship Allah (SWT) and prepare for the Qiyamah.

A Final Warning

The Smoke is a final warning to humanity. It will be a clear indication that the Day of Judgment is drawing near, and no one can escape the consequences of their actions. The appearance of the Smoke will remind people of their mortality and the importance of repentance and faith.


Conclusion

 

The Smoke is one of the major signs of the Last Day, heralding the nearness of the Day of Judgment. In both the Quran and Hadith, it is depicted as a powerful and all-encompassing phenomenon that will affect every living being on earth. For the disbelievers, it will be a severe punishment, a manifestation of Allah’s wrath. However, for the believers, it will serve as a purification of the soul, a reminder to renew their faith and remain steadfast in their worship of Allah.

This great sign reflects Allah’s sovereignty and power, as well as His mercy in purifying the hearts of the faithful. The appearance of the Smoke will leave no room for doubt that the end of time has arrived. As mentioned in the Quran in Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:10-11):

فَارْتَقِبْ يَوْمَ تَأْتِي السَّمَاءُ بِدُخَانٍ مُّبِينٍ (١٠) يَغْشَى النَّاسَ هَذَا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ (١١)
“Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke. Covering the people; this is a painful punishment.” (Quran 44:10-11)

This warning urges us to reflect on our deeds, repent, and prepare for the final reckoning. May we be among those who are purified through such signs and granted salvation on the Day of Judgment. Ameen.

 


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