End Times & Eschatology

Major Signs of the Day of Judgment

Major Signs of the Day of Judgment in Islam

Introduction

Introduction
Imagine knowing that the end of the world will be preceded by clear warning signs. In Islam, the Day of Judgment (Arabic: Yawm al-Qiyāmah) is the promised day when every soul will be held accountable for its deeds. It is a central tenet of Islamic faith—so central that believing in the Last Day is one of the six pillars of faith for Muslims. While no one knows the exact timing of the Hour except Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described various signs that would occur as the final era of earth approaches. These signs serve as alerts and merciful warnings, preparing humanity for the tremendous event of resurrection and judgment. They also highlight the truth and beauty of Islam: that our world has a purpose, history moves towards justice, and God’s plan will unfold in wise stages.

Islamic teachings divide the signs of the Day of Judgment into minor signs and major signs. Minor signs include more ordinary events or trends (many of which have already occurred over the centuries, such as moral decline, social upheavals, and the spread of certain vices). In contrast, the major signs are extraordinary, cosmic, and supernatural events that will happen near the end of time. Once these major signs begin, the final Hour is almost at hand. Below, we will list all the major signs of the Day of Judgment as taught in Islam, along with explanations and insights into each. These events are drawn from authentic Islamic sources and have been discussed by scholars for generations.

The Major Signs of the Day of Judgment

According to authentic hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad), there are ten major signs that will occur in the lead-up to the Day of Judgment. In Islamic eschatology (end-times theology), a renowned narration by the Prophet lists these ten dramatic events. Additionally, Islamic scholars often include the advent of a righteous leader called the Mahdi as part of the end-times timeline (the Mahdi’s appearance is not explicitly in the famous “ten signs” hadith, but is affirmed by numerous other reliable hadiths). Here are the major signs in roughly the order Muslims expect them to unfold:

  1. The Appearance of the Mahdi (Guided Leader): A pious leader named Al-Mahdi (meaning “the guided one”) will emerge to restore justice at a time when the world is filled with oppression. He will be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (from the Prophet’s daughter Fatimah’s lineage) and will share the Prophet’s name (Muhammad ibn Abdullah). The Mahdi will unite the Muslim community (ummah) and lead them, preparing the stage for the events to follow. Under his leadership, the earth will be filled with justice and equity after having been corrupted by tyranny. He will rule for a few years, during which peace and prosperity will increase. In tradition, the Mahdi’s appearance is a major event before the final Hour, although it is sometimes categorized separately from the “ten major signs.” His coming is supported by authentic narrations (such as in Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami` at-Tirmidhi) that describe him as a just ruler who will “fill the earth with justice as it was filled with injustice.” Muslims are advised that if they encounter the Mahdi in their lifetime, they should pledge allegiance to him. Importantly, scholars warn Muslims not to be deceived by false claimants; throughout history, a few individuals have falsely claimed to be the Mahdi, but their deceit became clear when they failed to meet the prophetic criteria. The true Mahdi will be unmistakably recognized by the scholars and believers when he appears, by his character and the circumstances of his emergence.

  2. The Emergence of the False Messiah (Al-Masīḥ ad-Dajjāl): One of the first of the true major signs will be the rise of al-Masih ad-Dajjal, often called the Dajjal or Antichrist. “Dajjal” in Arabic means a great deceiver or liar. The Dajjal is a specific man whom the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described in detail: he will claim to be the Messiah and then claim divinity, performing astonishing miracles to mislead people. He is blind in one eye (one eye will be defective), and the word "kafir" (unbeliever) will be miraculously written on his forehead, readable by literate believers. The Dajjal’s emergence will be a colossal trial (fitnah) for humanity. He will travel the whole world in a short time, spreading corruption. By God’s permission, he will work apparent wonders – like bringing rain to drought lands and even resurrecting a semblance of the dead – to deceive people into worshipping him. Many will be fooled by his powers and false promises of paradise and plenty, especially in times of chaos and famine. However, the faithful Muslims will recognize him and resist, knowing from the Prophet’s warnings that he is the ultimate liar. Protecting oneself from Dajjal is so important that Prophet Muhammad taught believers to recite certain Quranic verses (especially the first and last ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf) and to pray for safety from this trial. The Dajjal will lay siege to the believers, and his reign of deception will last for forty days (the first day will feel as long as a year, the second as a month, the third as a week, and the rest normal days, according to one hadith). Just when the Dajjal seems nearly unstoppable in spreading evil, the next great sign will occur.

  3. The Second Coming of Prophet Jesus (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam): In a remarkable intersection of Islamic and Christian belief, Islam teaches that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) will return to Earth as one of the major signs of the Hour. Muslims believe Jesus was a noble prophet who was not crucified but was raised up to the heavens by God, and that he will come back near the end of time. According to authentic hadith, Jesus will descend from the heavens to Earth, arriving in the midst of the Muslim community. Descriptions say he will descend in the eastern part of Damascus, Syria, wearing two garments lightly dyed in saffron, with his hands resting on the wings of two angels. When he breathes, every disbeliever who catches his breath will die, and his breath will reach as far as he can see. Prophet Jesus’s return will bring an end to the reign of the Dajjal: Jesus will seek out the Dajjal and finally kill him, at a place near Jerusalem (by the gate of Ludd, according to hadith). After defeating the false messiah, Jesus will refuse any claim of divinity and will affirm the true message of worshiping the One God. He will break the symbols of falsehood – for example, “he will break the cross and kill the swine,” as the Prophet Muhammad described, symbolically ending the false beliefs about him that developed after his departure. In Islamic tradition, Jesus will then serve as a just leader, following the law of Islam (Shariah), and there will be an era of peace and justice on earth. All the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) who are present will recognize the truth and honor Jesus’s true status as a servant of God. During this time, wealth will be abundant and harmony will prevail. Jesus’s presence is a tremendous mercy; he will also perform the Hajj pilgrimage and eventually pass away after a period of just rule, to be buried in Medina. The return of Jesus is explicitly mentioned in the Quran and hadith as a sign of the Hour, underscoring Islam’s respect and love for Jesus as well as the fulfillment of God’s promises.

  4. The Release of Gog and Magog (Yaʾjūj wa Maʾjūj): Shortly after the defeat of Dajjal, another major sign will unfold: the coming of Gog and Magog (Ya’juj and Ma’juj). Ya’juj and Ma’juj are presented in Islamic sources as two wild nations or tribes of people (sometimes depicted as barbaric hordes) that have been imprisoned behind a barrier for millennia. The Quran (Surah Al-Kahf 18:94–99) describes how a great righteous king of the past, named Dhul-Qarnayn, built a massive wall of iron and copper to contain these violent tribes and prevent them from ravaging the lands. In the end times, that barrier will finally collapse when God wills, and Ya’juj and Ma’juj will be let loose upon the earth. They will swarm from every direction in overwhelming numbers, causing destruction and consuming resources. The appearance of Gog and Magog will be a devastating trial after the world had just experienced a short peace under Jesus. Even Prophet Jesus and the believers with him will find themselves in difficulty: Islamic narrations say that Gog and Magog will be so numerous and aggressive that Jesus and his followers will take refuge on a mountain (usually identified as Mount Tur) for safety. Jesus will pray fervently to Allah for relief. In response to his prayers, God will send a miraculous pestilence (some narrations say small worms or insects) that will infect Gog and Magog, causing them to perish en masse overnight by God’s power. Their bodies will then clutter the earth, and God will send birds to carry away their corpses and rain to cleanse the land. With Gog and Magog gone, humanity will be saved from their terror. The Quran alludes to this event, and a hadith in Sahih Muslim describes that when Gog and Magog are released, “they will swarm down from every hill,” and their emergence will signal that the true promise of the Last Hour is very near. This event demonstrates that no human evil, however great, can overcome divine power. After their downfall, peace and justice will continue under Jesus’s leadership for as long as God wills.

  5. Three Great Land Subsidence (Earthquakes/ Landslides): Another set of major signs consists of three catastrophic land cavings (sinkings of the earth) that will occur in different parts of the world. These are massive earthquakes or land collapse events in which the ground will split and swallow up everything above it. According to the Prophet’s narrations, one huge landslide will happen in the East, one in the West, and one in the Arabian Peninsula. The exact locations are not specified beyond those general regions, but the scale of these events will be unprecedented. Such land swallowings are interpreted literally by mainstream scholars – essentially giant sinkholes or shifts of the earth’s crust that cause entire areas to cave in. These disasters will likely correspond to great chaos and fear among the people who witness them. Historically, there have been local earthquakes and landslides, but these three are understood to be unique, massive, and direct signs from Allah heralding the approach of the final Hour. They may occur as part of the final sequence of events after the time of Jesus. The inclusion of these three land collapses among the major signs shows that the end of days will affect the entire world. No region will be untouched by the extraordinary changes. Believers see these events as further proof of God’s control over nature – the very ground beneath our feet is at His command. When these strikes happen, they will be an unmistakable warning that the world as we know it is drawing to a close.

  6. The Smoke (Ad-Dukhān): One of the major signs mentioned in both the Quran and hadith is a great smoke that will envelop the earth. The Quran directly references this event in Surah Ad-Dukhān (Chapter 44), where Allah says to watch for “the Day when the sky will bring forth a visible smoke” that will cover the people as a painful punishment for the wicked. This smoke or haze will be a global phenomenon, filling the atmosphere and causing suffering (some descriptions say it will lead to respiratory distress like a severe cough or cold, especially affecting disbelievers). According to some explanations from companions of the Prophet, this smoke might last for a period (forty days is mentioned in certain reports) and will be incredibly dense. There are varying scholarly opinions on whether this smoke is entirely a future event or if a minor fulfillment occurred historically (for example, some companions thought a famine in the Prophet’s time that caused a kind of smoky haze of hunger was an early preview of this sign). However, the dominant view is that a literal, worldwide smoke is an end-time event yet to come. It will serve as a severe warning and torment for those who persist in disbelief, while believers will be affected more mildly (like catching a common cold, as some hadith commentaries note). The smoke signifies that normal life is being disrupted on a global scale by God’s decree. It reminds humanity of its fragility and the approach of something far greater. When this smoky veil shrouds the world, it will be a dire sign that the final countdown to Judgment has begun.

  7. The Beast of the Earth (Dābbat al-Arḍ): Another astonishing major sign is the emergence of the Beast from the Earth. The Quran mentions this creature in Surah An-Naml (27:82): “And when the Word (of doom) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out for them a beast from the earth that will speak to them...” According to hadith and classical commentaries, this Beast (Arabic: Dābba) will be a unique creature, unlike any seen before. It will appear at a time when people have abandoned the true teachings and are steeped in corruption. The Beast will talk to humanity – communicating that people did not have certainty in God’s signs. In Islamic tradition, the Beast has a special mission: it will mark people as believers or disbelievers. Some narrations say it will carry the staff of Prophet Moses and the seal of Prophet Solomon. With these, it will mark the faces of people: drawing a bright line on the believer’s face, and a dark mark on the disbeliever’s face, so that people are clearly distinguished. Thus, society will literally become split between good and evil with an obvious sign on each person. There are many fascinating interpretations about what the Beast might be, but scholars generally take it as a real, physical creature as described, whose exact nature is known best to Allah. It is sometimes said to be very large or strange in appearance, combining features of different animals, but we do not have an exact description from the Prophet, so much of that detail is speculative. What matters is the Beast’s role: it is a final, undeniable warning to mankind. When it appears, the opportunity for repentance is basically over (as it directly confronts people with the reality of faith and disbelief). The Beast of the Earth is a manifestation of Allah’s power – making even the animals or supernatural creatures testify to the truth when humans have failed to do so. Its emergence is a clear proof that the end of the world is at hand, and it will leave a lasting impact on the people of that era.

  8. The Sun Rising from the West: Perhaps one of the most dramatic cosmic signs is the reversal of the sunrise. Islam teaches that a day will come when the sun will rise from the place it normally sets (the west). In other words, the rotation of the earth (or the motion of the sun relative to Earth’s perspective) will reverse by Allah’s command. This is utterly extraordinary – day will suddenly come from the wrong direction! The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that when the sun rises from the west, the door of repentance will be closed. This ties to a verse in the Quran (Surah Al-An‘ām 6:158) which says that on the day when certain major signs of the Lord arrive, believing then will not benefit a soul that did not believe beforehand. The meaning is that once the sun rises from the west, it will be such a clear, final proof of the truth that “late belief” at that point is not accepted – the time for choosing faith of one’s own volition will have passed. Everyone will believe out of shock, but that forced recognition is too late. From a modern scientific standpoint, the idea of the sun reversing course might sound impossible, but to believers, it is entirely within Allah’s power to change the order of the cosmos as a sign. Some have theorized that it could involve a reversal of the Earth’s rotation or a pole shift. However it occurs, it will be obvious to all. This sign will likely occur toward the very end of the end-times sequence. It signifies that the world’s normal order has irreversibly changed. The spiritual lesson behind this sign is profound: it urges people to repent and believe before such a startling event happens. Once you actually see a major cosmic sign like this, it’s too late to turn back to God on that day. Thus, Muslims are taught to never delay repentance, since no one knows when their life might end – or when these major signs might suddenly occur.

  9. The Spreading Fire that Gathers People: The last of the major signs mentioned in the hadith is a massive fire that will erupt from the region of Yemen and spread across the land. This fire is not an ordinary wildfire; it is a divinely caused blaze that will move in a controlled way, herding and driving people forward. The prophetic narrations explain that this fire will emerge shortly before the Day of Judgment and will drive people to their final gathering place. In some hadiths it says the fire will gather people to the land of Ash-Sham (the Levant, generally understood as Syria area) or just generally corral humanity towards the area where the resurrection is said to occur. The fire will likely force people out of their homes, as it moves slowly like a long sweeping wave. It is described as resting at night and moving by day, giving people time to flee, almost as if it has an order to guide rather than burn everyone. Those who lag behind might be engulfed or urged on by it. The concept of this fire shows that by the very end, the remaining people on earth (by this time, likely only the worst of humanity are left, since other narrations say that a gentle wind will have taken the souls of all believers before the final Hour strikes) will be corralled to face the coming judgment. This great fire is effectively the final sign that directly ushers in the Day of Resurrection. Once this sign occurs, the next event is the blowing of the Trumpet by the Angel Israfil to announce the end of the world – at which point all living things will perish, and then a second blowing will resurrect everyone for Judgment. The fire from Yemen is a powerful image that reminds humanity that running from God’s decree is impossible – in the end, everyone will be driven to the meeting with their Lord. It underscores that the world will not just quietly fade out; rather, there will be startling signs and a direct, dramatic conclusion to human history as we know it.

These major signs will not be scattered randomly across centuries; rather, they will unfold in quick succession once they begin. In fact, some Islamic narrations liken them to beads falling off a string – one event will follow immediately after the other. While the exact sequence of some of these signs is not rigidly given in the Quran or hadith, scholars have derived a likely order from various texts. Generally, scholars believe the emergence of the Mahdi will be the first of the big events, soon followed by the Dajjal’s appearance. The Dajjal will then be killed by Jesus after Jesus returns. Then in the time of Jesus, Gog and Magog will be released and destroyed. After that, the remaining signs (like the landslides, smoke, beast, sun rising, and the fire) will occur in some order, culminating in the fire that directly leads to the Hour. What’s crucial is that once the first major sign appears, the rest will come like dominos. As Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned, the Hour will come suddenly upon people; once these portents are in motion, there will be little respite. This dramatic series of events serves to jolt humanity and make clear that the worldly life is about to end. In the next sections, we will provide some of the Quranic verses and Prophetic hadith that reference these major signs, and then discuss scholarly commentary and the wisdom behind these prophecies.

Quranic Verses About the Major Signs

The Quran, Islam’s holy book, makes several references to signs that precede or signal the approach of the Day of Judgment. While the Quran does not list all ten major signs in one place, it does explicitly mention a few of them and alludes to others. Here are some relevant Quranic verses that scholars commonly cite about the major signs of the Last Day:

“And indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.” – Quran 43:61
(Comment: This verse indicates that Prophet Jesus (Isa), who is revered in Islam, shall be a sign of the Hour. Muslims interpret this as a reference to his second coming before the Day of Judgment.)*

“So watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke. It will cover the people; this will be a painful torment.” – Quran 44:10–11
(Comment: Here Allah warns of a “smoke” that will fill the sky as a sign of the approaching doom for evildoers. This corresponds to the major sign of the smoky haze that will envelop Earth.)*

“And when the Word [of judgment] is fulfilled against them, We will bring forth for them a creature from the earth that will speak to them, because mankind had not believed with certainty in Our signs.” – Quran 27:82
(Comment: This verse foretells the Beast from the Earth, which will speak to people. It directly affirms that such a creature will appear when the time of judgment is near, addressing humanity’s lack of faith.)*

“Until when [the dam of] Gog and Magog has been opened and they, from every elevation, descend swiftly. And [when] the true promise has drawn near, then behold, the eyes of those who disbelieved will be staring [in horror, and they will say], ‘Oh, woe to us; we were indeed heedless of this – nay, we were wrongdoers!’” – Quran 21:96–97
(Comment: These verses refer to Gog and Magog (Ya’juj wa Ma’juj) being let loose, swarming from every hill, and signal that the true promise of the Hour is very close. The disbelievers at that time will realize, too late, how neglectful they were of Allah’s warnings.)*

Through these and other verses, the Quran ties certain future events to the coming of the Hour. It underlines that once the final signs appear (like the Beast or the release of Gog and Magog), the “true promise” – the Day of Judgment – is imminent. Notably, the Quran also emphasizes that once some of these signs occur, believing then out of desperation will not save a person who previously rejected faith. The window for repentance will have closed. Thus, the Quranic message about the signs is both a prophecy and a stark moral reminder: heed guidance now, before such overwhelming signs arrive. For Muslims, seeing how the Quran foretold these events 1400 years ago is itself a powerful affirmation of the truth of Islam and the wisdom of Allah’s plan.

Prophetic Hadith About the Major Signs

The sayings of Prophet Muhammad (hadith) give us the most detailed information about the major signs of the Day of Judgment. One famous hadith in particular, narrated by the companion Hudhayfah ibn Asid, outlines the ten major signs in one narration. This hadith is found in the Sahih Muslim collection, among others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) listed the signs in response to his companions’ question about the Hour:

Hudhayfah ibn Asid reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to us while we were discussing (something). He said, “What are you talking about?” We said, “We are mentioning the Last Hour.” He said: “Indeed, it will not come until you see ten signs before it.” Then he mentioned: the Smoke, the Antichrist (Dajjāl), the Beast [of the Earth], the sun rising from its place of setting (the West), the descent of Jesus son of Mary, Gog and Magog, and three land-slides – one in the East, one in the West, and one in the Arabian Peninsula – and at the end of that a fire which will emerge from Yemen and drive the people to their gathering place.” (Sahih Muslim 2901)

In this remarkable narration, the Prophet Muhammad enumerated ten distinct events to watch for: (1) the smoke, (2) the Dajjal (false messiah), (3) the beast, (4) the sun rising from the west, (5) the return of Jesus, (6) Gog and Magog, (7) a land sinking in the East, (8) a land sinking in the West, (9) a land sinking in Arabia, and (10) the fire that gathers people. These correspond exactly to the major signs we listed and described in the previous section (note that the three land subsidence are counted separately in the hadith, which is why they make the total reach ten). Other authentic hadiths also confirm or add details about each of these signs. For example:

These prophetic statements have been carefully preserved in tradition. They form a crucial part of Islamic teachings about the future and are frequently taught in books of creed (aqeedah) and hadith commentary. Muslims, regardless of school of thought, consider these major signs as matters of genuine belief. In fact, classical scholars made a point to include affirmation of the major signs in creedal texts. For example, Imam al-Tahawi (3rd century AH, a renowned Hanafi scholar) wrote in his famous creed that we believe in the signs of the Hour, such as the emergence of the Dajjal and the descent of Jesus son of Mary. This highlights that accepting the reality of these prophecies is part of orthodox faith.

Classical and Contemporary Scholarly Commentary

Throughout Islamic history, scholars from all four schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) have discussed the signs of the Day of Judgment in detail. There is a broad consensus among scholars about the major signs: all of these events are accepted as true, based on the Quran and authentic hadith. There is no significant disagreement between the four schools on these matters, since they pertain to beliefs (ʿaqīdah) rather than legal rulings, and the source texts are clear. While jurists of each school focused on law, their underlying creed regarding end-times remained the same within Ahlus-Sunnah ( Islam). Thus, a Hanafi scholar in India, a Maliki scholar in West Africa, a Shafi’i scholar in Syria, or a Hanbali scholar in Arabia would all teach about the Mahdi, the Dajjal, the return of Jesus, etc., in very similar ways.

Classical scholars have provided rich commentary on these signs. For instance, Imam Nawawi (a 13th-century Shafi’i scholar) in his commentary on Sahih Muslim affirms that the ten major signs will appear closely one after another. He explains that the exact chronological order of some signs isn’t definitively known except for certain sequences given by the Prophet (like Dajjal before Jesus, and Jesus before Gog & Magog). Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalani (15th-century Shafi’i, famous for his commentary on Sahih Bukhari) similarly discusses these signs when they appear in hadith texts, taking them as literal future events. He even tackled questions like what the Beast might do or how the sun rising from the west will affect daily prayer times, etc., indicating scholars thought carefully about the implications of these events. Imam Ibn Kathir (a 14th-century Shafi’i scholar and historian) compiled an extensive book on end-times (Al-Bidāya wal-Nihāya, specifically the section often translated as “The Book of The End”), gathering all prophetic narrations about the last days. In his work, he describes each major sign and sometimes ventures to order them or reconcile different reports. He, like most, includes the Mahdi’s era as part of the unfolding end-times scenario.

Importantly, these classical scholars stressed that belief in these signs is obligatory because they are established by authentic texts. Denying them deliberately would be seen as contradicting the Prophet’s teachings. However, scholars have also been careful to avoid excessive speculation. They relay what is in the sources but often refrain from over-analyzing exactly how these events will occur physically. The attitude is one of “Allah knows best how and when” – Muslims simply trust that if God’s Messenger said it, it will happen, even if the exact nature is beyond current human understanding.

When it comes to the four schools of jurisprudence, since these are primarily concerned with practical law (fiqh), they don’t have differences on the end-time signs. All four schools’ theologians and imams (including Imams Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi’i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal) affirmed the coming of these signs. In fact, Imam Abu Hanifa is reported to have included belief in the Dajjal, the return of Jesus, and other signs as part of the required Muslim beliefs. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s own compiled creed (Usul al-Sunnah) mentions belief in the portents of the Hour as well. So, Islam across the board embraces these prophecies. Where one might find differences is not in acceptance of the signs, but occasionally in interpretation of minor details or sequence. For example, some scholars debated whether the conquest of Constantinople mentioned in some hadith refers to a historical event that already happened (1453 CE by the Ottomans) or a future event during the Mahdi’s time – but they all agree it was prophesied by the Prophet. Similarly, a few scholars have discussed whether the “smoke” might have had an initial fulfillment in the past (during the Prophet’s lifetime, when a famine hit the Quraysh causing a smokey haze of hunger) in addition to the major fulfillment in the future. These discussions don’t negate the overall occurrence of the sign; they just explore its full meaning.

Modern scholars continue to uphold the major signs and often give talks or write books to explain them to contemporary Muslims. They face the task of relating these ancient prophecies to the modern mindset. Many 20th and 21st century scholars, such as Shaykh Muhammad al-Salih al-‘Uthaymin, Shaykh Abdul Aziz ibn Baz, Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Dr. Yasir Qadhi, Mufti Ismail Menk, and others, have taught about the end times. They largely echo classical understandings, emphasizing that these events will indeed happen as foretold. For example, Shaykh al-‘Uthaymin (a prominent 20th-century scholar) was asked about the order of the major signs, and he explained that some order is known (like Dajjal then Jesus then Gog & Magog) and for others we rely on Allah’s wisdom, but what truly matters is that when they start, the Hour is very near. Modern scholars also address modern doubts: some Muslims influenced by materialism question how such miraculous events can occur. Scholars respond by reminding that believing in the unseen is part of faith, and that one cannot pick and choose which parts of the Prophet’s teachings to accept. They also sometimes point out that technological or societal changes make it easier to imagine how certain prophecies could come to pass. For instance, the worldwide influence of a deceiver like Dajjal or a global smoke is easier to fathom in the age of instant communication and weapons of mass destruction than it might have been centuries ago. This shows the wisdom and enduring truth of the Prophet’s words.

Another point both classical and modern scholars make is caution against date-setting and obsession. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) explicitly told Muslims that the exact timing of the Hour is known only to Allah – even the Prophet himself did not know when the final hour will strike. Therefore, claiming that the end of the world will occur in a specific year or trying to calculate it from numerology is against Islamic teaching. Unfortunately, in history, some fringe individuals or sects tried to prematurely link current events to the major signs without clear evidence (for example, identifying a contemporary figure as the Dajjal or claiming someone is the Mahdi without the clear signs). Scholars advise the Muslim community not to fall for such claims and to stick to the criteria given in authentic hadith. A well-known historical case is that of the false Messiah claimant Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in the 19th century (who founded the Ahmadiyya sect) – mainstream scholars refuted his claims by pointing to the true descriptions of the Dajjal and Jesus’s return, which he obviously did not fulfill. Similarly, in recent memory (1979) a group of zealots in Saudi Arabia claimed their leader was the Mahdi and seized the Grand Mosque; they were proven wrong and defeated. These incidents underline why understanding the authentic signs is important: it protects people from being misled by false prophets or messianic figures.

Despite the occasional charlatans, the vast majority of scholarship treats the topic of end-times with a balance of belief and humility. They encourage studying the signs as a way to strengthen faith, not to incite panic. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi (a famous Maliki exegete, died 1273 CE) wrote in his Tadhkirah (Remembrance of the Affairs of the Dead and Doomsday) that knowing the signs of the Hour should make a believer more conscious of his/her deeds and not get complacent. Contemporary teachers echo that: the purpose of these prophecies is not for entertainment or wild speculation, but to warn and inspire us to be better people. The unanimous scholarly stance is that as incredible as these events sound, they will come to pass exactly as the Prophet described, and a Muslim should not doubt them. Rather, we should reflect on their meanings and ensure we are on the right side (faithful and obedient to God) when these events eventually occur.

Theological and Philosophical Reflections

Belief in the major signs of the Day of Judgment carries deep theological significance and even logical insight when seen through the lens of faith. It highlights several important aspects of the Islamic worldview:

In summary, the Islamic viewpoint on the major signs is supported by theological reasoning (God’s justice and power), by scriptural evidence (Quran and hadith), and by logical reflection (the accuracy of past prophecies, the need for ultimate justice). It weaves together faith and reason: a believer finds it completely rational to trust in these promises because they trust in God and have witnessed the truth of many of His Messenger’s words already. And even a skeptic can be invited to ponder how an uneducated man in the 7th century could so accurately predict certain societal changes and events – perhaps leading them to consider the divine source of his knowledge.

Implications for Muslims Today

Understanding the major signs of the Day of Judgment is not meant to be a mere academic exercise or a fantastical story – it carries practical implications for how a Muslim should live here and now. After learning all these prophecies, a believer might ask: “So what do I do with this knowledge?” Here are a few key takeaways for Muslims (and indeed anyone reflecting on these signs) in our present time:

In essence, knowing about the Day of Judgment’s major signs should make a Muslim more conscious of Allah, more ethically upright, and more focused on the hereafter without losing sight of duties in this world. It’s a reminder that this life is temporary and a test. Every day could be our last, or the last of someone we love, or even theoretically the beginning of the end-times events. That thought isn’t meant to paralyze us with fear, but to empower us to live meaningfully. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave practical advice in light of the end times: “If the Hour (Day of Judgment) is about to be established and one of you has a sapling in his hand, let him plant it.” This beautiful saying means that even if you knew the world was ending, still do good until the very last moment (plant a tree, a symbol of life and charity). A Muslim’s attitude is to always hope in Allah’s mercy, fear His punishment, and never assume that the time to do good is plentiful. We live every day as if it could be our last chance to seek Allah’s pleasure.

Conclusion

The major signs of the Day of Judgment, as taught in Islam, form a vivid and awe-inspiring panorama of the events that will unfold at the climax of human history. From the rise of the righteous Mahdi and the malignant Dajjal, to the heavenly return of Jesus and the earthly rampage of Gog and Magog, to the cosmic transformations like the sun’s reversal and the appearance of the extraordinary Beast – each sign is a testimony to the power and promise of Allah. This narrative showcases the truth of Islam by fulfilling prophecies and the beauty of Islam by assuring believers that justice and faith will ultimately triumph.

For Muslims today, these prophecies are not just distant tales; they are a call to action. They remind us that our lives and this world have a definite endpoint and purpose. Instead of breeding fear, knowing about the Day of Judgment’s signs should instill responsibility, hope, and vigilance. It should beautify our faith with trust in Allah’s plan and mercy. We learn that even in the darkest times, Allah will send guidance (like the Mahdi and Jesus) to lead people back, and that believers who hold onto the rope of Allah will be vindicated and saved from the worst tribulations.

Moreover, Islamic eschatology bonds us with a lineage of believers throughout time – just as ancient communities were tested and saw signs, the final community of humans will also witness signs. It creates a continuum of faith: the same God who aided Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad will aid the believers at the end of days. This continuity and the inclusion of Jesus in the end-times scenario highlight Islam’s encompassing nature, affirming all prophets and uniting the faithful.

In contemplating these major signs, one cannot help but feel humility at how small we are and how Great Allah is. It brings home the Quranic message: “This worldly life is nothing but diversion and play, but the Home of the Hereafter is indeed Life, if only they knew.” We realize that the glitter of this world can deceive (just as Dajjal will deceive many), but those who stick to the guidance of the Quran and Prophet will see through the deception. Eventually, every soul will meet its Maker and face the results of its deeds.

The true success, therefore, is to be prepared for that meeting before these dramatic signs catch us off guard. A Muslim should strive to increase their worship, improve their character, help others, and stay far from the evils that have been warned about. Belief in the Last Day is meant to transform how we live today – making us more honest, kind, and dutiful, even when it seems that mischief prevails around us. It should also fill our hearts with gratitude that Allah gave us the heads-up about these monumental events, something no human mind could ever predict on its own.

In conclusion, learning about the major signs of the Day of Judgment deepens one’s appreciation for Islam. It shows that Islam is not just about rituals or past stories, but also about the future and ultimate destiny of humankind. It balances fear of Allah’s might with hope in His justice and mercy. As we await whatever the future holds, we do so with conviction that everything will unfold as our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) conveyed – and thus far, history has only validated his truthfulness. This conviction empowers us to be better Muslims and better human beings.

May we all be among those who recognize the signs, take heed, and remain steadfast on the straight path. And when we teach our children or others about these signs, let’s ensure it is done in a way that increases their love for Allah and commitment to goodness, rather than just frightening them. Ultimately, the knowledge of the end times in Islam is a gift – it allows the believers to navigate the trials of life with an anchor of certainty. As the Prophet (pbuh) advised, even if the final hour comes upon us, we should be found doing good, planting our sapling. In that is a profound wisdom: live righteously until your last breath, and leave the rest to Allah’s grand design.

Recommended Books on the End of Times and Day of Judgment: