This is a significant topic in Islamic theology, often categorized into the Minor Signs (many of which are believed to have already happened or are currently happening) and the Major Signs (which signal the immediate approach of the Day of Judgment).
Here is a breakdown of the signs of Qiyamah (The Day of Resurrection) based on traditional Islamic sources (Quran and Sunnah).
The Minor Signs (Al-Ashrat Al-Sughra)
Scholars generally agree that many minor signs have already occurred or are ongoing. These are often social, moral, and environmental changes.
1. The Disappearance of Knowledge and Appearance of Ignorance
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that religious knowledge would be taken away (through the death of scholars) and ignorance would prevail. People will take ignorant leaders who will be asked for rulings and will give verdicts without knowledge, going astray and leading others astray.
2. Widespread Immorality and Zina (Adultery/Fornication)
Open indecency will become common. The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that illicit sexual relations and the consumption of intoxicants (alcohol/drugs) will become widespread.
3. Trustworthiness will be Lost
Authority will be given to those who do not deserve it. When asked when the Hour would be, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “When authority is given to those who do not deserve it, then wait for the Hour.”
4. The Competition in Constructing Tall Buildings
A famous Hadith (Gabriel/Jibreel) mentions that one of the signs is when you see “barefoot, naked, destitute shepherds competing in constructing tall buildings.” This is often interpreted as the rapid urbanization seen in the Arabian Peninsula.
5. Time Will Pass Quickly
“The Hour will not be established until time passes rapidly, such that a year will be like a month, a month like a week, a week like a day, a day like an hour, and an hour like the burning of a braid of palm leaves.”
6. Frequent Earthquakes and Natural Disasters
There will be an increase in earthquakes and killing/bloodshed.
7. Disrespect Towards Parents
Children will treat their parents with disrespect, and a man will obey his wife but disobey his mother, and treat his friend kindly while shunning his father.
The Major Signs (Al-Ashrat Al-Kubra)
These are the ten major signs that will occur in succession, like beads falling from a broken necklace. They have not appeared yet, but once the first one occurs, the others will follow quickly.
1. The Appearance of Imam Mahdi
Though not explicitly mentioned in the list of “Ten Major Signs” in some narrations, the coming of the Mahdi (the Guided One) is the bridge between the minor and major signs. He will unite the Muslim Ummah and fill the earth with justice as it was filled with injustice.
2. The Emergence of the Dajjal (The Anti-Christ)
The False Messiah will appear, claiming to be God. He will perform great miracles to deceive people. It is the greatest tribulation humanity will face. He will travel the whole world except for Mecca and Medina.
3. The Descent of Jesus (Isa), son of Mary (AS)
Jesus will descend in Damascus, Syria. He will rally the believers, defeat and kill the Dajjal, and establish peace and justice on earth. He will break the cross and kill the swine (symbolizing the correction of previous distortions of his message).
4. Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog)
These are two tribes of people who are currently restrained behind a barrier. They will be released and will swarm the earth, consuming everything in their path. They will eventually be destroyed by divine intervention (a plague/worm sent by Allah).
5. Three Major Landslides
There will be three massive landslides (or sinkholes):
- One in the East.
- One in the West.
- One in the Arabian Peninsula.
6. The Smoke (Ad-Dukhan)
A massive cloud of smoke will cover the earth, causing suffering to the people for a period of time.
7. The Beast of the Earth (Dabbat al-Ard)
A beast will emerge from the ground and will speak to the people, marking the believers and the disbelievers.
8. The Rising of the Sun from the West
This is the final sign regarding repentance. Once the sun rises from the West instead of the East, the door of repentance (Tawbah) is closed. Belief acquired after this moment will not benefit a soul.
9. A Fire from Yemen
A massive fire will break out from the direction of Yemen, driving people to their place of gathering (the place of Judgment).
How Should a Believer Respond?
Knowing these signs is not meant to cause panic, but rather to encourage spiritual preparation.
- Focus on the Present: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “If the Hour (the day of Resurrection) is about to be established and one of you is holding a palm shoot, let him take advantage of even one second before the Hour is established to plant it.” This emphasizes continuing to do good deeds until the very last moment.
- Seek Knowledge: Understanding your deen protects you from the confusion of the Dajjal and false leaders.
- Memorize Surah Al-Kahf: The Prophet (PBUH) recommended memorizing the first ten (or last ten) verses of Surah Al-Kahf for protection against the Dajjal.
Onais is an Arabic language specialist who completed his Bachelor’s in Arabic from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree there. Having lived in the UAE for 17 years, he brings strong command of Middle Eastern Arabic dialects and focuses on practical, easy-to-understand Arabic language courses.
