End Times & Eschatology
Minor Signs of the Day of Judgment
Minor Signs of the Day of Judgment: A Chronological Journey
Introduction
In Islamic belief, the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyāmah) will be preceded by various signs signaling its approach. These signs are generally categorized as minor (al–Ashrāṭ al-ṣughrā) and major (al–Ashrāṭ al-kubrā). Minor signs often span long periods, and many have already occurred or are unfolding now, serving as reminders for believers. The Qur’an alludes to this, saying:
“Are they only waiting for the Hour to take them by surprise? Yet some of its signs have already come. Once it actually befalls them, will it not be too late to be mindful?” – Qur’an 47:18
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself indicated the nearness of the Last Hour in his time. Sahl ibn Sa`d reported that the Messenger of Allah held up his index and middle fingers and said:
“The time of my advent and the Hour are like these two fingers (nearly adjacent).”
Such teachings set the stage: the Prophet’s own mission was the first of the minor signs. Below, we explore the minor signs of the Day of Judgment chronologically, weaving in Qur’anic verses, authentic Hadith, and insights from classical and contemporary scholars. Each sign is presented with historical context and reflections on its meaning, in an engaging yet theologically deep manner. Key points are bolded for emphasis, and Quranic and Hadith quotes are given in dedicated blocks for clarity.
1. The Prophet’s Mission and Early Signs
The coming of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final Messenger is itself a herald of the Last Day. In a Hadith, he said:
“I have been sent (as a Prophet) and the Hour is at hand as these two (fingers).”
This closeness in time underscores that no other prophet will follow, and the Hour could arrive at any moment thereafter. During the Prophet’s lifetime, the splitting of the moon was another extraordinary sign. The Qur’an mentions this miracle:
“The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been split in two.” – Qur’an 54:1
Early Muslims witnessed this event in Makkah, affirming the truth of the Prophet’s message and warning of the approaching Hour.
The death of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 632 CE was one of the first minor signs after his mission. The Companions felt this loss deeply as the greatest calamity to befall the Muslim community. It also fulfilled the Prophet’s own prophecy. In a famous narration by ʿAwf bin Mālik, the Prophet foretold six events that would occur soon:
“Count six signs that indicate the approach of the Hour: my death, the conquest of Jerusalem, a plague that will afflict you (and kill you in great numbers) as the plague that afflicts sheep, the increase of wealth to the extent that if one is given 100 dinars he will still not be satisfied, an affliction (fitnah) which no Arab house will escape, and then a truce between you and Banī al-Asfar (Byzantines) who will betray you and attack under eighty flags...”
Each of these happened in sequence. The Prophet’s death was followed by turmoil and tests for the young Muslim nation, but also remarkable victories and trials as foretold.
2. The Era of the Companions: Conquests and Plagues
Soon after the Prophet’s passing, the Muslims, under Caliph ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, achieved the conquest of Jerusalem (637 CE). This fulfilled the second sign in the Hadith above. The Companions entered Jerusalem humbly, with ʿUmar ensuring the protection of its people and holy sites. Classical scholars like Imām Ibn Kathīr note that this event, occurring just a few years after the Prophet, reinforced believers’ confidence in the truth of his prophecies, as a major city of the world fell to Islam exactly as foretold.
Not long after, in 639 CE, the plague of ʿAmwās (Emmaus) struck the region of Syria (Shām). This epidemic tragically killed thousands, including notable Companions like Abu ʿUbaydah ibn al-Jarrāḥ and Muʿādh ibn Jabal. The Prophet ﷺ had likened this calamity to a scourge “that will afflict you and kill you in great numbers as the plague afflicts sheep”. Contemporary scholars draw lessons from this plague – for example, how the Companions showed patience and reliance on Allah’s decree. The Plague of ʿAmwās is often cited in modern pandemic discussions as an example of faith and wisdom in managing crises (e.g. adhering to the Prophet’s instruction not to flee plague-stricken lands).
During this era, false prophets and liars also emerged, as had been predicted. The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“The Hour will not be established until nearly thirty impostors (Dajjālīn) appear, each claiming to be a messenger of Allah.”
In the Prophet’s lifetime and shortly after, figures like Musaylamah al-Kadhdhāb in Yamamah and Al-Aswad al-ʿAnsī in Yemen claimed prophethood. Abu Bakr’s caliphate saw wars to defeat these claimants, preserving the finality of Muhammad’s message. Classical historians, such as Imām al-Ṭabarī and Ibn Kathīr, recount these events in detail, showing how closely they matched the prophetic warnings.
Another early upheaval was the series of tribulations (fitan) that rocked the Muslim community: the assassination of Caliph ʿUthmān (656 CE), the Battle of the Camel and Battle of Ṣiffīn (civil wars during ʿAlī’s time), and the emergence of extremist groups like the Khawārij. These were foretold as well. The Prophet ﷺ once cautioned of a looming fitnah, saying it would creep into every Arab household. commentators like Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī explain that this refers to the far-reaching impact of those conflicts – families and tribes across Arabia were divided in allegiance, thus “no house of the Arabs except it entered it”. Despite being painful episodes, these trials were seen as tests of faith prophesied by the “Truthful One” ﷺ.
In the mid-7th century AH (13th century CE), a remarkable event occurred in Arabia: a great fire in the Ḥijāz. In the year 654 AH (1256 CE), historical records describe a massive blaze (likely a volcanic eruption) near Madinah that lit up the night sky. Imām Al-Nawawī, a renowned 13th-century scholar, wrote: “There appeared in our time a fire in Madinah… a very great fire on the eastern side of Madinah; its light was seen as far as Syria”. This event corresponds to another minor sign mentioned by some commentators. It served as a sober reminder of the Prophet’s words, coming centuries after him, and was documented widely – underlining that the minor signs can appear long after the early Islamic period, validating the prophecies through time.
3. Social and Moral Degeneration: Ongoing Minor Signs
As centuries passed, many minor signs manifested as social and moral trends rather than singular events. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave numerous prophecies about the state of faith and morality as the Hour draws nearer. These signs are vividly relevant today, indicating we may be living through them.
One important sign is the loss of honesty and trust in society. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah said:
“When honesty (amānah) is lost, then wait for the Hour.” People asked how it will be lost. He replied, “When authority is given to those who do not deserve it, then wait for the Hour.”
When leadership and responsibility are entrusted to the unqualified or corrupt, integrity erodes. Classical scholars like Al-Qurṭubī note that this hadith encapsulates political and social decline – a time when people will betray trusts for personal gain. Contemporary writers see this sign in our times: from unethical leaders to fraud in business, when amānah is widely neglected, it signals the approach of the Hour. A practical takeaway for Muslims is to uphold trust and merit in our own dealings to counter this negative trend.
Another well-known prophecy describes rampant ignorance and the vanishing of knowledge. This does not mean scientific knowledge, but sacred knowledge of religion. The Prophet ﷺ said “Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but by the death of the scholars,” leading to a situation where ignorant leaders issue rulings and misguide others (reported in Bukhari and Muslim). In the words of one hadith:
“Among the portents of the Hour is that knowledge will be taken away, and ignorance will prevail; wine (intoxicants) will be drunk, and zina (adultery) will become widespread.”
Indeed, as great scholars passed away over generations, communities faced a dearth of learned guidance, and religious illiteracy spread. Widespread ignorance opens the door to moral confusion – which is exactly what the Prophet ﷺ linked with it: the surge in adultery, fornication, and drunkenness. Both classical jurists and modern preachers frequently cite this hadith to urge Muslims to seek authentic Islamic knowledge and cling to morality, especially seeing how normalized sins have become.
Immorality and shamelessness becoming prevalent are repeated themes in the minor signs. The Musnad of Imam Aḥmad and others narrate that “the Hour will not come until people openly have intercourse in the streets like donkeys.” In a more moderate phrasing, Bukhari and Muslim relate: “Adultery will spread and drinking of alcohol will be common.”Today, one hardly needs to stretch imagination to see public modesty at an all-time low and promiscuity being glorified in media. Classical scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim note that when a society trivializes zina, it invites societal collapse – a worldly consequence before the ultimate Hour. Modern scholars warn against becoming desensitized to such sins, reminding us these trends were explicitly foretold as signs, thus we should remain steadfast in our values even if “everyone is doing it.”
Intoxicants and musical instruments were also mentioned. The Prophet predicted that some people from his nation will “regard silk, wine, and musical instruments as lawful”, and as a result, calamities would befall them. Classical commentary (e.g. by Ibn Ḥajar) explains this as people indulging in luxury and entertainment to the point of making the clearly forbidden (khamr, adultery, etc.) appear permissible via twisted arguments. In one hadith, he said “singing women and musical devices will become common” and “there will be landslides and transformations” as a consequence. Contemporary scholars don’t necessarily interpret this as a ban on all forms of music (a debated issue), but they agree the hadith warns against a culture of incessant hedonism – a culture we see today where music, clubbing, and obscenity often go hand in hand.
The increase of wealth and worldly opulence is another sign that interestingly contrasts with moral decay. The Prophet ﷺ foretold “the increase of wealth to the extent that a man would be given 100 dinars and still not be satisfied.” This was unimaginable to impoverished early Muslims, yet by the era of ʿUthmān and later, the Islamic empire’s riches grew and today global wealth is enormous. Despite affluence, people’s contentment has diminished – an observation made by classical sages like Imām al-Ghazālī who noted that the nafs (ego) is never satiated by material gain. Modern economists might relate this to “relative poverty” – no matter how much one has, seeing others with more can fuel dissatisfaction. The sign here is not just wealth itself, but widespread materialism and ingratitude, which should prompt believers to practice gratitude and charity.
Along with wealth, the Prophet mentioned “time will pass quickly” (Bukhari, Hadith in Kitāb al-Fitan) – a subtle sign many of us feel in the modern age of rapid communication. Days and years seem to fly, and blessings in time diminish. Scholars interpret this as either a literal shortening of time barakah (blessing) or as an allusion to the feeling of life speeding up due to busy worldly engagements and distractions. It reminds Muslims to use their time wisely for good deeds before it’s gone.
Another minor sign vividly observed today is the inversion of values in dress and behavior, especially with regard to women’s modesty. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There will be women who are clothed yet [appear] naked, walking with an enticing gait, with heads like the swaying humps of camels. They will not enter Paradise, nor even smell its fragrance.”
Scholars like Imam Nawawī in his commentary on Sahih Muslim explain “clothed yet naked” to mean wearing revealing or tight clothes that contradict the spirit of hijāb. “Heads like camel humps” refers to piling hair or ornaments in a way that protrudes (a style frowned upon). This prophecy reads like a description of modern fashion trends. Classical scholars were amazed at this foresight; contemporary Muslim preachers use this hadith to counsel against imitating such styles. The practical lesson is not to degrade women – rather, it warns both women and men against forsaking modesty and dignity in clothing, which protects society’s moral fabric.
An abundance of women and scarcity of men is also indicated. In the hadith above from Anas ibn Malik, the Prophet mentioned a time would come when “men will decrease and women will increase, such that fifty women will be looked after by one man.” Many interpret this literally (wars and conflicts historically have reduced male populations relative to females). Indeed, events like World Wars saw such imbalances. Others see it figuratively: men abandoning their responsibilities, leaving one man to care for many female relatives. Either way, it signals societal strain and reorganization of family structures near the end times. Modern commentators advise that seeing this should push us to revive the Prophetic teachings on justly caring for family and not abusing gender responsibilities.
Widespread killing (harj) is another tragic sign. The Prophet said “The Hour will not come until killing increases.” Murders, massacres, even senseless shootings – the 20th and 21st centuries unfortunately exemplify this. He even described that the killer and killed won’t even know why the killing occurred (Muslim, Kitāb al-Fitan). Classical exegetes like al-Mubārakfūrī linked this to chaos and lawlessness in end times; contemporary scholars see fulfillment in modern terrorism, random violence, and wars without clear moral purpose. It prompts a reflection on the sanctity of life in Islam – a value which erodes as the Hour nears, hence Muslims must hold firm to justice and peace.
Natural events also form part of minor signs: increased earthquakes and disasters were mentioned in hadith (Bukhari). We record more earthquakes now than before (some attribute it to better detection, others to divine portents). Either way, the Prophet’s words alert believers to show humility and seek forgiveness when the earth itself is tumultuous.
4. Signs Yet to Come (or Unfolding in Our Time)
A number of minor signs appear to be in progress or await fulfillment. We list them in approximate chronological order as gleaned from Hadith and scholarly works:
“A slave woman will give birth to her mistress.” This puzzling prophecy was part of the famous Hadith of Jibrīl. The best understanding, highlighted by Ibn Hajar, is an inversion of social order: children will dominate their parents – a widespread disobedience and disrespect to mothers, treating them like servants. Many today observe a decline in filial piety, a possible echo of this sign.
“Barefoot, destitute shepherds will compete in building tall buildings.” (Hadith of Jibrīl, Sahih Muslim). This sign is strikingly visual. In the 7th century, who could imagine Bedouin Arabs erecting skyscrapers? Yet in the Gulf region today, former desert nomads have become oil-rich and are indeed competing in a skyline race, boasting some of the world’s tallest towers. As one classical scholar (An-Nawawī) commented, this indicates those who were once poor will gain great wealth and pride . Modern Muslim thinkers see this as a double-edged sign: it’s not condemning architecture per se, but the arrogance and misplaced priorities that can come with wealth — a reminder to build our faith as high as our buildings.
The Arabian Peninsula becoming green and lush again. The Prophet said, “The Hour will not begin until the land of the Arabs once again becomes meadows and rivers.” (Muslim, Ṣaḥīḥ). Geological evidence shows Arabia was green in ancient times; some interpret “again” as either a natural climate cycle or human-led irrigation making the deserts bloom. Today, projects in Saudi Arabia and Gulf states are indeed greening parts of the desert, and global climate shifts are bringing more rain to Arabia than in centuries past. It’s a minor sign that also intriguingly hints at environmental change before the end of time.
The Euphrates River uncovering a treasure. In another authentic hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said: “The Euphrates will soon uncover a mountain of gold, and people will fight over it. From every hundred, ninety-nine will die, and each of them will say, ‘Maybe I’ll be the one to survive.’” (Bukhari & Muslim). Scholars classify this as a minor sign yet to happen. Some speculate it refers to oil (often called “black gold”) in the Middle East, which indeed has caused conflict. Others say it’s literal and still future. In any case, the Prophet warned not to take from that gold – teaching detachment from worldly greed.
Talking beasts and inanimate objects. There are narrations (in Sunan Tirmidhi, for example) that near the end times, animals and even one’s own body or objects may speak to humans. One hadith mentions “By Him in Whose hand is my soul, the Hour will not come until wild animals speak to men, and a man’s whip and his shoe-lace speak to him, and his thigh informs him of what his family did in his absence.” (Ahmad, authenticated by some scholars). Classical scholars like Al-Qurṭubī were unsure whether to take this literally or metaphorically. Some contemporary commentators, with a bit of creative license, liken it to technology – e.g. phones (small objects) transmitting voices, or wearables relaying messages (your “thigh” – perhaps a phone in your pocket – notifying you about your household!). Allah knows best how this will manifest, but it reminds us that events unimaginable to early Muslims were foretold and thus to be expected as time draws short.
“The Romans (Europeans or Western powers) will be great in number and fight the Muslims.” The term “Banī al-Aṣfar” (sons of the Yellow) was used in hadith for Byzantines or Europeans. The Prophet predicted a confrontation with them. One extended hadith (in Abu Dawud and Ahmad) describes a future truce between Muslims and the Romans which will be broken by them, leading to a major conflict (often referred to as al-Malḥama or Armageddon-like battle). We may be seeing precursors of this in shifting global alliances. Classical scholars like al-Barzanji discuss this as one of the last minor signs transitioning into the great wars of the major signs. While interpretations vary, scholarship generally advises caution: these prophecies should not fuel wild conspiracy theories or hatred, but rather be seen as eventualities that will affirm Allah’s support for the believers in the end.
The conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul). Historically, Constantinople fell to the Muslim Ottomans in 1453 – seen by many as the fulfillment of a famous prophecy. The Prophet had said, “Indeed, Constantinople shall be conquered; how excellent a leader will her leader be, and how excellent the army that will conquer it.” (Musnad Ahmad). Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror was often credited as that “excellent leader.” Some scholars, however, argue that another conquest of Constantinople is indicated as a future event, possibly occurring around the time of Imam Mahdi and the return of Jesus (ʿĪsā). They reconcile that the city might be taken peacefully with faith (as one narration suggests the Muslims will conquer it with tasbīḥ – glorification of God – rather than battle). In either case, Constantinople’s conquest is usually listed among the last minor signs, connecting the minor and major signs eras. It symbolizes the final triumph of Islam before the onset of the Last Day’s great upheavals.
This is not an exhaustive list of all minor signs, but it covers the most cited ones in roughly the order they’ve occurred or are expected to occur. Importantly, scholars note that while minor signs indicate the approach of the Hour, they do not give an exact timetable. Many minor signs can overlap or recur (for example, moral decay can worsen in waves). Classical scholars like Imam al-Barzanji and Ibn Ḥajar catalogued these signs and often ended by saying “And Allah knows best the exact timing.” Modern scholars concur, warning Muslims not to fall into date-setting or sensationalism. Instead, the purpose of these prophecies is to increase our faith (īmān) when we see them unfold and to urge us toward repentance and righteousness.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Hour’s Approach
Reflecting on the minor signs of the Day of Judgment, a Muslim today can see many of these prophecies realized. This should neither lead to despair nor to apathy, but rather to a renewal of faith and action. The Companion Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamān once said, “The Prophet would tell us about signs of the Hour, and I memorized them like I’d memorize a Quranic surah.” Such was the importance given to understanding these signs – not as mere trivia, but as guidance. How do these signs affect us today? They serve as wake-up calls. When we observe dishonesty in leadership, immodesty in fashion, or the race for worldly assets – we are reminded that the Prophet ﷺ told us this would happen. Our faith in his truthfulness increases, and we should feel the Hour is near and thus our own hour (moment of death) could be nearer.
Rather than fearing these portents, believers are taught to use them as motivation to improve. The Prophet ﷺ once was asked by a man, “When is the Hour?” The Prophet turned the question around: “What have you prepared for it?”. This profound response shifts the focus from when the world will end to how we are living right now. We cannot control the timeline of the cosmos, but we can control our deeds and preparedness.
scholars, classical and contemporary alike, emphasize balancing vigilance and hope. Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi wrote that observing the signs should make Muslims more conscientious in worship and ethics, not paranoid about every news headline. Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn, a respected 20th-century scholar, advised that when minor signs appear, “do not sleep or remain hand-tied; instead strive for a better future for the Ummah, for Allah helps those who help themselves.” In practical terms, this means increasing our prayers, seeking knowledge, fostering honesty, and enjoining good in society – being the opposite of those negative signs.
In summary, the minor signs of Qiyāmah, laid out here from the Prophet’s era until the present and near future, are signposts for believers. They validate the truth of revelation and urge us to stay spiritually awake. As we witness these signs, we are reminded of the Prophet’s words and feel the imminence of that Day when we stand before Allah. Each individual’s Day of Judgment effectively begins at death, which can come unannounced just as the final Hour will. Therefore, the wise take heed: prepare for the Hereafter before the remaining signs run out and the Major Signs commence. Preparation includes sincere repentance, strengthening one’s relationship with Allah, and contributing to a more just and moral world. This way, whenever our own hour comes, or the Final Hour dawns, we meet it with faith and good deeds, inshā’Allāh.
“So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” (Qur’an 18:110). May Allah make us among those who observe the signs, understand their lessons, and prepare for the Day of Judgment with true devotion. Āmīn.
Minor Signs of the Day of Judgment in Islam
Introduction:
Imagine knowing that the end of the world has signs that appear before it. In Islam, Allah has blessed us with many signs of the Day of Judgment, giving humanity warnings and reminders long before the Hour arrives. These signs are called “Ashrāt al-Sāʿah” in Arabic, meaning Signs of the Hour. They are amazing prophecies taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over 1400 years ago – and many have already come true. This showcases the beauty and truth of Islam: events unfold just as the Prophet ﷺ foretold, strengthening our faith that Allah’s promise is real. As the Qur’an says:
“Mankind’s reckoning has drawn near, yet they turn away heedlessly.” (Quran 21:1)
“Are they awaiting the Hour to come upon them suddenly? But some of its signs have already come.” (Quran 47:18)
The signs of Judgment Day are generally divided into minor signs and major signs. The minor signs (Arabic: al-Alāmāt al-Ṣughra) are events or changes that happen long before the final hour, often gradually, as part of everyday life or history. The major signs (Arabic: al-Alāmāt al-Kubrā) are extraordinary, huge events closer to the end (such as the appearance of the False Messiah, known as the Dajjāl, and the return of Jesus ﷺ). In this article, we will focus on the minor signs – the many smaller prophecies that lead up to the end times. These minor signs were mentioned in the Qur’an and in authentic (ṣaḥīḥ) sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They cover social changes, moral decay, political turmoil, and natural phenomena. We will explore them in a modern, conversational tone while grounding each point in classical Islamic scholarship.
Before we dive in, it’s important to note that Muslims only accept authentic sources for these prophecies. Scholars like Imam al-Nawawī, Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī, and modern hadith experts such as Shaykh al-Albānī have verified these narrations. This means we’ll exclude any weak or fabricated reports. The Prophet ﷺ said truthfully, and reality has confirmed his words. As one contemporary scholar beautifully put it, “When Allah sends His signs, they are meant to test and transform hearts—softening those of the believers while exposing the arrogance in others.” These signs are not given just to amaze us; they are meant to wake us up, strengthen our belief, and inspire us to change for the better.
Now, let’s journey through all the minor signs of the Day of Judgment mentioned in the Qur’an and sahīh hadith, grouped by theme. As you read, you might recognize many of these signs happening in our world today. Each sign shows how Islam’s view of the future is superior in clarity and truth – a compelling proof that this religion is from Allah.
Social Changes: Erosion of Family and Society
One set of minor signs involves profound social changes and the breakdown of traditional family values and community norms. These signs describe how people will behave with one another as the end times draw near. Many of these predictions were shocking during the Prophet’s era but are common in our modern world:
Disobedience to Parents: Children will disobey and disrespect their mothers and fathers. The Prophet ﷺ described this with a vivid image: “the slave woman will give birth to her mistress.” This means a time will come when a daughter treats her mother like a slave – commanding her, insulting her, and showing great disobedience. Imam Ibn Ḥajar explains that this sign foretells children bossing around their parents, a complete reversal of respect . Sadly, today we often see youths speaking harshly to parents or neglecting them, exactly as foretold.
Breaking of Family Ties: Along with disobedience, there will be widespread cutting off of kinship ties. Relatives will become strangers to one another. People will prefer friends over family, violating the Islamic duty to maintain ties of kinship. This breakdown of the family unit contributes to moral chaos in society.
Selective Greetings (Salām): Another prophecy says people will only greet those they know. In Islam, saying “Salāmu ʿalaykum” is encouraged for everyone, even strangers, to spread peace. But the Prophet ﷺ warned that near the Hour, greeting will become exclusive – people will ignore others and only say salām to close friends or acquaintances. This has come true as genuine community warmth has faded; many of us hesitate to greet someone we don’t personally know.
Loss of Trust and Honesty: Trustworthiness will disappear from society. The Prophet ﷺ said trust will be so scarce that it will be said, “In such-and-such tribe there is an honest man” as if that is surprising . People’s affairs will be handed to unqualified, dishonest leaders, betraying the trust. In another hadith he ﷺ said “When authority is given to those who do not deserve it, then await the Hour.” Trust (amānah) is a foundation of healthy society, and its loss leads to widespread corruption. We see today how often incompetent or corrupt people assume positions of power, from workplaces to governments – a clear sign.
Inversion of Values: Society will flip its morals upside down. The Prophet ﷺ said “Years of deceit will come, where the liar is believed and the truthful is not believed; the treacherous will be trusted and the trustworthy will be considered a traitor”. In those times, he said, “the Ruwaibidhah will speak.” When asked who that is, he replied, “Petty, insignificant men who will speak about public affairs.” (Ibn Mājah – authenticated by scholars). In other words, unqualified people will become “voices” for the public, and foolish figures will be hailed as wise – while genuine honest people are ignored. Isn’t that exactly what we witness in the era of social media influencers and corrupt politicians? This minor sign is unfolding before our eyes: honest experts are sidelined, while loud charlatans and trivial celebrities sway the masses.
Every Household Touched by Fitan: Fitan means trials, tribulations, and civil strife. The Prophet ﷺ forewarned “A trial will enter every Arab household.” Scholars interpret this in various ways – it could refer to the far-reaching turmoil of wars, political chaos in the Middle East, or the invasion of corrupting influences (immorality, media, etc.) into every home. In any case, no family will be completely safe from the pressures and temptations of the end times. Today, via television and internet, countless un-Islamic ideas and conflicts do indeed reach every home, even in the heart of the Muslim world, fitting this sign remarkably.
Huge Population Imbalance: There will be a dramatic imbalance between men and women. Authentic hadiths state men will decrease and women will increase in number, until one man is responsible for fifty women. This could be due to continuous wars (killing many men), or other factors reducing male population. We see gender ratios shifting in some societies, and a rise in single women compared to marriageable men. This sign also implies social challenges, like fewer stable families and changed gender dynamics in communities.
People Will Wish for Death: As problems and suffering grow, many people will become so distressed that they’d prefer death to life. The Prophet ﷺ said, “By Him in whose hand is my soul, a time will come when a man will pass by a grave and say: would that I were in his place!” The level of despair and depression will be that severe. Today, despite all our comforts, rates of depression and even suicide are climbing globally. Many feel overwhelmed by modern trials, exactly as the prophecy warns. Believers are taught to be patient and never wish for death, but this sign shows how tough times can become near the end.
These social signs paint a picture of a world turning upside down in relationships and community life. Classical scholars like Imam al-Nawawī and Imam Ibn Kathīr commented on these ahadith, marveling at how accurately they describe the breakdown of society. Modern scholars such as Dr. Yasir Qadhi and Shaykh Omar Suleiman urge us to reflect on these signs in our own families – are we treating parents well? Are we upholding honesty and ties of kinship? A Muslim should strive to not be part of these negative trends. We should be the honest ones in an age of lies, the dutiful children in an age of rebellion, and the community that spreads salām (peace) generally, not just to those we like.
Moral Decay and Religious Corruption
Another major category of minor signs is the moral decay in society and the decline of sincere religious practice. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ foretold a future where sin and impiety become widespread, even normal. These prophecies were meant to warn us against falling into these evils. Let’s look at the key moral and religious signs:
Disappearance of True Knowledge: Islamic knowledge will be taken away and ignorance will prevail. This does not mean books will vanish, but rather scholars will die and be not replaced, and people will no longer seek or value authentic knowledge. The Prophet ﷺ said “Allah does not remove knowledge by plucking it from people’s hearts, but by the death of the scholars, until only the ignorant remain and people ask them (for fatwas) and they misguide others.” We have seen great scholars of the past, like the companions and early imams, but as time goes on, true scholars are fewer. In our time, many Muslims are unfamiliar with even the basics of Islam, despite high literacy. This widespread ignorance of religion is a clear minor sign – it paves the way for confusion and misguidance in society. (On the flip side, knowledge disappearing warns us: learn your faith while you can, and stick to scholars of the Sunnah.)
Widespread Adultery and Fornication: Chastity and modesty will decline sharply. Zinā (unlawful sexual intercourse) will be committed openly and become commonplace. In a hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said one of the signs is “adultery will be so widespread and prevalent” that it’s no longer seen as a big sin. Another narration even suggests there will be people engaging in intimacy in public like animals, without shame. We certainly witness a massive increase in fornication, adultery, and open sexual immorality in the world today – from the normalization of sex outside marriage in media to public displays that would have been unimaginable in earlier times. Islam’s view on this is clear: such acts are major sins. The fact that our Prophet ﷺ predicted this moral collapse – and advised us to stay modest and pure despite it – shows Islam’s wisdom. While other ideologies have come to accept or even celebrate sexual immorality, Islam warned us it would happen and told us to avoid it.
Drinking of Alcohol and Intoxicants: Alcohol (khamr) and other intoxicants will be drunk in great quantities. The Prophet ﷺ said wine drinking would be common and not hidden. In our time, consumption of alcohol is at an all-time high globally, and even in some Muslim communities this evil has seeped in. Beyond alcohol, we see a epidemic of drug abuse (another form of intoxication) around the world. What was once recognized as destructive is now a normalized part of “having fun” for many – exactly as foretold. Islam stands superior here by prohibiting these substances 14 centuries ago; yet now secular societies grapple with addiction crises, proving the prophetic truth that these substances are a major fitnah (trial) for humanity.
Interest (Usury) and Illegal Wealth: Dealing in usury (ribā) will become widespread and nobody will escape its dust. This is mentioned in hadith (though some reports on this are weak, the reality is evident). Today, interest-based transactions dominate the world economy; even if you personally avoid it, it affects the prices and financial systems around you. Halal and haram earnings get mixed up. The Prophet ﷺ also said “People will no longer care whether their wealth is from a halal source or haram source.” This means moral scruples in earning will vanish – many will cheat, bribe, exploit, or practice usury without batting an eye, just to get rich. Unfortunately, this too is visible today. Islam’s teaching is to earn lawfully and ethically, but near the End, many will ignore that. As Muslims, we must resist this trend and ensure we seek blessed income even if others chase money by any means.
Music and Musical Instruments: The Prophet ﷺ foretold that music and musical instruments would be prevalent and widely used in the end times . In one hadith (reported by Imām al-Bukhārī), he warned there will be people from his nation who make musical instruments, along with adultery and alcohol, appear lawful even though they are forbidden. Today music is nearly everywhere – in every store, on our phones, part of almost every pastime. Many no longer see anything wrong with it, despite classical scholars generally considering controlled music and instruments impermissible or at least spiritually harmful. This prophecy has clearly unfolded; believers should be cautious and not let frivolous entertainment distract them from remembering Allah.
Immodesty in Dress – “Clothed Yet Naked” Women: Standards of dress will erode. The Prophet ﷺ said “There will be women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait, with something on their heads like camel humps. They will not enter Paradise.” This describes women who technically wear clothes but are still nude in effect – meaning their clothing is see-through, skin-tight or very revealing. They will abandon the modesty that Islam prescribes. The mention of “camel hump” likely refers to extravagant hairdos or headwear styles. Today’s fashion trends sadly fit this prophecy: many outfits leave little to the imagination. Even in historically conservative societies, modest dress is vanishing among some. This minor sign has come true as part of the general loss of shame. It’s a reminder for Muslim women (and men) to hold onto hijab and modesty even when society around says otherwise. Islam’s view is superior here because it valued modesty and dignity long before the modern world discovered the harms of objectifying people.
False Witness and Dishonesty: Telling lies and giving false testimony will become common, while truthful testimony is concealed . In other words, dishonesty in business, courts, and personal dealings will be rife. People will lie under oath and in everyday life without remorse. We can see this in the ease of spreading rumors and false news today; many don’t bother to verify information. Truth has become “relative” to some – exactly the scenario these signs predict. Islam, however, strongly condemns false witness as a grave sin, guiding its followers to uphold truth even when it’s against themselves.
Religious Ignorance and Sectarian Misguidance: Not only general knowledge, but religious understanding will be lost among the masses. People will be Muslim in name but not follow Islamic teachings correctly. The Prophet ﷺ said ignorance (jahl) will dominate – meaning people won’t know the Quran and Sunnah properly. This opened the door for misguided sects and innovations. For example, early in our history, the Khawārij emerged – a fanatical group that the Prophet ﷺ had actually warned about, saying “they will recite Qur’an but it won’t go beyond their throats” and that they leave Islam like an arrow from a bow. Their appearance was a minor sign (fulfilled in the time of ʿAlī رضي الله عنه). Many other sects and cults with strange beliefs have arisen since, confusing people. The Prophet ﷺ also said 30 false prophets (impostors claiming prophethood) will appear before the Hour. He even named some in his time, like Musaylima al-Kadhdhāb and al-Aswad al-ʿAnsī, who did arise and were exposed. After that, across history up until today, numerous individuals have falsely claimed to be new prophets or messiahs (for example, in recent times Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qādiān claimed to be a prophet and mahdi). The Prophet ﷺ firmly stated “I am the Seal of the Prophets – there is no prophet after me.” Yet, the gullibility of people in spiritual matters is such that these deceivers found followers, just as foretold. This tests our knowledge – a well-informed Muslim cannot be fooled by a false prophet. So the spread of deviant sects and charlatans in religion is a sign, but also a lesson: we must return to authentic Islamic knowledge from the Qur’an and Sunnah as understood by classical scholars, to avoid falling into these traps.
Idol-Worship Among Some Muslims: A shocking prophecy is that certain Arabs or Muslims will revert to idol-worship despite Islam’s dominance. The Prophet ﷺ said “The Hour will not come until the women of the tribe of Daws are once again circumambulating their idol Dhul-Khalasa.” Dhul-Khalasa was a famous idol destroyed by the Prophet’s companion Jarir bin Abdullah. This hadith implies that near the end of time, some people from that region will go back to pre-Islamic pagan practices. This might sound unbelievable, but it’s a warning that some will abandon monotheism out of ignorance or worldly influence. There have been reports in modern times of certain fringe groups dabbling in neo-pagan rituals. Whether it has fully occurred or is yet to happen, Allah knows best – but the lesson is for us to hold tight to tawḥīd (pure monotheism) and not be swayed by societal fads that conflict with our creed.
All these moral signs have a common thread: they highlight how Islam’s moral framework is far superior and stable compared to the chaotic moral landscape of a world without divine guidance. Where secular societies often change their morals with time (sometimes toward vice), Islam predicted these deviations and urged believers to stick to timeless virtues. For instance, while some modern philosophies argue that sexual freedom or intoxicants are “progress,” the resulting social harm (broken families, STDs, addiction) proves the wisdom of Islamic teachings. Classical scholars like Imam Ibn Kathīr documented how many of these prophecies came true even by their times (for example, wine becoming common in certain eras, or people considering ribā acceptable). Contemporary voices such as Dr. Omar Suleiman often note that seeing these predictions come to pass should increase a believer’s conviction, because only a true Prophet, by Allah’s leave, could foretell human behavior with such accuracy. The important takeaway is that we as Muslims must resist conforming to these negative trends. Even if adultery, interest, and alcohol are everywhere, we strive to be the shining exceptions – a morally upright community among a morally decaying world.
Prophetic Hadith (on moral signs):
“It is from the signs of the Last Hour that knowledge will be taken away (scholars will pass away), ignorance will prevail, adultery will become common, wine will be drunk, and the number of men will fall so low and women increase so much that one man will look after fifty women.” – Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik (Sahih Muslim)
Political Turmoil and Wars
The minor signs also include numerous political and geopolitical events that were prophesied. These range from specific historical events (which have already occurred) to ongoing patterns in leadership and conflict. Islam’s end-times narrative is not just about personal piety – it also foresees major world events and power shifts. Here are the key political signs:
Great Civil Wars Early in Islam: The Prophet ﷺ predicted the painful civil wars that would occur among the Muslims themselves. He said, “The Hour will not be established till two great groups fight each other and there will be a huge casualty on both sides, and though their call (ideology) is one.” This came true barely 30 years after his death, during the Battles of Jamāl and Ṣiffīn, where companions and followers unfortunately clashed due to political disputes, even though all were Muslims. Thousands were killed. It was exactly as foretold – a tragic fitnah (trial) but also a sign that the Prophet ﷺ had foreknowledge of those events. He also predicted the martyrdom of ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (the third Caliph) and other tribulations, hinting at them in various ahadith. These events “have happened and ended” as minor signs. Muslims take a lesson that disunity and power struggles lead to destruction, and we must avoid repeating that history.
Assassination of Leaders and Widespread Killing: The Prophet ﷺ said “Al-Harj (killing) will increase.” Widespread murder and killing is a sign of the Hour. He even used the word “Harj” (an Abyssinian word meaning slaughter). We have seen in the past century the bloodiest wars in history (World Wars, etc.), and continuing conflicts, terrorism, and massacres. He also predicted specific assassinations like that of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb and ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (though not by name in hadith, he gave hints that were later understood by companions). Overall, life has become cheaper; violence and mass killings happen frequently (think of modern school shootings, bombings, etc.) – all pointing to this sign’s fulfillment.
Emergence of False Prophets and Cult Leaders: As noted earlier, the Prophet ﷺ said “Thirty impostors (Dajjālīn) will appear, each claiming to be a prophet.” This is both a religious and political sign, since many of these figures gathered movements and caused political instability. In early Islam, figures like Musaylima in Yamama and Al-Aswad Al-Anasī in Yemen arose during the Prophet’s own lifetime, claiming prophethood; both were defeated by the Muslims. Later came others (e.g. Tulayhah who repented, Sajah, etc.). Even in recent centuries, claimants like Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of India formed the Ahmadiyya movement, causing a schism. Each time, the Muslim ummah by and large has recognized these claims as false, because the Prophet ﷺ had clearly told us to expect them. He gave us criteria: the final prophet is Muhammad ﷺ himself, so anyone claiming prophethood after him is a liar, no matter what miracles they pretend to show. This sign underscores the finality of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ – a principle all Sunni Muslims uphold firmly.
Unfit Leaders and Tyranny: The degeneration of leadership is a recurring theme. The Prophet ﷺ said one sign is that “the worst, most ignorant people will become leaders.” He described it as “when the barefoot, naked shepherds compete in building tall buildings” – indicating people who were once destitute (and perhaps uncultured) will suddenly become the rich leaders of society, boasting in material excess . This has been seen in the rise of certain leaders or regimes that came from humble or uncivilized origins and then reveled in worldly power. Another hadith says “The Hour will not come until the Ruwaibidhah take matters in their hands,” meaning silly, unqualified people in authority (as mentioned in the social signs). We have witnessed leaders who lack wisdom or ethics gaining power in various countries, oppressing their people or causing chaos. In some times, tyrants with whips “like the tails of cows” (an image the Prophet gave for brutal policemen or officials) ruled harshly – one can think of oppressive colonial officers or dictatorships. All of this was hinted at as minor signs. It reminds us that leadership is a trust, and its corruption is a precursor to the end times. Unlike other ideologies that constantly promise “utopia if the right ruler or system is in place,” Islam realistically prepared us that human leadership will often fail as the end approaches – so our ultimate hope should be in Allah’s justice, not worldly utopias.
Conquest of Jerusalem: Remarkably, the Prophet ﷺ prophesied the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem. He listed it among the first minor signs . This happened in 637 CE under Caliph ʿUmar, about five years after the Prophet’s death – an amazing fulfillment. Jerusalem (Al-Quds) was handed over peacefully by the Byzantines. It became a key city in Islam (housing Al-Aqsa Mosque). The fact that an unlettered Arab prophet accurately predicted which lands his followers would conquer – when at the time, Muslims were few and weak – is a powerful evidence of Islam’s truth. (No wonder some early companions’ faith grew when they heard such prophecies.) However, the story of Jerusalem didn’t end there: it was lost during the Crusades and later liberated by Salahuddin centuries after, then recently occupied again. Some scholars consider its recapture by Muslims (in Salahuddin’s time) as a repeat sign, and perhaps a future permanent liberation as well, Allah knows best.
Conquest of Constantinople: Another astonishing prophecy was the conquest of Constantinople (the capital of Eastern Rome/Byzantine Empire). This was achieved by the Ottomans in 1453 (Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror), nearly 800 years after the prophecy was uttered. The city – now Istanbul – became Muslim, fulfilling the hadith. It was listed by scholars like Ibn Kathīr as one of the minor signs that already occurred. There is also an interpretation from some hadith that Constantinople may be conquered again near end times in a more peaceful manner, perhaps by the Mahdi’s army, but that enters more complex discussion. The clear thing is: the initial conquest did happen against all odds. How could Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in 7th-century Arabia, foresee that his followers would one day take the great city of Constantinople? It’s a miracle of prophecy that even non-Muslim historians find intriguing.
Wars with the “Romans” (Western Powers): The term “Romans” in hadith refers to the Byzantines, but broadly can mean Europeans or Western powers. The Prophet ﷺ predicted a time when “the Romans will be great in number and fight the Muslims.” One famous hadith in Sahih Muslim describes a grand battle between Muslims and “Romans” at a place called Aʿmāq or Dābiq in Syria . This is sometimes called Al-Malḥama al-Kubrā – the great war before the emergence of Antichrist (Dajjāl). According to the prophecy, Muslims (joined by faithful Christians who have converted) will fight a massive European force and, after heavy losses, will be victorious, then soon after that victory they will hear of the Dajjāl’s appearance. Some interpret this to be a future World War-like scenario between a united Muslim army and a coalition of “Western” forces. Interestingly, the place Dābiq was highlighted in recent years by extremist groups, but mainstream scholars warned that those events did not fit the true prophecy and that group’s actions were not legitimate. We must be careful not to jump to conclusions – Allah will bring such signs in His own time. What’s important is the Prophet ﷺ informed us that conflict with “Rome” (symbolizing Europe/West) is part of the end times narrative. It’s noteworthy that in the medieval era, Muslims indeed fought Byzantines for centuries, and later European colonial powers fought Muslim lands – echoes of this sign throughout time. But the ultimate Malḥama might be yet to come.
Peace Truces and Betrayals: Some hadith indicate there will be a truce or alliance between Muslims and Romans at some point, and they will fight a common enemy, but then the Romans will betray and war with the Muslims. This could be referring to any number of historical events (temporary peace treaties that fell apart) or something in the future. The details are speculative, but the overall picture shows political instability and shifting alliances as signs of the Hour.
General Anarchy and Chaos: The Prophet ﷺ said “Chaos (fitan) will appear, and become pervasive.” One might think of times of great political turmoil – revolutions, uprisings, lawlessness – where society breaks down. For instance, the breakdown of law in some Muslim regions or worldwide increase in riots and unrest can be seen in this light. He also said “the Ummah will split into 73 sects,” indicating political-religious fragmentation. The lack of a unified caliphate in the modern era and the presence of many sects and nation-states could be tied to this phenomenon, creating a politically divided Muslim world.
In analyzing these political signs, classical scholars like Ibn Kathīr in his book “Al-Nihāyah (The End)” gathered the narrations and tried to line them up with historical events up to their time. He identified, for example, the plague of Amwās (a devastating plague in 18 Hijri that killed many Companions in Syria) as fulfilling the prophecy of “a death that will kill thousands” , and the battle of al-Ḥarrah (an uprising in Madinah in 63 Hijri quashed by the Umayyads) as “a major fighting in Madinah” predicted by the Prophet . Indeed, these were listed among minor signs by later scholars. Modern scholars like Dr. Muhammad Al-‘Areefi and Dr. Yasir Qadhi have commented on more recent events possibly fitting prophecies – but they also caution against over-speculation. A key Islamic principle is that we recognize a prophecy clearly after it happens, not necessarily always before. For instance, once Constantinople was conquered, Muslims could confidently say the hadith was about that event. But for prophecies yet future, we must be careful and not jump to conclusions or date-setting.
Another point to compare: Unlike some other faith traditions where predictions often failed or are vague, Islamic prophecies – especially these minor signs – have a track record of accuracy that stands out. Early Christians, for example, expected Jesus to return in their lifetime (based on their understanding) and the world to end – it didn’t, which caused crises of faith. Many new-age or millenarian groups have predicted doomsdays that never came. In contrast, our Prophet ﷺ did not give a date for Qiyāmah; he gave signs. Each minor sign is like a checkpoint being ticked off. This approach is far superior rationally – it prevents the disbelievers from scoffing at a missed date, and it continuously validates the prophecies as one sign after another materializes. It’s a kind of ongoing miracle: every time a prophecy happens, it renews the faith of believers. As Shaykh Muḥammad al-Albānī noted, the correct attitude is to observe and learn, not to twist the prophecies to fit every news headline sensationally.
Prophetic Hadith (on wars and leaders):
“The Hour will not be established until two large groups, though claiming the same thing, fight each other and there is great bloodshed; and until about thirty liars appear, each claiming to be a messenger of Allah; and until trustworthiness is taken away (i.e. authority given to incompetent people)... and until people compete in building tall buildings...” – (Summary of part of a hadith in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Natural and Environmental Signs
The minor signs are not only societal – they also include remarkable natural events and changes in the world. These signs affect the environment, climate, and even animals, as well as supernatural occurrences. They show that as the Day of Judgment nears, the world itself will undergo unusual transformations. Here are the key environmental and extraordinary signs:
The Splitting of the Moon: One of the earliest signs given was a cosmic event: the moon splitting in two. The Qur’an records this miracle: “The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been split.” (Quran 54:1). During the Prophet’s lifetime, the moon was indeed split as a miracle for the Quraysh (numerous companions witnessed it). While that miracle was primarily to prove his prophethood, the Qur’an framing it as a Sign that the Hour is near indicates it’s also a minor sign. In other words, it was a preview of the power of Allah – if He can split the moon, He can certainly bring the Hour. Some modern Muslim scholars also mention that humanity literally splitting the atom or exploring space could metaphorically relate, but the direct meaning is the actual splitting that occurred as a miracle. No other religious founder’s miracles are tied into an end-time sign like this – again showing the unique and grand nature of Prophet Muhammad’s mission.
Plague of ‘Amwās (Emmaus): As briefly mentioned, there was a devastating plague in the early years (around 639 CE) in the town of ‘Amwās in Palestine. It killed roughly 25,000 Muslims including prominent companions (like Muʿādh bin Jabal). This was seen as the fulfillment of a prophecy of a “widespread death” that would happen after the Prophet. Indeed he ﷺ had said after conquering Jerusalem, a calamity would strike the Muslims – and it did, in the form of this plague. It’s a minor sign that already passed. Plagues and pandemics in general can be thought of as part of the trials of end times – for instance, living in 2020s, we saw a global pandemic (COVID-19) that upended life worldwide. Massive diseases remind us how fragile human life is and serve as warning that greater turmoil (like the final Hour) is not impossible.
Abundance of Wealth and Lack of Need: Surprisingly, not all minor signs are negative. One prophecy says there will come a time when wealth is so abundant that people will hardly find anyone poor to give charity to. In the same hadith, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned “...so much money will be in circulation that a wealthy person will worry no one will accept his zakāh.” This actually came true in a limited sense during the Caliphate of ʿUmar ibn ʿAbdul ʿAzīz (a righteous Umayyad caliph) – it’s recorded that at that time, wealth was distributed so well that virtually no one qualified for zakāh (there were no poor people needing it)! It may happen again in the future era of the Mahdi or Prophet ʿĪsā (Jesus) – in fact, it’s known from hadith that when Jesus returns and defeats Antichrist, an era of justice and prosperity will ensue with overflowing wealth. So this sign might recur in waves. It shows that economic situations will dramatically shift at times. It also subtly indicates the solution Islam provides: if its economic teachings are applied (like just leadership and zakāh distribution), poverty can be eliminated – a feat modern systems still struggle to achieve consistently.
Arabia Becoming Green and Fertile: The Prophet ﷺ said, “The Hour will not come until the land of the Arabs returns to being meadows and rivers.” This is a fascinating prophecy about climate change in the Arabian Peninsula. Geologists tell us that Arabia was once lush and green in ancient times. The hadith says it will return to that state. We are seeing beginnings of this: due to shifting climate patterns, some deserts in Arabia have seen more rain and even floods in recent years. Satellite images show ancient river beds under the sand. Saudi Arabia and surrounding areas are experiencing unusual weather, and some parts of the desert are indeed greening (some attribute it to human irrigation projects, but natural rainfall has increased too). This sign suggests a future where the harsh desert climate softens significantly. It’s incredible that the Prophet ﷺ mentioned this; no one in the 7th century would think the barren Hijaz or Nejd could ever support rivers and pastures. Yet modern science confirms it’s very possible if global warming trends continue. When we see pictures of camels in snow or green pastures in Arabia on the news nowadays, we can’t help but remember this hadith. It affirms that Allah controls the climate and can change it as a sign for humanity.
Increase in Earthquakes and Natural Disasters: A clear minor sign is that earthquakes will increase in number. The Prophet ﷺ spoke of earthquakes in several narrations. Indeed, as we track history, it seems the number and severity of earthquakes have been rising, especially in the last century. Beyond quakes, one can include other disasters like landslides and sinkings of the earth. He mentioned that “Landslides will occur” and people may be swallowed by the earth as punishment for wickedness. For example, three major sinkings are actually listed as major signs (one in the East, one in the West, one in Arabia) that will happen suddenly. But even before that, smaller landslides have happened and will happen. We often hear of towns partially sinking or new sinkholes opening; these could be minor precursors. Some hadiths also speak of “transformations” – people turning into animals (like apes or pigs) as a punishment for extreme sins – and “stones from the sky” hitting people . Those particular things might have occurred in past nations (as per Qur’an stories) or could happen again to groups who severely rebel against Allah’s commands, even among the Muslim ummah. They are not general events but targeted divine punishments.
The Great Fire in Ḥijāz: The Prophet ﷺ said “The Hour will not come until a fire comes out of Ḥijāz (the region of Madinah) that will light up the necks of the camels in Busra (Syria).” This sounded like a very strange prophecy: a fire in the Arabian Hijaz so bright it illuminates Busra, a city in Syria hundreds of kilometers away! Yet this actually happened in the year 1256 CE (654 AH). In that year, a volcanic eruption and massive fire broke out in the area southeast of Madinah. Contemporary scholars like Imam al-Nawawī (in Damascus) and Ibn Kathīr recorded that its glow was visible from Syria. Al-Nawawī said: “There appeared in our time a fire in Madinah – a massive one – and news of it spread as far as Syria.” People in Busra could literally see the light on the horizon, exactly as the hadith said. This fulfillment amazed Muslim scholars of that era, strengthening their faith. In modern times, some have reinterpreted “fire of Hijaz” as possibly the discovery of oil (since flames of gas flares and oil fires in the Gulf can be seen from far), but the classical understanding fits the 1256 event best. Regardless, it’s a documented minor sign that has come to pass, proving the Prophet’s truthfulness. It’s also a miracle that no one can deny – how could an uneducated man predict a volcanic eruption 600 years later? It wasn’t guesswork; it was revelation from Allah.
The Euphrates River Uncovers a Mountain of Gold: Another intriguing prophecy: “The Euphrates will soon uncover a treasure of gold. Whoever is present there should not take anything of it.” (Sahih Muslim). According to the hadiths, the Euphrates (which flows through Turkey, Syria, Iraq) will dry up enough to reveal a mountain or hill of gold, and people will fight over it, leading to great bloodshed – out of every 100 fighters, 99 will die, and each will hope to be the sole survivor to get the gold. This sign has not yet occurred, as no such gold treasure is known yet. However, the Euphrates’ water levels are indeed dropping due to dams and climate change. Some speculate it could be literal gold (perhaps an underground gold reserve or cache exposed by receding water), or metaphorical for oil (often called “black gold”). Interestingly, massive oil fields were found in the Euphrates basin – and there were indeed wars in Iraq/Syria which some link to oil wealth. But the hadith language suggests actual gold and a very dire battle. Time will tell. The Prophet’s advice is telling: if you see this gold, don’t take from it. Why? Likely because it will bring nothing but fitnah and death. This highlights a moral: uncontrolled greed will lead to massive conflict, as we’ve seen with oil and resources in general. Islam’s guidance is to not let material greed drive you to violence.
Communication with Animals and Objects: One of the more “fantastical” minor signs is that animals and even inanimate objects will communicate with humans. The Prophet ﷺ said, “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the Hour will not come until wild beasts speak to people, and a man’s whip and his shoelace speak to him, and his thigh informs him about what happened to his family after him.” (Reported in Musnad Aḥmad, graded authentic by some scholars). This could be interpreted literally or metaphorically. Literal: maybe near the end, miracles will occur where animals talk (like how the Prophet ﷺ was spoken to by animals as miracles). There are stories of pious people later hearing wolves or cows speak by Allah’s will, but as a widespread sign it might happen more commonly. The mention of a whip, shoelace, and thigh “speaking” is fascinating – many modern Muslims see this as a metaphor for technology. Consider: a man’s whip or staff could be akin to his phone today (which could “talk” via notifications or ring tones), and something on one’s shoes (perhaps a smart device), and one’s thigh – interestingly where many keep their phone in their pocket! Our phones literally can tell us what’s happening back home (through messages or news). In the Prophet’s time, the idea of instant communication across distance was unthinkable. Now, with smartphones and smart gadgets, it’s normal. Could our communications tech be what the hadith was hinting at? It’s possible Allah showed His Prophet an image of the future where people carry small speaking devices. Or Allah will cause even more direct miraculous communications with objects as the Hour nears – He knows best. In any case, this sign shows how extraordinary things will become reality. For believers, seeing this come true (if indeed it refers to phones, etc.) is just another reminder that the knowledge of unseen truly belongs to Allah and He granted a glimpse of it to His Messenger.
True Dreams of Believers: The Prophet ﷺ said as we approach the end times, the dreams of believers will hardly ever be false – they will come true frequently. He said this is because prophecy will be gone (no more new revelation), so Allah will honor sincere believers with truthful dreams (which are 1/46th of prophethood). This is a more subtle sign. Many Muslims have observed that pious people sometimes see a dream that later happens in real life. As the world gets more materialistic and confusing, Allah may guide believers or give them glad tidings through dreams. But this sign also warns us not to rely on fraudulent “visions” or the dreams of questionable people – stick to the pious and the content that aligns with Islam. Imam al-Nawawī commented that nearing Qiyāmah, a righteous person’s dream could be an encouragement for others to stay firm when times are tough. Indeed, this minor sign is a little ray of light among a lot of darker signs.
There are other minor signs as well, but we have covered the complete list of those established by the Qur’an and authentic hadith according to our greatest scholars. Some additional ones sometimes mentioned (like “time will pass quickly” or “markets will become closer” and “women will participate in trade”) are actually encompassed in the ones above or derived from reliable narrations. For example, time passing quickly is in Bukhari’s hadith: in our era, months and years feel shorter due to lack of barakah (blessing) – that is certainly happening with the frantic pace of life. Globalization of trade (markets being interconnected) and women working alongside their husbands (which one narration in Musnad Ahmad hinted at) are also evident now. We can see nearly every facet of modern life was foreseen in some way: moral inversion, family breakdown, knowledge loss, wealth surges, climate shifts, tech communication, and world conflicts. It’s truly a faith-strengthening experience to match our current events with these prophecies. No other religious scripture or teaching provides such a systematic and verified checklist of signs before the end.
Reflections and The Wisdom Behind the Signs
Knowing all these signs, a question arises: What do we do with this knowledge? The purpose is not to become obsessed with “date-setting” or to fall into despair thinking everything is doom and gloom. Rather, the purpose is to validate our faith and to motivate us to live righteously. Since so many minor signs have already occurred (the Prophet’s mission itself was the first minor sign, and indeed he said “I and the Hour have been sent like these two” – holding two fingers together to indicate the closeness), we should feel the urgency that the Hour is near. Near, of course, in the cosmic sense – only Allah knows the exact time. It could still be years or decades away, but compared to past nations, we are certainly in the late phase of earth’s story.
The signs also teach us lessons: for instance, when we see trust betrayed everywhere, we should cling harder to being trustworthy. When we see adultery and interest normalized, we should treasure chastity and halal earnings more. When we see ignorant voices loud, we should quietly seek real knowledge. When we notice nature’s signs (like unusual weather or disasters), we remember Allah’s power and refrain from arrogance. The Prophet ﷺ did not list these signs for entertainment; he would often mention them in sermons to warn people against becoming part of those prophesied sins. In one narration, after describing some end-time evils, he said, “When that happens, take care of your own character and leave the common folk to their own.” Meaning: focus on saving yourself and your family by holding onto goodness, since you might not stop society at large from deteriorating, but you can avoid joining it.
Islam’s view of the apocalypse is uniquely balanced. We neither despair (because believers have hope of Allah’s reward even in trials), nor do we get deluded by false claims (since our Prophet gave clear signs). It’s superior to other philosophies in that it provides actionable guidance. For example, Christians who believed the world would end in year 2000 sold their properties and sat waiting – that misinterpretation caused material and spiritual harm when it didn’t occur. In contrast, Islam says work hard until the last moment. There’s a beautiful hadith: “If the Hour is about to be established and one of you has a sapling in his hand to plant, let him plant it.” So even if Qiyāmah is literally coming, you continue doing good until you can’t anymore. This proactive, hopeful attitude is something Islam instills. We study these minor signs not to panic or become idle, but to confirm our belief and carry on prophetically inspired living.
Throughout history, major Sunni scholars (Hanafī, Mālikī, Shāfiʿī, Ḥanbalī – all schools) have generally agreed on the list of minor signs. There’s no big sectarian dispute on them, because they come from universally accepted sources like Bukhari and Muslim. Any slight differences are in interpretation, not in whether the Prophet ﷺ said them. This unity itself is a blessing – it shows the reliability of our transmitted knowledge. For instance, Imam al-Qurṭubī (Mālikī) wrote about these signs in his works, Ibn Ḥajar (Shāfiʿī) in Fatḥ al-Bārī explained many signs within his commentary on Bukhari, Ibn al-Qayyim and Ibn Kathīr (Hanbalī background) compiled them extensively, and later scholars from the Hanafī tradition also taught them without issue. So all Sunni schools embrace these prophecies as part of our creed in the “Belief in the Last Day.”
One might ask: What about miracles related to this topic? In truth, the fulfillment of these signs IS a miracle of our Prophet. Each time history unfolds as he predicted, it’s a living miracle across time. Additionally, some minor signs were accompanied by miraculous elements – for example, the splitting of the moon was both a miracle and a sign. Another miracle is the sheer preservation of these prophecies: unlike Nostradamus-style predictions which are cryptic and debated, our hadiths were preserved with chains of narrators and scholarly scrutiny. This itself is a miraculous preservation of knowledge, unique to the Muslim ummah.
When comparing end-time views, Islam’s is very logical yet spiritually profound. For instance, some philosophies like secular humanism completely dismiss the idea of an apocalypse or afterlife – they assume human progress will just continue indefinitely. But this leaves them ill-prepared for any global catastrophe (be it environmental collapse or something else). Islam, on the other hand, prepares its followers: the world will end, so don’t become too attached to it. Even science concurs that Earth won’t last forever (be it heat death of the universe or our sun dying out in billions of years – something will end it). We just believe it will happen on Allah’s terms much sooner. Other religions like Hinduism see time as cyclic and thus give less weight to an “end” – whereas Islam emphasizes a linear timeline with a clear culmination, which imbues history with purpose and urgency. The superiority of Islam’s eschatology is also seen in its transformative effect: Muslims who truly believe in these signs are often motivated to charity, repentance, and enjoining good, whereas those who don’t believe in accountability may live selfishly.
In conclusion, the minor signs of the Day of Judgment in Islam form a remarkable tapestry of prophecies – a mix of fulfilled events and unfolding realities. We live in an age where many of these signs surround us, a powerful reminder that the Major Signs and ultimately the Day of Resurrection itself are drawing nearer. It should fill our hearts with both awe and responsibility. Awe at the truth of Prophet Muhammad’s message, and responsibility to reform ourselves before it’s too late. The Prophet ﷺ once drew a line in the sand and then a gap and then another line, and said, “This is the path of mankind (the first line), and this second line is the end of that path (death). And the gap between them is the life of this world. And a person continues along the path until suddenly the gap is crossed (death comes) and the journey is ended.” They asked him about the short distance of the gap, and he tapped his fingers and said “That is how short life is, and how near death always is.” If individual death is that near, then surely the collective end is also not far-fetched.
We should strive to be among those who recognize the signs and take heed, rather than those who scoff or remain heedless. The Qur’an criticizes those who, when signs come, fail to benefit: “Once it (the Hour) actually befalls them, will it not be too late to take heed?” (47:18). We still have time now to take heed. Let’s hasten to repent from sins (like those listed in the signs), to increase our good deeds, and to spread the beautiful message of Islam (dawah) to others so they can be saved. Each minor sign checked off should make us more serious about preparing for the Major signs and ultimately standing before Allah on Judgment Day.
In a famous hadith, someone asked the Prophet ﷺ, “When will the Hour be?” Instead of giving a date, he redirected the question to, “What have you prepared for it?” This is the crux: it’s less about when and more about what state we’ll be in when it happens. So, we end with a heartfelt advice to ourselves and all readers: seeing the truth of these prophecies, renew your commitment to Islam. Don’t be a victim of the moral and social chaos – be a beacon of the prophetic teachings. Hold onto the Qur’an and Sunnah even if people call you old-fashioned, because in reality you are on the safest, straight path in chaotic times. May Allah guide us and protect us in these trying times, and may He make us among the righteous who thrive even as the world around falls into disorder. Remember, after all the minor and major signs, the Day of Judgment will establish absolute justice – and only those who lived with faith and virtue will find peace beyond that Day.
As Muslims, we look forward not with fear, but with hope: hope that by adhering to our faith now, we will earn Allah’s mercy in the hereafter. Each minor sign that comes to pass is one step closer to meeting our Lord. For the believer, that meeting is a joyous occasion, not a dreadful one. So let’s use the knowledge of these signs to transform our lives, increase our iman (faith), and diligently prepare for the ultimate reality. The Prophet ﷺ said, “This world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever.” The inversion of morals and spread of injustice we see are tests – almost like a prison scenario for good people – but it’s temporary. Paradise awaits the patient believers, whereas those who indulge in making this world their “paradise” at the expense of faith will find the hereafter a prison.
We ask Allah to make us among those who recognize the truth and act upon it. Let’s be the generation that, even as we witness so many signs fulfilled, we shine with the light of guidance for others. Perhaps through our efforts, others will wake up and turn back to Allah before the final Day arrives. That is the true success in responding to these signs.
Conclusion:
In summary, the minor signs of the Day of Judgment in Islam cover every aspect of human life – social upheaval, moral degradation, political conflict, and natural wonders. They have been unfolding for over a millennium and continue to manifest in our current era. This comprehensive prophecy portfolio is a testament to the truth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and a mercy from Allah to warn us. We should be grateful to have this “roadmap” of the end times, and unlike those who live in spiritual darkness, we have clear guidance on what to expect and how to behave. Now is the time to reflect: Are we following the crowd into the very evils our Prophet foretold, or are we holding tight to his example and swimming against the tide of moral chaos? Each of us should take these signs personally – make a firm intention today to increase your righteousness and faith, because the meeting with Allah is indeed near, whether through our own death or the final Hour.
Let these prophecies inspire you: the fact that so many have come true means the rest will surely come true as well. Just as the minor signs validate Islam, the major signs will also happen one by one – and beyond them, the Day of Judgment, Heaven and Hell are real. There is no greater truth. For a Muslim, this is not cause for panic, but cause for proactive improvement. We have the opportunity now to seek Allah’s pleasure so that when these events reach their climax, we are among those whom Allah loves and protects. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Worshiping Allah in the time of widespread chaos is like migrating to join me.” That indicates how valuable steadfast faith will be in the end times. We already see chaos around; let’s be those rare servants of Allah who remain devout and calm, like a lamp in the darkness.
And finally, we end with a prayer the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to often recite: “O Allah, keep my heart firm upon Your religion.” In a world where so many minor signs can shake one’s faith or lure one into sin, this prayer is essential. May Allah keep us firm, guide us to goodness, and make us among the saved on the Day when “wealth and children will not benefit anyone, except whoever comes to Allah with a sound heart.” (Quran 26:88-89). Āmīn.
Recommended Books for Further Reading:
For those interested in learning more about the signs of the Day of Judgment (both minor and major) with authentic detail and scholarly insights, here are some highly regarded books:
- “The Minor Resurrection: The Signs of Qiyamah” – by Dr. Umar Sulaiman al-Ashqar. (A comprehensive book focusing on minor signs and what happens before the Day of Judgment, from a respected contemporary scholar.)
- “The End of the World: Major and Minor Signs of the Hour” – by Dr. Muhammad al-‘Areefi. (A reader-friendly modern work that compiles Quranic and hadith evidence about end-time events in an engaging manner.)
- “Book of the End – Great Trials and Tribulations” – by Imam Ibn Kathir. (A classic text by the famous 14th-century scholar, detailing many prophecies of the end times. It’s available in English translation and covers minor and major signs extensively.)
- “Ashrāt al-Sā’ah (Signs of the Hour)” – by Yusuf ibn ʿAbdullah al-Wabil. (Originally in Arabic, it is a well-researched academic work gathering all authentic narrations on the signs of the Hour, often cited by scholars – an English translation summary exists under titles like “Signs of the Hour”.)
- “Signs of the End Times” – by Shaikh Muhammad bin ‘Ali al-Arfaj. (A concise booklet published by Darussalam that lists the signs in a simple way, good for quick reference and study circles.)