The Day of Judgement, or Yawm al-Qiyamah, is a fundamental concept in Islam, marking the end of the world and the beginning of the afterlife. It is a day that every Muslim believes will come, a day when all individuals will be resurrected and judged by Allah for their deeds.
This belief shapes the moral and ethical framework of Muslims, urging them to live righteously and follow the teachings of Islam. But what exactly is the Day of Judgement? When will it happen? And how many signs are left before this monumental event takes place? In this post, we’ll delve into these questions and explore the signs that foretell the coming of this inevitable day.
What is the Day of Judgement?
The Day of Judgement, also known as the Day of Resurrection, is a day when all human beings will be resurrected from their graves and held accountable for their actions in this life. It is a central belief in Islam, shared by all Muslims, and is mentioned frequently in the Quran and Hadith. On this day, Allah will judge each person based on their deeds, and they will be rewarded with eternal paradise (Jannah) or punished with eternal hellfire (Jahannam).
The Purpose of the Day of Judgement
The primary purpose of the Day of Judgement is to serve as the final and ultimate justice system. It is a day when every soul will be given its due, and every deed, whether good or bad, will be weighed. It is also a day of recompense, where the righteous will be rewarded, and the wicked will face the consequences of their actions. This belief instills a sense of accountability and morality in Muslims, guiding them to live a life in accordance with Islamic principles.
When Will the Day of Judgement Occur?
The exact timing of the Day of Judgement is unknown to anyone except Allah. The Quran states, “Indeed, the Hour is coming; I almost conceal it so that every soul may be recompensed according to that for which it strives” (Surah Taha, 20:15). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized that no one knows the precise time, not even the angels or the prophets.
However, Islamic teachings provide certain signs that will precede the Day of Judgement. These signs are divided into two categories: minor signs (Alamat al-Sughra) and major signs (Alamat al-Kubra). The occurrence of these signs serves as indicators of the approaching Day of Judgement.
The Signs of the Day of Judgement
Minor Signs
The minor signs of the Day of Judgement are numerous and have been unfolding over the centuries. They are not specific events but rather general occurrences and trends that indicate the deterioration of morality and the increase of corruption and chaos in the world. Some of the notable minor signs include:
- Widespread Ignorance: A decline in knowledge and a rise in ignorance, with people abandoning religious teachings.
- Increase in Adultery and Fornication: The spread of immoral behavior and the normalization of illicit relationships.
- Consumption of Alcohol: The widespread acceptance and consumption of intoxicants.
- Disappearance of Honesty and Trustworthiness: A decline in integrity and the loss of trustworthy individuals.
- Prevalence of Usury and Bribery: The widespread practice of interest-based transactions and corruption.
- Abundance of Wealth: An increase in wealth to the point where people struggle to find recipients for their charity.
- Competition in Building Tall Structures: People competing to construct the tallest buildings.
- Time Passing Quickly: A sense that time is passing more rapidly.
- The Abandonment of Salah: People neglecting the daily prayers.
- Widespread Bloodshed: An increase in violence, conflicts, and wars.
These minor signs indicate the gradual moral decay of society and serve as a reminder for Muslims to return to the teachings of Islam and seek repentance.
Major Signs
The major signs are extraordinary events that will occur shortly before the Day of Judgement. Unlike the minor signs, these events are more specific and significant, marking the final stages before the end of the world. Some of the major signs include:
- The Appearance of the Mahdi: A righteous leader from the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad who will bring justice and peace.
- The Appearance of the Dajjal (Antichrist): A false messiah who will spread corruption and deceive people with false miracles.
- The Return of Prophet Isa (Jesus): Prophet Isa will descend from the heavens, defeat the Dajjal, and restore justice.
- The Emergence of Gog and Magog (Yajuj and Majuj): Two tribes that will cause widespread destruction and chaos.
- The Rising of the Sun from the West: A major cosmic event that signifies the closing of the doors of repentance.
- The Beast of the Earth: A creature that will emerge and speak to people, affirming their faith or disbelief.
- The Smoke: A great smoke that will envelop the earth, causing widespread suffering.
- The Three Major Earthquakes: Three major earthquakes that will occur, one in the East, one in the West, and one in the Arabian Peninsula.
- The fire: A great fire that will drive people to the place of assembly.
These major signs are extraordinary and unmistakable, leaving no doubt about the nearness of the Day of Judgement. Once these signs appear, the end of the world is imminent, and the final judgement will follow.
How Many Signs Are Left?
As of now, many of the minor signs have already manifested, and some are ongoing. The world has witnessed a decline in morality, an increase in corruption, and the fulfillment of several prophetic predictions. However, most of the major signs have yet to occur. The appearance of the Mahdi, the descent of Prophet Isa, the emergence of the Dajjal, and the other major events have not taken place.
It is essential to note that the exact sequence and timing of these signs are known only to Allah. The occurrence of these signs serves as a warning and a reminder for Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith and prepare for the Day of Judgement.
Conclusion
The Day of Judgement is a profound and inevitable event that every Muslim believes will come. While the exact timing remains a divine secret, the signs preceding it are clearly outlined in Islamic teachings. The minor signs indicate a gradual decline in morality, while the major signs signal the final moments before the end of the world. As Muslims, it is crucial to reflect on these signs, strengthen our faith, and strive to live a life in accordance with Islamic principles.
In these uncertain times, the ultimate countdown to the Day of Judgement serves as a reminder of the transient nature of this world and the importance of preparing for the eternal afterlife. May we all be guided and granted the strength to live righteous lives, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
