The Six Kalimas of Islam:
• THE 1ST KALIMA
[Kalima Tayyibah, meaning the Word of Purity]
» La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur RasulAllah
Meaning: There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Messenger of Allah.
• THE 2ND KALIMA
[Kalima Shahada, meaning the Word of Testimony]
» Ash-hadu Allahu ilaha illallah wah-dahu la shareeka lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa Rasuluhu
Meaning: I bear witness that none is worthy of worship but Allah, the One alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad,peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is His servant and Messenger.
• THE 3RD KALIMA
[Kalima Tamjeed, meaning the Word of Glorification]
» Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar, wa la howla wa la quwwata illah billahil alliyil azeem
Meaning: Glory be to Allah, and all praise be to Allah, and there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest, and there is no Power and Might except from Allah, the Most High, the Great.
• THE 4TH KALIMA
[Kalima Tawheed, meaning the Word of the Oneness of God]
» La ilaha illallahu wah-dahu la shareeka lahu lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu biyadihil khayr, wa huwa ala kulli shay’in qadeer
Meaning: There is none worthy of worship but Allah who is alone (and) He has no partner, His is the Kingdom and for Him is all praise, He gives life and causes death, in His hand is all good and He has power over everything.
• THE 5TH KALIMA
[Kalima Astaghfar, meaning the Word of Repentance]
» Astaghfirullah rabbi min kullay zambin aznabtuhu amadan aw khat'an sirran aw ala niyyataw-wa atuubu ilayhi minaz-zambil lazee a'lamu wa minaz zambil lazee la a'lamu innaka anta allamul ghuyuubi wa sattaarul uyubi wa ghaffaruz-zunuubi wala hawla wala quwwata illa billahil aliyil azeem.
Meaning: I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly, and I turn towards Him from the sin that I know and from the sin that I do not know. Certainly You, You (are) the Knower of the hidden things and the Concealer (of) the mistakes and the Forgiver (of) sins. And (there is) no power and no strength except from Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
• THE 6TH KALIMA
[Kalima Radde-Kufr, meaning the Word of Refuting Unbelief]
» Allahumma inni a’uzu bika min an ushrika bika shay’a-wa ana a’lamu bihi wa astaghfiruka lima la a’lamu bihi tubtu anhu wa tabarra’tu minal kufri wash-shirki wal kizbi wal-ma’aasi kulliha assalamtu wa-amantu wa-akulu la ilaha illallah, Muhammadur RasulAllah
Meaning: O Allah! I seek protection in You from that I should not join any partner with You knowingly, I seek Your forgiveness from that which I do not know, I repent from it (ignorance), I free myself from disbelief and joining partners with You and from all sins. I submit to Your will, I believe and I declare: there is none worthy of worship besides Allah and Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is Allah's Messenger.
Azaan (the Call to Prayer):
The Azaan or Adhan is the Islamic call to prayer which is delivered by a mu’azzin (one who is appointed for this duty) at the prescribed time of the five daily Salah.
The first mu’azzin of Islam was Sayyidina Bilal who was known for his stunning voice, and so the role as a mu’azzin is one of great honor and virtue.
As an indication of respect, one should not talk during the Azaan but should listen attentively.
Sayyidina ibn Umar reports, “When the Muslims arrived at Madinah, they used to assemble for the prayer, and used to guess the time for it. During those days, the practice of Azaan for the prayers had not been introduced yet. Once they discussed this problem regarding the call for prayer. Some people suggested the use of a bell like the Christians, others proposed a trumpet like the horn used by the Jews, but Umar was the first to suggest that a man should call (the people) for the prayer; so Allah's Messenger ordered Bilal to get up and pronounce the Azaan for prayers.”[Bukhari, Hadith no. 578]
The Azaan or Adhan is the Islamic call to prayer which is delivered by a mu’azzin (one who is appointed for this duty) at the prescribed time of the five daily Salah.
The first mu’azzin of Islam was Sayyidina Bilal who was known for his stunning voice, and so the role as a mu’azzin is one of great honor and virtue.
As an indication of respect, one should talk during the Azaan but should listen attentively.
Sayyidina ibn Umar reports, “When the Muslims arrived at Madinah, they used to assemble for the prayer, and used to guess the time for it. During those days, the practice of Azaan for the prayers had not been introduced yet. Once they discussed this problem regarding the call for prayer. Some people suggested the use of a bell like the Christians, others proposed a trumpet like the horn used by the Jews, but Umar was the first to suggest that a man should call (the people) for the prayer; so Allah's Messenger ordered Bilal to get up and pronounce the Azaan for prayers.”[Bukhari, Hadith no. 578]
Allahu Akbar
God is the Greatest [4x]
Ash-hadu al-la ilaha illa llah
I bear witness that there is no God but Allah [2x]
Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah
I bear witness that Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is Allah's Messenger [2x]
Hayya alas-salah
Come to prayer [2x]
Hayya alal-falah
Come to salvation [2x]
Allahu Akbar
God is the Greatest [2x]
La ilaha illallah
There is no God but Allah [1x]
• The phrase Assalatu Khairum Minan Naum, meaning “Prayer is better than sleep”, is added for the Azaan of the Fajr prayer.
• The iqama is the second call to prayer delivered in a shorter, plainer manner of recitation immediately before the congregational prayers. Each line is read only once except for the additional line of Qad qama-tis Salah, meaning “Prayer has begun”, which is repeated twice.
After the Azaan, a special supplication is recited as narrated by Sayyidina Jabir bin Abdullah, who reports that Allah's Messenger, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever after listening to the Azaan says, 'Allahumma Rabba haazihid-da'waatit-taammati was-salaatil qaa'imati, aati Muhammadan al-wasilaata wal-fadilata, wab' ath-hu maqaamam mahmuda nil-lazi wa'ad-tah,’ (O Allah! Lord of this perfect call, and of the regular prayer which is going to be established! Kindly give Muhammad the right of intercession and superiority, and send him to the best and the highest place in Paradise which You have promised him), then intercession for me will be permitted for him on the Day of Resurrection.” [Bukhari, Hadith no. 588]
Details of Each Namaaz:
Ramadan: An Introduction:
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and a time for Muslims to submit themselves further to Almighty Allah by way of fasting & worship. Its Arabic name ‘Ramadan’ literally means heat & dryness. Fasting in this month was first prescribed in the 2nd year of Hijri: “Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.” [Holy Qur’an 2:183] “…That whoso of you find this month, necessarily, he should fast in it…” [Holy Qur’an 2:185] Ramadan is also referred to as the month of the Holy Qur’an, as it was the month in which the Holy Book was first revealed to The Beloved Messenger of Allah: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an…” [Holy Qur’an 2:185] “Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree.” [Holy Qur’an 97:1] The above verse refers to the night of Laylatul-Qadr, which falls on one of the odd dates of the last ten days of Ramadan. Many scholars agree that this night was most likely on the 27th Ramadan but all other odd dates in the last ten days are also accepted as Laylatul-Qadr. Narrated Sayyida Aisha that the Beloved Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, used to practice Itikaaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.” [Sahih Muslim: Book 32, Hadith no. 237] Ramadan is ultimately a time for reflection, forgiveness, seeking Allah’s Pleasure, strengthening community ties & bringing together families. At this time of the year, the Masjids become more full with worshippers and people from all walks of life gather together to share the blessing this month brings. Sayyidina Abu Hurairah reports that the Beloved Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Fasting is a shield (or a screen/shelter). So the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.’ The Prophet added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.” [Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Hadith no. 118] The above Hadith highlights not only the requirements of fasting but also the reward which Almighty Allah gives to the one who fasts in His Way. It mentions that “the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk”. This is usually interpreted as Allah loves his fasting servant so much that the smell of his breath is sweeter to Almighty Allah than the scent of musk. It is also interpreted in two other ways; the 2nd interpretation is that Allah will reward the fasting servant with breath smelling of musk, and the 3rd interpretation is that Allah will cause the fasting servant to rise on the Day of Judgment with breath smelling of musk. Sayyidina Abu Hurairah reports that yhe Beloved Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, also said: “When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of Mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained.” [Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Hadith no. 118] The Hadith above points out the other favors bestowed upon us by our Lord in the month of Ramadan, mainly: 1. “The gates of Mercy are opened…” implies that those seeking mercy & forgiveness in this month are blessed with the opportunity of seeking it when the gates are open, thus forgiveness is given to those in search of it. 2. “…the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained” implies that the devils are locked up during this month. Some scholars believe the major devils are chained, others believe that all the devils are chained. However, here a point often arises; if the devils are chained up, why is evil still committed during this holy month? This is easily explained; those who have acquired the characteristics & ways of the devil by constantly committing sin, feeling no shame or remorse, and endorsing wrongdoings upon others, will not be chained themselves and are still free to act as shamelessly they please. The devils may be locked up but there is still evil on earth during this month due to peoples’ personalities & character. In this month, we should all make the sincere effort to better ourselves & improve our characters in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet of Mercy, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, not just for Ramadan but for the duration of our lives. Ramadan is a perfect opportunity Allah has favored the Muslims with, so that we may turn a new leaf, change our ways and strive towards a better life & future. May Almighty Allah grant us all the ability to improve ourselves according to the teachings of our Beloved Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Ameen. |
Ramadan: 7 Benefits of Fasting:
Apart from the great spiritual benefit and blessing attained by fasting throughout the holy month of Ramadan, fasting also has several other benefits for mind and body. 1. BREAK FROM BUSY LIFESTYLES Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a break from demanding daily routines, often full of worldly concerns & issues. Ramadan is a gateway towards spiritual bliss & provides a retreat from excessive lifestyles, enabling us to focus on our religious duties & the improvement of our character. 2. FOOD CONTROL Abstinence from food & drink allows the digestive system to rest & recover from the usual intake of food. Fasting gives the body a break from constant meals and helps us to better control what we eat/drink. Science proves that fasting allows the body to ‘detox’, meaning to flush out toxic substances built throughout the previous months. It also improves stamina, circulation and strength. Additionally, it promotes clearer skin and whiter eyes as the body feels healthier & less contaminated while fasting. 3. OVERCOMING BAD HABITS Fasting, over time, helps to fight cravings of nicotine, caffeine and other narcotics. Through aiding the development of abstinence and self-control, fasting has helped many people give up their addiction to smoking & other related habits. It also provides the opportunity to give up habits such as lying, backbiting, gossiping etc. as we know that during the sacred month of Ramadan, our fasts are invalid if we do not abstain from evil. Thus, it provides a truly effective opportunity to turn away from these traits & start afresh. 4. MORE TIME FOR REFLECTION As fasting removes the need for food during daylight hours, it gives us more time & opportunity to reflect and become closer to Almighty Allah. Our time is spent in acts of worship and kindness, seeking spiritual enlightenment without distraction. 5. GRATITUDE & UNDERSTANDING Fasting enables us to understand a small portion of the plight suffered by the poor & needy. It allows us to undergo a fraction of the hardship they endure through hunger and the deprivation of food and drink. Alhamdulillah, we are fortunate enough to know where our next meal will come from and we know that a good Iftaar awaits us at the end of the fasting day. Sadly, many Muslim families around the world are too poor to afford an Iftaar meal and are not even able to break their fasts. Thus, fasting reminds us of our fortune and encourages us to thank Almighty Allah for the sustenance He provides us. 6. TESTS PATIENCE AND STRENGTH Fasting tests & improves our patience, as well as our inner strength, as we strive to purify ourselves of that which our nafs (lower self) desires. It allows us to practise self-control, training our minds against its usual habits. 7. STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY TIES Fasting in Ramadan strengthens community links as Muslims in the same area will unite further at this time of year; gathering at the Masjid, sharing glad tidings, offering Iftaar to each other and spending time with their brothers & sisters in faith. It also strengthens & renews family bonds, as Ramadan is a month of forgiveness which brings families together to enjoy blessings and spiritual bliss. May Almighty Allah grant us all the ability to improve our characters and purify our inner selves according to the teachings of our Beloved Prophet, may His peace and blessings be upon him. Ameen. |
Hajj Guide & Glossary:
STEP-BY-STEP HAJJ GUIDE
Arrival in Makkah:
Perform Umrah (7 rounds of Tawaf, 2 Rakats prayer at Maqam-e-Ibrahim and Sa’ee betweenSafa & Marwa).
8th Zil-Hajj:
Proceed to Mina after sunrise.
Stay in Mina overnight.
9th Zil-Hajj:
Proceed to Arafat after sunrise.
Stay in Arafat until sunset (time of Maghrib).
Proceed to Muzdalifa without praying Maghrib.
You must read Maghrib & Isha together in Muzdalifa.
Collect at least 49 pebbles for stoning of the devil.
Important: Pray sincerely during your time in Arafat, as this is a day of great mercy & acceptance of prayers.
10th Zil-Hajj:
Stay in Muzdalifa until sunrise.
After sunrise, proceed to the Jamarat to stone the devil.
Stone the Jamarat Uqba (big pillar) only, with 7 pebbles.
Perform Qurbani.
Shave head/hair once Qurbani has been completed.
Remove Ihram and dress normally.
Spend Zuhr time in Makkah or Mina.
Perform Ziyarat Tawaf [applicable until sunset of 12th Zil-Hajj]
Perform Sa’ee between Safa and Marwa.
Stay in Mina overnight.
11th Zil-Hajj:
After sunrise, proceed to the Jamarat to stone all 3 devils.
Stone the pillars in this order: small pillar (near Masjid Khaif), medium pillar, big pillar.
Spend the rest of the day in Mina, praying and performing virtuous acts.
Stay in Mina overnight.
12th Zil-Hajj:
After sunrise, proceed to the Jamarat once again to stone all 3 devils.
Stone the pillars in this order, as previously stated: small pillar (near Masjid Khaif), medium pillar, big pillar.
Spend the rest of the day in Mina, praying and performing virtuous acts.
Stay in Mina overnight.
If you do not wish to stay in Mina for more than 2 days, leave for Makkah before sunset. If you choose this option, perform a farewell Tawaf (Tawaf ul Wida) in Makkah before you leave to return home.
13th Zil-Hajj:
After sunrise, proceed to the Jamarat once again to stone all 3 devils.
Stone the pillars in this order, as previously stated: small pillar (near Masjid Khaif), medium pillar, big pillar.
Leave Mina and proceed to Makkah before sunset.
Perform a farewell Tawaf (Tawaf ul Wida) in Makkah before you leave to return home.
HAJJ GLOSSARY
A desert location approximately nine miles east of Makkah where pilgrims spend 9th Zil-Hajj in prayer & supplication.
Eidul Adha
The festival of Sacrifice, 10th day of Zil-Hajj.
An animal such as a sheep or goat is sacrificed in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in the way of Almighty Allah.
Hajj is the Islamic pilgrimage which is compulsory upon every Muslim who is financially and physically able. It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world.
It is performed from the 8th to the 12th of Zil-Hajj, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
The person enters into Ihram only for the Hajj and leaves it only on the Day of Sacrifice.
Hajj ul Qiran
The person enters into Ihram for both Umrah and Hajj, and does not leave state of Ihram until the Day of Sacrifice (Eidul Adha) at Mina.
In this type of Hajj, one has to stick to the restrictions of Ihram for a longer period of time.
When at or before reaching the Miqat, one enters into state of Ihram for Umrah only. He performs Umrah first, then leaves state of Ihram until 8 Zil-Hajj, when he enters Ihram again for Hajj.
This is the most common type for people from outside of Saudi Arabia
Hajre Aswad
The sacred Black Stone is a stone from Jannat (Heaven) which is built into the south-east corner of the Holy Ka’bah at a height of approximately 4 ft.
The Black Stone was personally installed into the wall of the Holy Ka’bah by Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) himself during its reconstruction. He also kissed it during his last Hajj, so kissing (Istilam) of the Hajre Aswad is considered a Sunnah.
Haram Sharif
The mosque around the Holy Ka’bah in Makkah, as well as the mosque in Madinah.
Hateem
The area adjacent to the Ka’bah on its west side, enclosed by a low semi-circular wall.
The distinctive clothing of the male pilgrim worn during Hajj.
It consists of two pieces of plain white, unsewn cloth. One of the pieces (Izar) is wrapped around the midriff from just above his navel to his ankles, and the other is draped around his shoulders to cover the upper body.
For ladies, their ordinary clothing constitutes Ihram.
Istilam
The act of kissing Hajre Aswad at the beginning & end of every round of Tawaf.
If it is not possible physically to kiss Hajre Aswad, the pilgrim may touch the Sacred Stone and then kiss his hand.
If that is not possible, he may raise his hand in the direction of Hajre Aswad and, then kiss his hand.
The three stone pillars in Mina which symbolically represent the locations where the devil (Shaitan) attempted to stop Prophet Ibrahim from sacrificing his son for Allah.
Pilgrims stone these pillars on the 10th to 13th of Zil-Hajj. The Jamarat are located within a few hundred feet of each other in a line and are as follows:
The last stone pillar in the line. This is also called Jamarat ul Kubra or the big pillar.
Jamarat ul Uula
The first stone pillar in the line.
Jamarat ul Wusta
The second (middle) stone pillar in the line.
Ka’bah
A cubic structure originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and his eldest son Ishmael. It is now housed within the Haram Sharif in the holy city of Makkah
During Hajj, the essential rite of Tawaf is performed around the Ka’bah. Every day, millions of Muslims perform their daily prayers towards the Holy Ka’bah..
A rocky mount
Mahram
The husband or male companion of a female pilgrim, to whom her marriage is expressly prohibited by the Shariah (e.g. father, brother, uncle, nephew, etc.)
A woman must be accompanied by a Mahram when performing Hajj.
The stepping stone used by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) during the original construction of the Holy Ka’bah. The stone carries the imprints of his blessed feet, and is now housed in a glass enclosure on the north side of the Holy Ka’bah.
Masjid-e-Haram
The mosque around the Holy Ka’bah also known as Haram Sharif.
Miqat
An imaginary boundary around Makkah which a pilgrim cannot cross without first changing into the state of Ihram.
This boundary is anchored by different localities in different directions (Zul Hulaifa in the north, Yalamlam in the south-east, Dhat Irq in the north-east, Juhfah in the north-west, Qarn ul Manazil in the east.)
The pilgrim changes into Ihram at Miqat and pronounces his intention to perform Umra or Hajj. For people living inside the Miqat permanently, their place of residence is their Miqat.
A desert location approximately three miles east of Makkah where several rites of Hajj are performed.
Mu’allim
A knowledgeable guide or teacher who can guide the pilgrim during Hajj. Also called a Mutawwif.
Muhrim
One who is in the state of Ihram.
Multazam
The part of the Holy Ka’bah between its door and Hajre Aswad.
This is a specially sacred part of the Holy Ka’bah. It is recommended that, if possible, the pilgrim should touch the Ka’bah at Multazam and pray to Almighty Allah.
A desert location approximately midway between Mina and Arafat. The pilgrim spends the night of the 10th of Zil-Hajj here.
Intention. All acts of worship must be preceded by intention/Niyyat.
Qasr
The shortened mode of prayer performed by travellers when on a journey.
Qibla
The direction which Muslims face for their obligatory prayers (towards the Holy Ka’bah).
Performing sacrifice of an animal as part of the Hajj rites i.e. sheep, cow, goat, camel.
Ramal
The ritual where male pilgrims are required to walk briskly with their chests thrust forward and with their shoulders rolling slightly during the first three rounds of Tawaf.
Rami al-Jamarat
The ritual of Hajj where pilgrims stone pillars which symbolise the devil.
A small mount located approximately half a mile from the Ka’bah inside Masjid-e-Haram. The pilgrim performs the devotional rite of Sa’ee between the hillocks of Safa and Marwa.
The act of walking seven times back and forth between the rocky mounts of Safa and Marwa.
This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar or Biba Hazra (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim), during her desperate search for water to quench the thirst of her infant son Ishmael, after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) in response to a divine vision.
Salat
Obligatory or supererogatory prayers.
Talbiyah
A recital of the following words by the pilgrim during Hajj:
Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik. Innal-Hamdah, Wan-Ni’mata, Laka wal Mulk, La Shareeka Lak.
Translation: "Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners. Thine alone is All-Praised and Bountfiul, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners."
The Talbiyah is a prayer as well as an assertion of the pilgrim's conviction that he intends to perform Hajj only for the glory of Allah. The pilgrim starts the recital upon changing into the Ihram, and continues to recite it frequently throughout Hajj.
Male pilgrims recite the Talbiyah loudly whereas female pilgrims are required to recite it in a low voice.
The seven walking circuits performed around the Holy Ka’bah while reciting prayers. It constitutes an integral part of Hajj. There are five different types of Tawaf, these are as follows:
Tawaf performed by the pilgrim on 10th Zil-Hajj, the last formal rite of Hajj in Makkah (also called Ziyarat Tawaf).
Tawaf un Nafl
Optional Tawaf which may be performed any time.
Tawaf ul Qudoom
The initial Tawaf performed by the pilgrim upon entering Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, performed upon his intention of Hajj.
Tawaf ul Umrah
Tawaf performed as a rite of Umrah.
Farewell Tawaf performed by the pilgrim before he leaves Makkah for his next destination or before he returns home.
Lesser Hajj, which can be performed at any time of the year and, unlike Hajj, does not involve the rites at Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.
Yaum un Nahr
The 10th of Zul Hijjah. This day is designated as the preferred day of sacrifice (Qurbani) during Hajj.
Yaum ut Tarwiyah
The 8th of Zil-Hajj signifying the start of Hajj. The pilgrim proceeds to Mina on this day.
Zamzam
The sacred water which miraculously sprang forth under Prophet Ishmael (A.S)’s baby feet during his mother's frantic search for water between Safa and Marwa. This water is extremely holy, thus is a cure for illness & a source of countless blessing.
Zil-Hajj
The last month of the Islamic calendar.
Life After Death & the Hereafter:
“Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.”
[Holy Qur’an 29:57]
Islam has taught us that this world is a trial in preparation for the Hereafter [Aakhirah]. It is a temporary abode, in which we have been placed to worship Almighty Allah and follow His commands. Our deeds in this world will determine what will happen to us after death.
The concept of life after death is a reality. Every soul, whether good or bad, will be given new life after death, and it will experience the Hereafter.
Almighty Allah says:
“O my people, this worldly life is only [temporary] enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter - that is the home of [permanent] settlement.”
[Holy Qur’an 40:39]
“And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.”
[Holy Qur’an 29:64]
After death, the soul remains in the realm of 'Barzakh' till the Day of Judgement. 'Barzakh' is the interval between death and resurrection.
THE INCIDENTS OF THE GRAVE
It is reported by Hazrat Abu Huraira, that the Messenger of Allah used to invoke: "O Allah! I seek refuge with you from the punishment in the grave and from the punishment in the Hell fire and from the afflictions of life and death, and the afflictions of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal."
[Sahih Bukhari - Vol 2, Hadith no. 459]
The grave is the first stage of the Hereafter.
It was narrated that the freed slave of Hazrat Usman said: when Hazrat Usman stood by a grave, he would weep until his beard became wet.
It was said to him, “You remember Paradise and Hell and you do not weep, but you weep because of this?”
He said, “The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: ‘The grave is the first of the stages of the Hereafter; whoever is saved from it, whatever comes afterwards will be easier for him, but if he is not saved from it, what comes afterwards will be worse for him.’”
And the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: “I have never seen any scene but the grave is more frightening than it.”
[Tirmidhi: no. 2308, Ibn Maajah: 4567]
When the deceased body is lowered into the grave, it is pressed by the soil surrounding it. For the righteous believers, the soil squeezes it firmly like a mother cradling her child. But for the non-believers and sinful ones, the soil squeezes them so tightly that the bones are crushed and the body is subjected to pain.
When the burial procession is complete, the dead hears the footsteps of the people leaving.
Questioning in the Grave
At this point, the dead person is approached by two angels known as Munkar and Nakeer. They are the Angels of Questioning, whose task it is to ask each soul three question. These are:
1. Mann Rabbuka? [Who is your Lord?]
The righteous soul will answer “Rabbi Allah” meaning “my Lord is Allah”.
2. Maa Deenuka? [What is your religion?]
The righteous soul will answer “Deeni Islam” meaning “my religion is Islam”.
3. Maa kunta taqul fi hajar rajl? [What did you use to say about this person?]
The righteous soul will answer “Huwa Rasulallahi sallal lahu alaihi wasallam” meaning “This is Allah's Messenger, may Allah’s peace & blessing be upon him”.
At this point, a Voice will say, "My servant has said the truth. Lay the table-cloth of Paradise for him. Give him clothes from Paradise to wear and open the Doors of Paradise for him."
The cool air and sweet fragrance of Paradise will travel as far as the eye can see, and the grave will be made wide and spacious. The angels will then allow the righteous soul to rest in peace.
The non-believers and sinful people will not be able to answer the above questions, and will reply, “Ha ha laadri” meaning, “shame, for I know nothing.” Upon this, a caller will say, “He is a liar, lay the table-cloth of fire for him, and give him clothes of fire to wear and open the Doors of Hell for him, from which the heat of Hell will reach him.”
Then two angels will approach him and subject him to punishment which will continue until the Day of Judgement.
He said: “Then his soul is returned to his body, and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘Prepare for him a bed from Hell and clothe him from Hell, and open for him a gate to Hell.’ Then there comes to him some of its heat and hot winds, and his grave is constricted and compresses him until his ribs interlock. Then there comes to him a man with an ugly face and ugly clothes, and a foul stench, who says, ‘Receive the bad news, this is the day that you were promised.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which forebodes evil.’ He says, ‘I am your evil deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, do not let the Hour come, do not let the Hour come.’”
[Abu Dawud no. 4753, Ahmad no. 18063]
It should be noted that the questioning will occur at the place where the person has been buried or left after death. For example, if a tiger has eaten a person, questioning will occur inside the tiger's stomach, and incidents of the grave will also happen there.
From the prayers of the pious, or the acts of Esaal-e-Sawaab [deeds performed by the living to benefit the dead], the punishment of the sinful ones may be lightened or stopped completely, after which there will be bliss. However, for the non-believers [Kaafir] there will be no hope or mercy.
However, there are some pious people who will not be questioned in the grave, nor will their graves be tightened upon them, nor will the soil eat up their bodies. These include the Prophets, and righteous Muslims who die on a Friday or during the month of Ramadan.
INCIDENTS ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT
After a certain amount of the time, the Day of Judgement will approach.
At this time, Allah will put the dead souls back into their bodies, and the judgement will begin.
"And [that they may know] that the Hour is coming - no doubt about it - and that Allah will resurrect those in the graves."
[Holy Qur'an 22:7]
The Day of Judgement will be explained in detail in another article coming soon inshAllah.
77 Minor Signs of Qiyamat:
When the Day of Judgement, or Youm-al Qiyamah, approaches, the world will come to an end and all will be destroyed. Each and every individual will have to account for his/her actions, and their final fate will be decided by Allah.
We have been warned about the approach of Qiyamat in many Quranic verses and Ahadith. There many signs that will tell us that the Day of Judgement is near, and in the recent times these signs have become more evident.
Thus, the Muslim Ummah should be aware of this and each person should prepare himself by being virtuous and abstaining from sin.
The 77 Minor Signs of Qiyamat
1. Time will pass rapidly. [Bukhari, Muslim, & Ahmad]
2. Good deeds will decrease. [Bukhari]
3. People will become miserly. [Bukhari]
4. There will be much killing and murder. [Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, & Ahmad]
Hazrat Abu Huraira narrates that the Holy Prophet said, "Time will pass rapidly, good deeds will decrease, miserliness will be thrown (in the hearts of the people), afflictions will appear and there will be much 'Al-Harj.'" They said, "O Allah's Messenger! What is 'Al-Harj?' He said, "Killing! Killing!"
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 183]
5. Power and authority will be given to wrong people. [Bukhari]
6. Honesty will be lost. [Bukhari]
Hazrat Abu Huraira narrates that, while the Holy Prophet was saying something in a gathering, a Bedouin came and asked him, "When will the Hour (Day of Judgement) take place?" Allah's Messenger continued his talk, so some people said that he had heard the question but did not like what the Bedouin had asked. Some of them said that Allah's Messenger had not heard it. When the Holy Prophet finished his speech, he said,"Where is the questioner, who enquired about the Hour (Day of Judgement)?" The Bedouin said, "I am here, O Allah's Messenger ." Then the Holy Prophet said, "When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour." The Bedouin said, "How will that be lost?" The Holy Prophet said, "When the power or authority comes in the hands of unfit persons, then wait for the Hour."
[Bukhari]
7. The disappearance of knowledge and the appearance of ignorance [Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah, & Ahmad]
Narrated Hazrat Abdullah and Hazrat Abu Musa: The Holy Prophet said, "Near the establishment of the Hour, there will be days during which religious ignorance will spread, knowledge will be taken away (vanish) and there will be much Al-Harj, and Al-Harj means killing."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 184]
8. A mountain of gold will be disclosed from beneath the River Euphrates, but we are not to take anything from it.
Narrated Hazrat Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger said, "Soon the River Euphrates will disclose the treasure (the mountain) of gold, so whoever will be present at that time should not take anything of it."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 235]
9. The appearance of 30 false messengers. [Bukhari]
10. Two large groups, adhering to the same religious teaching, will fight each other with large numbers of casualties. [Bukhari & Muslim]
11. Earthquakes will increase [Bukhari & Muslim]
12. Wealth will be in abundance, to the extent that it will be difficult to find someone in need of Zakat. [Bukhari]
13. When people begin to compete with others in the construction of taller buildings. [Bukhari]
14. A man will pass by a grave and wish that he was in their place. [Bukhari]
Narrated Hazrat Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger said, "The Hour will not be established (1) till two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same religious doctrine, (2) till about thirty Dajjals [liars] appear, and each one of them will claim that he is Allah's Messenger, (3) till religious knowledge is taken away [by the death of religious scholars] (4) earthquakes will increase in number (5) time will pass quickly, (6) afflictions will appear, (7) Al-Harj, [i.e., killing] will increase, (8) till wealth will be in abundance - so abundant that a wealthy person will worry lest nobody should accept his Zakat, and whenever he will present it to someone, that person [to whom it will be offered] will say, 'I am not in need of it, (9) till the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings, (10) till a man when passing by a grave of someone will say, 'Would that I were in his place (11) and till the sun rises from the West. So when the sun will rise and the people will see it [rising from the West], they will all believe [embrace Islam] but that will be the time when: [As Allah said] 'No good will it do to a soul to believe then, if it believed not before, nor earned good [by deeds of righteousness] through its Faith.' (Holy Qur'an 6:158) And the Hour will be established while two men are spreading a garment infront of them, but they will not be able to sell it, nor fold it up; and the Hour will be established when a man has milked his she-camel and has taken away the milk, but he will not be able to drink it; and the Hour will be established before a man repairing a tank [for his livestock] is able to water [his animals] in it; and the Hour will be established when a person has raised a morsel [of food] to his mouth but will not be able to eat it."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 237]
15. The conquest of Constantinople by the Muslims. [Ahmad, Muslim]
Hazrat Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger as saying: "The Last Hour would not come until the Romans would land at al-A'maq or in Dabiq. An army consisting of the best (soldiers) of the people of the earth at that time will come from Madinah (to counteract them). When they will arrange themselves in ranks, the Romans would say: Do not stand between us and those (Muslims) who took prisoners from amongst us. Let us fight with them; and the Muslims would say: Nay, by Allah, we would never get aside from you and from our brethren that you may fight them. They will then fight and a third (part) of the army would run away, whom Allah will never forgive. A third (part of the army). which would be constituted of excellent martyrs in Allah's eye, would be killed and the third, who would never be put to trial, would win and they would be conquerors ofConstantinople . And as they would be busy in distributing the spoils of war (amongst themselves), after hanging their swords by the olive trees, the Satan would cry: The Dajjal has taken your place among your family. They would then come out, but it would be of no avail. And when they would come to Syria
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6924]
16. Stones and trees will help the Muslims fight against the Jews.
Hazrat Abu Huraira reported Allaah's Messenger as saying: "The last Hour would not come unless the Muslims will fight against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them until the Jews would hide themselves behind a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree would say: Muslim, or the servant of Allaah, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him; but the tree Gharqad would not say, for it is the tree of the Jews."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6985]
17. The consumption of intoxicants will be widespread. [Bukhari & Muslim]
18. Adultery and fornication will be prevalent. [Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah]
19. Women will outnumber men, eventually the ratio will be 50 women to 1 man. [Bukhari, Muslim, & Ahmad]
Narrated Hazrat Anas bin Malik: I heard from Allah's Messenger a narration which none other than I will narrate to you. The Prophet said, "From among the portents of the Hour are the following: General ignorance (in religious affairs) will prevail, (religious) knowledge will decrease, illegal sexual intercourse will prevail, alcoholic drinks will be drunk (in abundance), men will decrease and women will increase, so much so that, for every fifty women there will be one man to look after them."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 483]
20. People will strive for power about mosques.
Narrated by Hazrat Anas bin Malik: The Holy Prophet said, "The Last Hour will not come until people vie with one another about mosques."
[Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 2, Hadith no. 449]
21. Adultery and fornication will be prevalent. [Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Majah]
22. People will cheat with goods. [Ibn Majah]
23. Paying Zakat becomes a burden and miserliness becomes widespread; charity is given reluctantly. [Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]
24. Leaders will not rule according to the Commands of Allah.
Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar said, "The Prophet came to us and said, 'O Muhajirun, (emigrants from Makkah to Madinah), you may be afflicted by five things; God forbid that you should live to see them. If fornication should become widespread, you should realise that this has never happened without new diseases befalling the people, which their forebears never suffered. If people should begin to cheat in weighing out goods, you should realise that this has never happened without drought and famine befalling the people, and their rulers oppressing them. If people should withhold zakat, you should realise that this has never happened without the rain being stopped from falling; and were it not for the animals' sake, it would never rain again. If people should break their covenant with Allah and His Messenger, you should realise that this has never happened without Allah sending an enemy against them to take some of their possessions by force. If the leaders do not govern according to the Book of Allah, you should realise that this has never happened without Allah making them into groups and making them fight one another."
[Ibn Majah]
25. Only the rich receive a share of any gains, and the poor do not. [Tirmidhi]
26. The leader of a people will be the worst of them. [Tirmidhi]
27. A trust is used to make a profit. [Tirmidhi]
28. When a man obeys his wife and disobeys his mother; and treats his friend kindly while shunning his father. [Tirmidhi]
29. When voices are raised in the mosques. [Tirmidhi]
30. People will treat a man with respect out of fear for some evil he might do. [Tirmidhi]
31. Men will begin to wear silk. [Tirmidhi]
32. Female singers and musical instruments will become popular. [Tirmidhi]
33. When the last ones of the Ummah begin to curse the first ones. [Tirmidhi]
Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib said, "The Prophet said: 'If my Ummah bears fifteen traits, tribulation will befall it.' Someone asked, 'What are they, O Messenger of Allah?' He said, 'When any gain is shared out only among the rich, with no benefit to the poor; when a trust becomes a means of making a profit; when paying Zakat becomes a burden; when a man obeys his wife and disobeys his mother; and treats his friend kindly whilst shunning his father; when voices are raised in the mosques; when the leader of a people is the worst of them; when people treat a man with respect because they fear some evil he may do; when much wine is drunk; when men wear silk; when female singers and musical instruments become popular; when the last ones of this Ummah curse the first ones - then let them expect a red wind, or the earth to swallow them, or to be transformed into animals.' "
[Tirmidhi]
34. The nations of the Earth will gather against the Muslims like hungry people going to sit at a table full of food. This will occur when the Muslims are large in number, but "like the foam of the sea".
Hazrat Thauban reported that the Messenger of Allah said, "It is near that the nations will call one another against you, just as the eaters call one another to their dishes." Somebody asked, "Is this because we will be few in numbers that day?" He said, "Nay, that day you shall be numerous, but you will be like the foam of the sea, and Allah will take the fear of you away from your enemies and will place weakness into your hearts." Somebody asked, "What is this weakness?" He said, "The love of the world and the dislike of death."
[Sunan Abu Dawud]
35. The Muslim conquest of Jerusalem
36. A great plague will spread over the land - may be in reference to the plague of Amwas during the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab. [Bukhari]
37. Wealth will increase so much so that if a man were given 10,000, he would not be content with it. [Ahmad & Bukhari]
38. A trial will arise in Arabia which will not spare a single household. [Ahmad & Bukhari]
39. A treaty will be made between the Muslims and the Westerners - which they will breach with an army of 12,000 soldiers under 80 banners. [Bukhari]
Hazrat Auf bin Malik reported: "I came to the Holy Prophet during the battle of Tabuk while he was in a leather tent, and he said: 'Count six things before the last hour: my death, then the conquest of Jerusalem, then the contagious disease that will overtake you like the disease of cattle, then the excess of wealth, so much that when a man shall be given a hundred dinars he shall remain dissatisfied, then trial from which not a single house in Arabia shall be spared, then a treaty between you and the Westerners (Banu Asfar - the Romans), but they shall cheat you and march against you under 80 banners with 12,000 soldiers under each banner."
[Bukhari]
Other signs mentioned in Hadith Sharif include:
40. Books/writing will be widespread and (religious) knowledge will be low. [Ahmad]
41. People will beat others with whips like the tails of oxen - this may be in reference to the slave trade. [Muslim]
42. Children will be filled with rage. [at-Tabarani, al-Hakim]
43. Children will be foul. [at-Tabarani, al-Hakim]
44. Women will conspire. [at-Tabarani, al-Hakim[
45. Rain will be acidic or burning - reference to acid rain. [at-Tabarani, al-Hakim]
46. Children of fornication will become widespread or prevalent. [at-Tabarani, al-Hakim]
47. When a trust becomes a means of making a profit. [Tirmidhi, Al-Haythami]
48. Episodes of sudden death will become widespread. [Ahmad]
49. There will be people who will be brethren in public, but enemies in secret. (When asked how that would come about, he replied, "Because they will have ulterior motives in their mutual dealings, and at the same time they will fear one another.") [Tirmidhi]
50. People will walk in the marketplace with their thighs exposed.
51. Great distances will be traversed in short spans of time - reference to vehicles, aeroplanes.
52. The people of Iraq
53. People will hop between the clouds and the earth.
54. When singers become common. [Al-Haythami]
55. People will dance late into the night.
56. People will claim to follow the Qur'an but will reject Hadith & Sunnah. [Abu Dawood]
57. People will believe in the stars. [Al-Haythami]
58. People will reject al-Qadr (the Divine Decree of Destiny). [Al-Haythami]
59. Smog will appear over cities because of the evil that they are doing.
60. People will be carrying on with their trade, but there will only be a few trustworthy persons.
61. There will be attempts to make the deserts green.
62. Women will be naked in spite of being dressed, these women will be led astray & will lead others astray. [Muslim]
63. The conquest of India
64. There will be a special greeting for the people of distinction. [Ahmad]
65. Wild animals will be able to talk to humans. [Ahmad]
66. A man will leave his home and his thigh or hip will tell him what is happening back at his home. [Ahmad]
67. Years of deceit in which the truthful person will not be believed and the liar will be believed. [Ahmad]
68. Bearing false witness will become widespread. [Al-Haythami & Ahmad]
69. When men lie with men, and women lie with women. [Al-Haythami]
70. Trade will become so widespread that a woman will be forced to help her husband in business. [Ahmad]
71. A woman will enter the workforce out of love for this world. [Ahmad]
72. Arrogance will increase in the earth. [Tabarani, al-Hakim]
73. Family ties will be cut. [Ahmad]
74. There will be many women of child-bearing age who will no longer give birth.
75. There will be an abundance of food, much of which has no blessing in it.
76. People will refuse when offered food.
77. Men will begin to look like women and women will begin to look like men.
May Allah protect us all from such Fitna!
The Major Signs of Qiyamat:
“The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith. Say: "Wait you! we (too) are waiting."”
[Holy Qur’an – 6:158]
The main signs of Qiyamat are listed here with proof from the Hadith Sharif. Although they are not listed in particular order, it should be noted that these will occur one after the other.
As said by Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) in a Hadith reported by Hazrat Abu Huraira: “The signs will come one after the other, like beads falling from a string.”
[Tabarani]
The Major Signs of Qiyamat
Hazrat Hudhaifa b. Usaid Ghifari reported: "Allah's Messenger came to us all of a sudden as we were (busy in a discussion). He said, "What do you discuss about?" They (the Companions) said, "We are discussing about the Last Hour." Thereupon he said, "It will not come until you see ten signs before, and (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke, Dajjal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Prophet Jesus, the Gog and Magog, and land-slidings in three places (one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia), at the end of which fire would burn forth from Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6931]
List of Major Signs (click for info)1. Dajjal (The Anti-Christ)
2. Imam Mahdi - The Guided One
3. The Return of Prophet Jesus (or Isa)
4. Ya’juj Ma’juj (or Gog and Magog)
5. Emergence of the Beast of the Earth
6. The Smoke
7. Three Major Landslides
8. Sun Rising from the West
9. The Fire of Yemen
10. The Destruction of the Kabah
11. The Blowing of the Trumpet
It is said that he will have right eye damaged and the left will be working, thus he is known as the one-eyed beast. He will have red complexion, a huge body and curly hair, and his eye will look like a grape. He will have the word 'kafir' (non-believer) on his forehead, written with the Arabic letters ? ? ? .
He will appear somewhere between Syria and Iraq
Madinah will experience three earthquakes which will cause the hypocrites to leave the holy city for fear of their lives, and they will join the army of Dajjal.
Hazrat Tamim Dari, a Christian man who embraced Islam during the life of the Messenger of Allah, had seen Dajjal with his own eyes. He reported this story to the Messenger of Allah, who approved the authenticity of his claims.
This Hadith has been added below.
He will create much corruption and mischief. He will claim to be the Lord of all creation and will mislead many people through illusional tricks & magic.
Dajjal will travel at an extremely fast speed, and will travel the entire world in 40 days. He will then go to Damascus , Syria
Hadith about the Accursed Dajjal:
In a Hadith reported by Hazrat Amir b. Sharahil Sha'bi Sha'b Hamdan, narrated to him by Hazrat Fatima bint Qais, she says:
"When Allah's Messenger had finished his prayer, he sat on the pulpit smiling and said, 'Every worshipper should keep sitting at his place.' He then said: 'Do you know why I had asked you to assemble?' They said: 'Allah and His Messenger know best.' He said: 'By Allah. I have not made you assemble for exhortation or for a warning, but I have detained you here, for Tamim Dari, a Christian, who came and accepted Islam, told me something, which agrees with what I was telling you about the Dajjal.
He narrated to me that he had sailed in a ship along with thirty men of Bani Lakhm and Bani Judham and had been tossed by waves in the ocean for a month. Then these (waves) took them (near) the land within the ocean (island) at the time of sunset. They sat in a small side-boat and entered that Island . There was a beast with long thick hair (and because of these) they could not distinguish his face from his back. They said: 'Woe to you, who can you be?' Thereupon it said: 'I am al-Jassasa.' They said: 'What is al-Jassasa?' And it said: 'O people, go to this person in the monastery as he is very much eager to know about you.' He (the narrator) said: 'When it named a person for us, we were afraid of it lest it should be a Devil.
Then we hurriedly went on till we came to that monastery and found a well-built person there with his hands tied to his neck and having iron shackles between his two legs up to the ankles. We said: 'Woe be upon thee, who are you?' And he said: 'You would soon come to know about me. But tell me who are you?' We said: 'We are people from Arabia and we embarked upon a boat but the sea-waves had been driving us for one month and they brought us near this island. We got Into the side-boats and entered this island, and here a beast met us with profusely thick hair and because of the thickness of his hair, his face could not be distinguished from his back.' We said: 'Woe be to thee, who are you?' It said: 'I am al- Jassasa.' We said: 'What is al-Jassasa?' And it said: 'You go to this very person in the monastery for he is eagerly waiting for you to know about you.'
So we came to you in hot haste fearing that that might be the Devil. He (that chained person) said: 'Tell me about the date-palm trees of Baisan.' We said: 'About what aspect of theirs do you seek information?' He said: 'I ask you whether these trees bear fruit or not.' We said: 'Yes'. Thereupon he said: 'I think these would not bear fruits.' He said: 'Inform me about the lake ofTabariyya
Thereupon, he said: 'If it is so, that is better for them that they should show obedience to him. I am going to tell you about myself, and I am Dajjal, and would be soon permitted to get out and so I shall get out and travel in the land, and will not spare any town where I would not stay for forty nights except Makkah and Madinah, as these two (places) are prohibited (areas) for me and I would not make an attempt to enter any one of these two. An angel with a sword in his hand would confront me and would bar my way, and there would be angels to guard every passage leading to it.'
Then Allah's Messenger, striking the pulpit with the help of the end of his staff said: 'This implies Tayba meaning Madinah. Have I not told you an account (of the Dajjal) like this?' The people said: 'Yes,' and he continued, 'this account narrated by Tamim Dari was liked by me, for it corroborates the account which I gave to you in regard to him (Dajjal) at Madinah and Makkah. Behold he (Dajjal) is in the Syrian sea (Mediterranian) or the Yemen sea (Arabian sea ). Nay, on the contrary, he is in the east, he is in the east, he is in the east, and he pointed with his hand towards the east. I (Fatima bint Qais) said, I preserved it in my mind (this narration from Allah's Messenger)."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 7028]
- Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "There are angels at the mountain passes of Madinah (so that) neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal can enter it.'
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 9, Book 88, Number 247]
- Narrated by Hazrat Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, "No prophet was sent but that he warned his followers against the one-eyed liar (Dajjal). Beware! He is blind in one eye, and your Lord is not so, and there will be written between his (Dajjal's) eyes (the word) Kafir (disbeliever)." This Hadith is also quoted by Hazrat Abu Huraira and Hazrat Ibn Abbas.
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 9, Book 88, Number 245]
- Hazrat Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported Allah's Messenger as saying: "The Dajjal would come forth and a person from amongst the believers would go towards him, and the armed men of the Dajjal would meet him, and they would say to him: 'Where do you intend to go?' He would say: 'I intend to go to this one who is coming forth.' They would say to him: 'Don't you believe in our Lord?' He would say: 'There is nothing hidden about our Lord.' They would say: 'Kill him.' Then some amongst them would say: 'Has your master (Dajjal) not forbidden you to kill anyone without (his consent)?' And so they would take him to the Dajjal, and when the believer would see him, he would say: 'O people. he is the Dajjal about whom Allah's Messenger has informed (us).' The Dajjal would then order for breaking his head and utter (these words): 'Catch hold of him and break his head.' He would be struck even on his back and on his stomach. Then the Dajjal would ask him: 'Don't you believe in me?' He would say: 'You are a false Masih. He would then order him to be torn (into pieces) with a saw from the parting of his hair up to his legs.' After that the Dajjal would walk between the two pieces. He would then say to him: 'Stand', and he would stand erect. He would then say to him: 'Don't you believe in me?' And the person would say: 'It has only added to my insight concerning you (that you are really the Dajjal)'. He would then say: 'O people, he would not behave with anyone amongst people (in such a manner) after me.' The Dajjal would try to catch hold of him so that he should kill him (again). The space between his neck and collar bone would be turned into copper and he would find no means to kill him. So he would catch hold of him by his hand and feet and throw him (into the air), and the people would think as if he had been thrown in the Hell-Fire, whereas he would be thrown in Paradise ." Thereupon Allah's Messenger said: "He would be the most eminent amongst persons in regard to martyrdom, in the Eye of the Lord of the World."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 7019]
- Hazrat Anas b. Malik reported that Allah's Messenger said: "The Dajjal would be followed by seventy thousand Jews of Isfahan wearing Persian shawls."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 7034]
- Narrated Hazrat Abdullah bin 'Umar: Allah's Messenger said, "While I was sleeping, I saw myself (in a dream) performing Tawaf around the Kabah. Behold, I saw a reddish-white man with lank hair, and water was dropping from his head. I asked, 'Who is this?' They replied, 'The son of Mary.' Then I turned my face to see another man with a huge body, red complexion and curly hair and blind in one eye. His eye looked like a protruding out grape. They said (to me), 'He is Ad-Dajjal.'" The Prophet added, "The man he resembled most is Ibn Qatan, a man from the tribe of Khuza'a. "
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 9, Book 88, Number 242]
- Narrated Hazrat Hudhaifa: "The Prophet said about Ad-Dajjal that he would have water and fire with him: (what would seem to be) fire, would be cold water and (what would seem to be) water, would be fire."
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 9, Book 88, Number 244]
The term 'Mahdi' means 'Guided One'. Imam Mahdi is not the same as Prophet Jesus - they are two different personalities who will appear nearer to the end of time.
From the Hadith Sharif, we can gather that Imam Mahdi will arrive at a time when the world is filled with oppression and evil. He will be a descendant of the Holy Prophet's Family, from the lineage of Imam Hassan. He will have the same name as our Holy Prophet i.e. Muhammad . He will have a broad forehead, a prominent nose and his eyes will be dark.
It is reported that Imam Jafar Sadiq said about him, "The face of Imam Mehdi will appear on the Moon."
His arrival will be at the same time as the appearance of Dajjal. He will establish a fair and righteous rule over the Muslims for 7 years, after which he will die. After his passing, the Muslims will pray upon him.
Hadith about Imam Mahdi:
Narrated Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: The Holy Prophet said, "If only one day of this world remained. Allah would lengthen that day, till He raised up in it a man who belongs to me or to my family whose father's name is the same as my father's, who will fill the earth with equity and justice as it has been filled with oppression and tyranny."
[Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 36, Number 4269]
Narrated Hazrat Abu Sa'id al-Khudri: The Holy Prophet said, "The Mahdi will be of my stock, and will have a broad forehead and a prominent nose. He will fill the earth will equity and justice as it was filled with oppression and tyranny, and he will rule for seven years."
[Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 36, Number 4272]
Abul Shaq told that Hazrat Ali looked at his son Imam Hassan and said: "This son of mine is a Sayyid (chief) as named by the Holy Prophet, and from his loins will come forth a man who will be called by the name of your Prophet, and resemble him in conduct but not in appearance. He then mentioned the story about his filling the earth with justice."
[Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 36, Number 4276A]
Narrated Umme Salama: The Holy Prophet said, "After the death of a Ruler, there will be some dispute between the people. At that time, a citizen of Madinah will flee (from Madinah) and go to Makkah. While in Makkah, certain people will approach him between Hajrul Aswad and Maqaam-e-Ibrahim, and forcefully pledge their allegiance to him.
Thereafter, a huge army will proceed from Syria
On seeing this, the Abdaals (Saints) of Syria as well as large numbers of people from Iraq
[Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 36, Hadith no. 4273]
Hazrat Umme Salmah, the Holy Prophet's wife, narrates that she heard the Holy Prophet say: "The promised Mahdi will be among my progeny, among the descendants of Fatima ."
[Abu Dawud: Vol 2, page 207, Ibn Majah: Vol 2, page 519]
It is reported from Hazrat Abu Huraira that the Holy Prophet said: "What will be your reaction when the son of Mary (Jesus) descends and your Imam is from among yourselves?"
[Sahih Muslim Vol. 2, Sahih Bukhari Vol. 4]
“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.”
[Holy Qur’an 43:61]
And there is none from the People of the Scripture but that he will surely believe in Jesus before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection he will be against them a witness.
[Holy Qur’an 4:159]
The return of Prophet Jesus will occur during the reign of Imam Mahdi. He will descend in eastDamascus , Syria
After his arrival, he will pray with the Muslims and then join Imam Mahdi in his war against the Dajjal. Eventually, Prophet Jesus will slay the Dajjal, and all those from the People of the Book (referring to Jews and Christians) will genuinely believe in him. Thus, there will be one community, that of Islam.
After the death of Imam Mahdi, Prophet Jesus will assume leadership and this will be a time of universal peace and justice. During this time, the Ya'juj and Ma'juj will appear (known also as Gog and Magog), who are ancient tribes which will disperse and cause disturbance on earth. Almighty Allah, in response to the prayers of Prophet Jesus, will destroy them.
The reign of Prophet Jesus is said to be around forty years, after which he will die. Muslims will then perform his funeral prayer, and then bury him in the city of Madinah
Hadith about the Return of Prophet Jesus
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger said, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, son of Mary (Jesus) will shortly descend amongst you people (Muslims) as a just ruler, and will break the Cross and kill the pig and abolish the Jizya (a tax taken from the non-Muslims, who are in the protection of the Muslim government). Then there will be abundance of money and nobody will accept charitable gifts."
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 34, Number 425]
It is reported from Hazrat Abu Huraira that the Holy Prophet said: "What will be your reaction when the son of Mary (Jesus) descends and your Imam is from among yourselves?"
[Sahih Muslim: Vol. 2, Sahih Bukhari Vol. 4]
It is reported from Hazrat Abu Huraira that the Holy Prophet said: "There is no Prophet between me and him, that is, Jesus. He will descend (to the earth). When you see him, recognize him: a man of medium height, reddish fair complexion, wearing two light yellow garments, looking as if drops were falling down from his head though it will not be wet. He will fight the people for the cause of Islam. He will break the cross, kill swine, and abolish Jizya. Allah will destroy all religions except Islam. He (Prophet Jesus) will destroy the Anti-Christ and will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die. The Muslims will pray over him."
[Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 37, Number 4310]
"Until when [the dam of] Gog and Magog has been opened and they, from every elevation, descend."
[Holy Qur'an 21:96]
Ya'juj Ma'juj were a tribe from the time of Hazrat Zul-Qarnain, who was a pious and just Ruler. He travelled and conquered many lands, in which he established justice and the Law of Allah. Almighty Allah provided him with many forms of material strength through which he was able to carry out his conquests and missions.
On one of his missions, Hazrat Zul-Qarnain travelled in three directions: the far west, the far east, and then in a northerly direction. Here, a tribe of people complained to him about the tribes of Ya'juj and Majuj. They were a people who inhabited the land behind two huge mountains, and often emerged from behind these mountains to perpetrate acts of anarchy and evil. The people requested Hazrat Zul-Qarnain to erect a barrier between themselves and the tribes of Ya'juj and Ma'juj so that they could be protected from their atrocities.
With the material strength at his disposal, Hazrat Zul-Qarnain enlisted their physical labour and set about building a high wall between the two mountains. The wall was made with blocks or sheets of iron and further strengthened by molten lead. The height of the wall, its exact length and location is unknown, although we know that its height reaches that of the summit of both mountains. Due to the strength of the wall, Ya'juj and Ma'juj are unable to escape except when it is the Will of Allah.
Ya'juj and Ma'juj are human beings and according to a narration they are from the progeny of Yaafith (Japheth), son of Prophet Nuh (Noah).
"They said, "O Zul-Qarnain, indeed Gog and Magog are [great] corrupters in the land. So may we assign for you an expenditure that you might make between us and them a barrier?"
He said, "That in which my Lord has established me is better [than what you offer], but assist me with strength; I will make between you and them a dam.
Bring me sheets of iron" - until, when he had levelled [them] between the two mountain walls, he said, "Blow [with bellows]," until when he had made it [like] fire, he said, "Bring me, that I may pour over it molten copper."
So Gog and Magog were unable to pass over it, nor were they able [to effect] in it any penetration.
[Zul-Qarnain] said, "This is a mercy from my Lord; but when the promise of my Lord comes, He will make it level, and ever is the promise of my Lord true.""
[Holy Qur'an 18:94-98]
Hadith about Ya'juj Ma'juj
Hazrat Zain ab bint Jahsh reported that Allah's Messenger got up from sleep saying: "There is no god but Allah; there is a destruction in store for Arabia because of turmoil which is at hand, the barrier of Gog and Magog has opened so much." And Sufyan made a sign of ten with the help of his hand (in order to indicate the width of the gap) and I said: "Allah's Messenger, would we be perished in spite of the fact that there would be good people amongst us?" Thereupon he said: "Of course, but only when the evil predominates."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6881; Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 181]
Hazrat Abu Huraira reported that the Holy Prophet said, "Every day, Gog and Magog are trying to dig a way out through the barrier. When they begin to see sunlight through it, the one who is in charge of them says, 'Go back; you can carry on digging tomorrow,' and when they come back, the barrier is stronger than it was before. This will continue until their time comes and Allah wishes to send them forth. They will dig until they begin to see sunlight, then the one who is in charge of them will say, 'Go back; you can carry on digging tomorrow, inshAllah. In this case, he will make an exception by saying inshAllah, thus relating the matter to the Will of Allah. They will return on the following day, and find the hole as they left it. They will carry on digging and come out against the people. They will drink all the water, and find the hole as they left it, and the people will entrench themselves in their fortresses. Gog and Magog will fire their arrows into the sky, and they will fall back to earth with something like blood on them. Gog and Magog will say, 'We have defeated the people of earth, and overcome the people of heaven.' Then Allah will send a kind of worm in the napes of their nacks, and they will be killed by it. By Him in Whose hand is the Soul ofMuhammad , the beasts of the earth will become fat.'"
[Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah, Kitaab al-Fitan, (Hadith no. 4080), 2/1364. Ahmad, Musnad, 2/510, 511]
Hazrat Ibn Mas'ood reported that the Holy Prophet said, "On the night of the Israa' (Night Ascension), I met my father Abraham, Moses and Jesus, and they discussed the Hour. The matter was referred first to Abraham, then to Moses, and both said, 'I have no knowledge of it'. Then it was referred to Jesus, who said, 'No one knows about its timing except Allah; what my Lord told me was that the Dajjal will appear, and when he sees me, he will begin to melt like lead. Allah will destroy him when he sees me. The Muslims will fight against the Kafirs, and even the trees and rocks will say, "O Muslim, there is a Kafir hiding beneath me - come and kill him!" Allah will destroy the Kaafirs, and the people will return to their lands. Then Gog and Magog will appear from all directions, eating and drinking everything they find. The people will complain to me, so I will pray to Allah and He will destroy them, so that the earth will be filled with their stench. Allah will send rain which will wash their bodies into the sea. My Lord has told me that when that happens, the Hour will be very close, like a pregnant woman whose time is due, but her family do not know exactly when she will deliver."
[Ahmad, Musnad, 1/375. Similar Hadith in Ibn Maajah, Kitaab al-Fitan Hadith no. 4081]
In a lengthy narration by Hazrat Nawwas b. Sam'an, it is reported that Allah's Messenger said, "..Then Allah would send Gog and Magog and they would swarm down from every slope. The first of them would pass the lake of Tibering
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 7015]
Narrated by Hazrat Abdullah b. Amr: The Holy Prophet said, "Ya'juj and Ma'juj are the children of Prophet Adam and not one will die until thousand are born to him.''
[Fathul-Bari, Imam Ibn Hajr Asqalani]
Narrated by Hazrat Abdullah b. Amr: The Messenger of Allah said, "Allah divided mankind into ten parts. Nine tenths constitute Ya'juj and Ma'juj while the remaining one tenth constitutes the rest of mankind." (Abdullah-b-Amr/Fathul-Bari).
[Fathul-Bari, Imam Ibn Hajr Asqalani]
"And when the Word is fulfilled against them (the unjust), we shall produce from the earth a beast to (face) them: He will speak to them, for that mankind did not believe with assurance in Our Signs."
[Holy Qur'an 27:82]
The Beast (also known as ‘Daabatul-Ard’) is a creature that will emerge immediately before or after the sun rises from the west.
From a narration reported by Hazrat Abu Huraira, it is reported that the Beast's task will be to distinguish the believers from the non-believers. This will be done by it marking the faces of the believers with a line, using Prophet Musa's staff, upon which their faces will become bright and luminous. With the ring of Prophet Sulaiman, it will seal the nose of every non-believer where by their entire faces will become black. Thus, there will be complete distinction between a Muslim and non-Muslim, such that if both groups sat at a table, the Muslims and non-Muslims will be recognised. [Musnad Ahmad, Tirmidhi]
According to Hafiz ibn Kathir, the Beast will also talk to people and say, "Mankind had no faith in Our revelations."
There are many differing opinions as to what animal the Beast may be, or what it might look like. Some scholars say it is the child of Prophet's Salih's sacred she-camel, which fled when its mother was wrongfully killed by the cruel people of that time. Others say it is the snake Allah had sent to guard the Holy Kabah for 500 years, after it had been rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail. There are some who believe the Beast is an extraordinary animal altogether, with "a head like that of a bull, eyes like that of a pig, ears like that of an elephant, horns like that of a stag, neck like that of an ostrich, chest like a lion, colour like that of a tiger, flanks like that of a cat, tail like that of a ram, feet and legs like that of a camel and a distance of 12 cubits between every two joints."
Furthermore, some believe that it is the Beast seen by Hazrat Tamim Dari on his encounter reported in a Hadith below:
In a Hadith reported by Hazrat Amir b. Sharahil Sha'bi Sha'b Hamdan, narrated to him by Hazrat Fatima bint Qais, she says:
"When Allah's Messenger had finished his prayer, he sat on the pulpit smiling and said, 'Every worshipper should keep sitting at his place.' He then said: 'Do you know why I had asked you to assemble?' They said: 'Allah and His Messenger know best.' He said: 'By Allah. I have not made you assemble for exhortation or for a warning, but I have detained you here, for Tamim Dari, a Christian, who came and accepted Islam, told me something, which agrees with what I was telling you about the Dajjal.
He narrated to me that he had sailed in a ship along with thirty men of Bani Lakhm and Bani Judham and had been tossed by waves in the ocean for a month. Then these (waves) took them (near) the land within the ocean (island) at the time of sunset. They sat in a small side-boat and entered that Island . There was a beast with long thick hair (and because of these) they could not distinguish his face from his back. They said: 'Woe to you, who can you be?' Thereupon it said: 'I am al-Jassasa.' They said: 'What is al-Jassasa?' And it said: 'O people, go to this person in the monastery as he is very much eager to know about you.' He (the narrator) said: 'When it named a person for us, we were afraid of it lest it should be a Devil.
Then we hurriedly went on till we came to that monastery and found a well-built person there with his hands tied to his neck and having iron shackles between his two legs up to the ankles. We said: 'Woe be upon thee, who are you?' And he said: 'You would soon come to know about me. But tell me who are you?' We said: 'We are people from Arabia and we embarked upon a boat but the sea-waves had been driving us for one month and they brought us near this island. We got Into the side-boats and entered this island, and here a beast met us with profusely thick hair and because of the thickness of his hair, his face could not be distinguished from his back.' We said: 'Woe be to thee, who are you?' It said: 'I am al- Jassasa.' We said: 'What is al-Jassasa?' And it said: 'You go to this very person in the monastery for he is eagerly waiting for you to know about you.'
So we came to you in hot haste fearing that that might be the Devil. He (that chained person) said: 'Tell me about the date-palm trees of Baisan.' We said: 'About what aspect of theirs do you seek information?' He said: 'I ask you whether these trees bear fruit or not.' We said: 'Yes'. Thereupon he said: 'I think these would not bear fruits.' He said: 'Inform me about the lake ofTabariyya
Thereupon, he said: 'If it is so, that is better for them that they should show obedience to him. I am going to tell you about myself, and I am Dajjal, and would be soon permitted to get out and so I shall get out and travel in the land, and will not spare any town where I would not stay for forty nights except Makkah and Madinah, as these two (places) are prohibited (areas) for me and I would not make an attempt to enter any one of these two. An angel with a sword in his hand would confront me and would bar my way, and there would be angels to guard every passage leading to it.'
Then Allah's Messenger, striking the pulpit with the help of the end of his staff said: 'This implies Tayba meaning Madinah. Have I not told you an account (of the Dajjal) like this?' The people said: 'Yes,' and he continued, 'this account narrated by Tamim Dari was liked by me, for it corroborates the account which I gave to you in regard to him (Dajjal) at Madinah and Makkah. Behold he (Dajjal) is in the Syrian sea (Mediterranian) or the Yemen sea (Arabian sea ). Nay, on the contrary, he is in the east, he is in the east, he is in the east, and he pointed with his hand towards the east. I (Fatima bint Qais) said, I preserved it in my mind (this narration from Allah's Messenger)."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 7028]
Hadith about the Beast
Hazrat Abdullah b. Amr reported: "I committed to memory a hadith from Allah's Messenger and I did not forget it after I had heard Allah's Messenger as saying: 'The first sign (out of the signs of the appearance of the Dajjal) would be the appearance of the sun from the west, the appearance of the beast before the people in the forenoon and which of the two happens first, the second one would follow immediately after that.'"
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 7025]
Hazrat Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger having said: "Hasten to do good deeds before six things happen: the rising of the sun from the west, the smoke, the Dajjal, the beast and (the death) of one of you or the general turmoil."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 7039]
Hazrat Baridah said: "The Holy Prophet took me to a place in the desert, near Makkah. It was a dry piece of land surrounded by sand. The Holy Prophet said, 'The Beast will emerge from this place.' It was a very small area."
[Ibn Majah]
It was reported from Hazrat Abu Hurairah that the Holy Prophet said, "The Beast of the Earth will emerge, and will have with it the rod of Moses and the ring of Solomon." It was also reported that he said, "(The Beast) will destroy the noses of the unbelievers with the ring, so that people seated around one table will begin to address one another with the words 'O Believer!' or 'O Unbeliever!' (i.e. everyone's status will become clear)."
[Ibn Majah]
"Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke.
Covering the people; this is a painful torment.
[They will say], "Our Lord, remove from us the torment; indeed, we are believers.""
[Holy Qur'an 4:10-12]
Before the approach of the Final Hour, a cloud of smoke will cover the world, reported to remain for forty days. Its effect will be such that believers will feel as if they have caught a cold, and unbelievers will feel they have lost their minds or become unconscious.
The impact of this smoke will be such that, as the Holy Qur'an says, people will cry and beseech Almighty Allah asking Him to remove the punishment. Almighty Allah will then reduce the punishment but when it is lifted, some people will return to their corrupt ways.
Hadith about the Smoke:
Hazrat Hudhaifa b. Usaid Ghifari reported: "Allah's Messenger came to us all of a sudden as we were (busy in a discussion). He said, "What do you discuss about?" They (the Companions) said, "We are discussing about the Last Hour." Thereupon he said, "It will not come until you see ten signs before, and (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke, Dajjal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Prophet Jesus, the Gog and Magog, and land-slidings in three places (one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia), at the end of which fire would burn forth from Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6931]
Three major landslides will occur before the Final Hour, one in the East, one in the West and one in the Arabian peninsula .
It is reported that they will be of a greater magnitude and severity, setting them apart from the landslides which tend to usually occur around the world.
Hadith about the Landslides:
Hazrat Hudhaifa b. Usaid Ghifari reported: "Allah's Messenger came to us all of a sudden as we were (busy in a discussion). He said, "What do you discuss about?" They (the Companions) said, "We are discussing about the Last Hour." Thereupon he said, "It will not come until you see ten signs before, and (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke, Dajjal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Prophet Jesus, the Gog and Magog, and land-slidings in three places (one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia), at the end of which fire would burn forth from Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6931]
“The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith. Say: "Wait you! we (too) are waiting."”
[Holy Qur’an – 6:158]
The sun will eventually rise from the west, and is thought to occur either during the time of Dajjal, or after the descent of Prophet Jesus before the Smoke, destruction of the Holy Kabah and the Fire.
It is clear from Hadith Sharif that this sign will happen close to the time of the Beast’s arrival – either immediately before or after.
It is also stated that once the sun rises from the west, the Doors of Repentance will be closed. Anyone who wishes to repent, or embrace Islam, will no longer be able to do so, as stated in the verse above from the Holy Qur’an.
Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani states, after providing many Ahadith on this topic, “These narrations give strength to one another, agreeing completely in that once the sun rises from the West, the door of repentance will be closed and will not be opened thereafter.”
[Fat-hul Bari
Hadith about the Sun Rising from the West:
Hazrat Abu Huraira reported that the Holy Prophet said, "Hasten to do good deeds before six (things happen): Rising of the sun from the West... "
[Mishkat Sharif]
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abu-Auf reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah say, "Verily a night equivalent to three of your nights will come upon people. When it comes, those who engage themselves in worship during the night will recognize it. A person will stand in prayer, read a section of the Qur'an and then go to sleep. Thereafter, he will wake up, stand in prayer and read a section of the Qur'an, then go to sleep. While this condition remains, the people will begin to shout, scream and call one another. They will say, "What is this?" With fear, they will run to the mosque. To their surprise, they will see that the sun has risen from the West. When it reaches the middle of the sky, it will return and set in the West." He said, "That is when becoming a believer (in Islam, after witnessing this sign) will no longer be of benefit (because after the sun rises from the West, Allah will no longer accept declaration of faith)."
[Al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya, Hafiz ibn Kathir]
Narrated Hazrat Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger said, "The Hour will not be established (1) till two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same religious doctrine, (2) till about thirty Dajjals [liars] appear, and each one of them will claim that he is Allah's Messenger, (3) till religious knowledge is taken away [by the death of religious scholars] (4) earthquakes will increase in number (5) time will pass quickly, (6) afflictions will appear, (7) Al-Harj, [i.e., killing] will increase, (8) till wealth will be in abundance - so abundant that a wealthy person will worry lest nobody should accept his Zakat, and whenever he will present it to someone, that person [to whom it will be offered] will say, 'I am not in need of it, (9) till the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings, (10) till a man when passing by a grave of someone will say, 'Would that I were in his place (11) and till the sun rises from the West. So when the sun will rise and the people will see it [rising from the West], they will all believe [embrace Islam] but that will be the time when: [As Allah said] 'No good will it do to a soul to believe then, if it believed not before, nor earned good [by deeds of righteousness] through its Faith.' (Holy Qur'an 6:158) And the Hour will be established while two men are spreading a garment infront of them, but they will not be able to sell it, nor fold it up; and the Hour will be established when a man has milked his she-camel and has taken away the milk, but he will not be able to drink it; and the Hour will be established before a man repairing a tank [for his livestock] is able to water [his animals] in it; and the Hour will be established when a person has raised a morsel [of food] to his mouth but will not be able to eat it."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 237]
A huge fire will occur which will spread and drive people to one point where they will all assemble. It is reported that the fire will follow people to Syria
Hadith about the Fire of Yemen
Hazrat Hudhaifa b. Usaid Ghifari reported: "Allah's Messenger came to us all of a sudden as we were (busy in a discussion). He said, "What do you discuss about?" They (the Companions) said, "We are discussing about the Last Hour." Thereupon he said, "It will not come until you see ten signs before, and (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke, Dajjal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Prophet Jesus, the Gog and Magog, and land-slidings in three places (one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia), at the end of which fire would burn forth from Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6931]
At the end of time, a man from Abyssinia (al-Habash), will destroy the Holy Kabah in order to steal its treasures and Qiswah (cloth covering).
During this time, it is reported that Kufr will be widespread & the act of Hajj will be discontinued.
Hadith about the Destruction of the Kabah:
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger as saying: "It would be an Abyssinian having two small shanks, who would destroy the House of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6953]
Hazrat Abdullah ibn Amr said, "I heard the Holy Prophet say, "Dhu'l-Suwayqatayn from Abyssinia will destroy the Kabah and steal its treasure & Qiswah. It is as if I could see him now: he is bald-headed and has a distortion in his wrists. He will strike the Kabah with his spade and pick-axe'."
[Ahmad]
Hazrat Ibn Abbas narrated that the Holy Prophet said, "It is as if I can see him now: he is black and his legs are widely spaced. He will destroy the Kabah stone by stone."
[Ahmad]
"Then when the Horn is blown with one blast
And the earth and the mountains are lifted and leveled with one blow -
Then on that Day, the Resurrection will occur,
And the heaven will split [open], for that Day it is infirm."
[Holy Qur'an 69:13-16]
The final occurence will be the blowings of the trumpet, which will be sounded twice. It will be blown by the Angel Israfeel.
The Holy Qur'an refers to the trumpet and the Day of Judgement many times, one such verse is presented above.
It is said that the first blow will destroy all creation, while the second blow will resurrect all human souls and prepare them to meet their Lord.
Hadith about the Blowing of the Trumpet:
From a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira, the Holy Prophet "..For when the trumpet will be blown, everyone on the earth and in the heavens will become unconscious except those whom Allah will exempt. The trumpet will be blown for the second time and I will be the first to be resurrected, to see Moses holding Allah's Throne. I will not know whether the unconsciousness which Moses received on the Day of Tur had been sufficient for him, or has he got up before me... "
[Sahih Bukhari, Book 55, Hadith no. 626]
The Concept of Death:
Death is a reality that every living creature will experience, when the soul departs from this world and returns to his/her Lord. The time of death for each person has been decreed by Almighty Allah, and when it approaches nothing can stop or delay it.
Death is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an several times:
“Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.”
[Holy Qur’an 29:57]
Almighty Allah has appointed an Angel to take our souls from us at the time of death, who is known as Azra’eel. He is also referred to as Malakul Mawt, or the Angel of Death.
“Say, "The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned."”
[Holy Qur’an 32:11]
It is reported that Imam Malik once saw the Angel of Death in his sleep, and the Imam asked him, “How much left for me to live?” The Angel pointed to his five fingers. Then the Imam asked him, “Does that mean five years, or five months, or five days?” Before the Imam received a reply to this question, he woke up.
The Imam then went to someone who interpreted dreams. That man told him, “Imam Malik, when the Angel pointed to his five fingers, he didn't mean five years or months or days. The Angel meant that your question is among five matters that only Allah knows about, and he recited the following verse from the Holy Qur’an:
“Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”
[Holy Qur’an 31:34]
In Allah’s Hands alone is the ability and the power to give life, and to return the soul back to Him. He alone knows when or where the death of each person will take place.
“He it is who gives life and causes death; and when He decrees a matter, He but says to it, "Be," and it is.”
[Holy Qur’an 40:68]
“And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined.”
[Holy Qur’an 3:145]
It is said that Almighty Allah causes us to die temporarily during our sleep. During this time, he takes our soul and then returns it to us, so we wake up to worship Him and abid e by His commands.
“Allah takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die [He takes] during their sleep. Then He keeps those for which He has decreed death and releases the others for a specified term. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.”
[Holy Qur’an 39:42]
Death: the Beginning
As agreed on by our righteous leaders, death is not considered the end but it is indeed the beginning.
Death is the transition from this temporary world, to the never-ending abode of the Hereafter. It is something which every Muslim should prepare for, so that his/her eternity in the Hereafter is that of bliss, and not of punishment.
Though the body may decay, the soul (Ruh) still travels on towards the World of Souls, or Aalam-e-Arwa.
It should be noted here, that the pure bodies of the Prophets in their graves are never subject to decay, as Almighty Allah has forbidden the soil to eat their blessed bodies.
Narrated Aws ibn Aws: The Holy Prophet said: “Among the most excellent of your days is Friday. On it, Adam was created; on it, he died; on it, the Last Trumpet will be blown; and on it, the Shout will be made; so invoke more blessings upon me that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me.”
The people asked: “Messenger of Allah, how can it be that our blessings will be submitted to you, while your body is decayed?” He replied: “Allah, the Exalted, has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of Prophets.”
[Sahih Bukhari - Book no. 3, Hadith no. 1042]
The remembrance of death naturally brings great worry into the heart of most people, which is indeed a blessed thing which makes them focus on their deeds and virtues while reminding them that our time on Earth is temporary and very short.
The Holy Prophet said, “Remember the destroyer of pleasures - death, for not a day passes upon the grave except it says ‘I am the house of remoteness; I am the house of loneliness; I am the house of soil; I am the house of worms.”
[Tirmidhi Sharif]
When a person thinks about death, a feeling of worry takes over their minds which causes them to ponder upon & prepare for the Aakhirah, and to appreciate the blessings of life.
Remembrance of death makes all the major issues of life seem so trivial and it ultimately provides a person with clearer perspective on the world we live in.
Although death is a moment which naturally brings much pain to the dying person and his/her loved ones, preparation and piety make the ordeal easier.
When a virtuous person dies, their family is often comforted by the knowledge that he/she was a good person, a humble being and someone who strived to please Allah.
Death is difficult not only for those experiencing it, but it is also something about which Almighty Allah feels hesitant to process, due to His Divine Mercy.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah narrates that the Holy Prophet said:
Almighty Allah said, “Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.”
[Hadith Qudsi 25 – related by Bukhari]
In another Hadith Qudsi, Almighty Allah says,
"If My servant likes to meet Me, I like to meet him; and if he dislikes to meet Me, I dislike to meet him."
Prophetic explanation of this Hadith Qudsi:
The Holy Prophet said, "He who likes to meet Allah, Allah likes to meet him; and he who dislikes to meet Allah, Allah dislikes to meet him."
Hazrat Aisha said, "O Prophet of Allah, is it because of the dislike of death? For all of us dislike death."
The Holy Prophet said, "It is not so, but rather it is that when the believer is given news of Allah’s Mercy, His Approval & Paradise, he likes to meet Allah and Allah likes to meet him; but when the unbeliever is given news of Allah’s punishment & His Displeasure, he dislikes to meet Allah and Allah dislikes to meet him."
[Hadith Qudsi 30 – related by Bukhari, Imam Malik’s Muwatta and Muslim]
Many righteous people have often described death as freedom of the soul, because although it is difficult, they perceive it as the end of an era in this mundane world.
As reported by Hazrat Abu Huraira, Allah’s Messenger said, “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever.”
[Sahih Muslim - Book 42, Number 7058]
Therefore, it can be said that upon the time of death, the believer is ‘released’ from the prison of this world.
This also implies that in this world, the believer is like a prisoner, who is restricted and must follow rules & commands. And like a prisoner, he never settles into this world and never makes it his home because he is awaiting his transition to Jannah. Thus, when death arrives, it is a relief for him as his time to journey home has finally arrived.
On the other hand, for the unbelievers, they disregard all rules and commands of Allah and become engrossed in this temporary world. They enjoy it carelessly with no fear, despite the fact they will have to answer for every action and will be punished for every sin in the Hereafter.
Here are a few excerpts from pious Islamic personalities, about the perception of death:
"I am a bird, and this body was my cage,
Whence I have now flown forth and it is left as a token,
Praise to God, who hath now set me free,
And prepared for me my place in the highest of the Heavens,
Until today I was dead, though alive in your midst."
"Think not that death is death, nay, it is life,
A life that surpasses all we could dream of here."
- from this beautiful extract, we learn that death is actually life. Life is, as stated by Imam Ghazali, a cage in which the soul is entrapped and death actually sets it free.
Allamah Iqbal states:
"I tell you the sign of a believer: when death comes, there is a smile on his lips."
- from this quote, we can tell of the joy and relief a believer feels at the thought of their soul travelling back to Almighty Allah, the true home.
Mawlana Rumi states:
"This place is a dream. Only a sleeper considers it real, then death comes like dawn, and you wake up laughing at what you thought was your grief."
- Mawlana Rumi reassures us that death is the ‘awakening’, and this world is just a dream in which the grief is unreal, like an illusion.
Guarantees of Jannah
- a Muslim whose two or more children died during infancy, before they reached puberty, will be granted Jannah.
Narrated Hazrat Anas: The Holy Prophet said, "A Muslim whose three children die before the age of puberty will be granted Paradise by Allah due to his mercy for them."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 340]
Narrated Hazrat Abu Sa'id: The women requested the Prophet, "Please fix a day for us." So the Prophet preached to them and said, "A woman whose three children died would be screened from the Hell Fire by them," Hearing that, a woman asked, "If two died?" The Prophet replied, "Even two (would screen her from the (Hell) Fire. " And Abu Huraira added, "Those children should be below the age of puberty. "
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 341]
- a Muslim who is martyred in the Way of Allah, will be granted Jannah.
Narrated Hazrat Abu Huraira: The Holy Prophet said, "The person who participates in [holy battles] in Allah's cause, and nothing compels him to do so except belief in Allah and His Messengers, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or he will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr). Had I not found it difficult for my followers, then I would not remain behind any sariya going for Jihad and I would have loved to be martyred in Allah's cause and then made alive, and then martyred and then made alive, and then again martyred in His cause."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 35]
- a Muslim who memorises all the Names of Allah and abid es by them, will be granted Jannah.
Narrated Hazrat Abu Huraira: The Holy Prophet said, "Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (one) and loves 'the Witr' (i.e., odd numbers)."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 419]
- a Muslim who controls his tongue and sexual desires, will be granted Jannah.
Narrated Hazrat Abu Huraira: The Holy Prophet said, "Whoever can guarantee [the chastity of] what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs [i.e. his tongue and his private parts], I guarantee Paradise for him. "
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 481]
- a Muslim wife who pleases her husband and keeps him happy, will be granted Jannah.
Narrated Hazrat Umm Salamah: The Holy Prophet said, "If a woman dies while her husband was pleased with her, she will enter Paradise . "
[Tirmidhi Sharif]
Suicidal Thoughts & Suicide:
Islamic Rulings on the Act of Suicide
“O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.”
[Holy Qur’an 4:29]
Suicide is completely forbidden in Islam, as it is the sign of complete loss of faith in Almighty Allah and it goes against submitting to the Will of Allah. Death is only given by Allah, and no one has the right to act otherwise.
This is regardless of the amount of suffering or hardship one is enduring, because a believer understands that hardship is a part of faith which purifies him, strengthens him and makes him a better person.
Anyone who commits suicide will be forbidden Paradise , and Hell will be his eternal destination.
It is forbidden to perform the funeral prayer [Janaza Namaz] for, or bathe the body of, someone who has committed suicide. They are given a simple burial.
Narrated Hazrat Thabit bin Ad-Dahhak: The Holy Prophet said, "Whoever intentionally swears falsely by a religion other than Islam, then he is what he has said, (e.g. if he says, 'If such thing is not true then I am a Jew,' he is really a Jew). And whoever commits suicide with piece of iron will be punished with the same piece of iron in the Hell Fire."
Narrated Jundab the Prophet said, "A man was inflicted with wounds and he committed suicide, and so Allah said: My slave has caused death on himself hurriedly, so I forbid Paradise for him."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book no. 23, Hadith no. 445]
It is reported in several Hadith Sharif that the method which a person commits suicide by, is the form of punishment he will face in his final abode of Jahannam [Hell].
Narrated Hazrat Abu Huraira: The Holy Prophet said, "He who commits suicide by throttling shall keep on throttling himself in the Hell Fire (forever) and he who commits suicide by stabbing himself shall keep on stabbing himself in the Hell-Fire."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book no. 23, Hadith no. 446]
Narrated Hazrat Abu Huraira: The Holy Prophet said, "Whoever purposely throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, will be in the (Hell) Fire falling down into it and abid ing therein perpetually forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, he will be carrying his poison in his hand and drinking it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abid e eternally forever; and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in his hand and stabbing his abdomen with it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abid e eternally forever."
[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 670]
Suicidal Thoughts in Islam
In Islam, life is treasured and appreciated to the extent that a person should not wish for death or feel suicidal thoughts. If Allah prolongs a person’s life, it is for their own good and there are many undisclosed reasons as to why He has chosen such fate for them.
Hazrat Hammam b. Munabbih reports that Hazrat Abu Huraira narrated: The Holy Prophet said, "None amongst you should make a request for death, and do not call for it before it comes, for when any of you dies, he ceases (to do good) deeds and the life of a believer is not prolonged but for goodness."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6485]
When struggling with hardship, to the extent that one feels almost suicidal or hopeless, he should bow to Allah and pray for enlightenment.
The Holy Prophet teaches us a prayer in the following Hadith:
Hazrat Anas b. Malik narrated: The Holy Prophet said, "None of you should make a request for death because of the trouble in which he is involved, but if there is no other help to it, then say: ‘O Allah, keep me alive as long as there is goodness in life for me and bring death to me when there is goodness in death for me.’"
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 6480]
After all, life is a gift that enables us to exist, to experience the blessings of Allah and be a part of this community on Earth. Many people are fighting for their lives as they struggle against illness or other hardships, so one should not be ungrateful and wish to hasten their time of death.
Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated: The Holy Prophet said, "Do not wish for death, for the terror of the place whence one looks down is severe. It is part of a man's happiness that his life should be long and Allah Who is Great and Glorious, should supply him with repentance."
[Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 1613}
