Al-Ayat As-Sughra and Al-Ayat Al-Kubra

  • Eschatology

Minor Signs (Al-Ayat As-Sughra):

  1. Moral Decay:

    • Manifestations: This period is characterized by a general decline in morality and ethical standards. Acts that were once considered sinful become normalized.

    • Specific Examples: Increased incidence of adultery, consumption of alcohol, dishonesty, and corruption. A notable decline in modesty and a rise in promiscuity and lewdness are also evident.

    • Societal Impact: The erosion of family values and weakening of social ties, leading to a disintegrated society.

  2. Widespread Injustice:

    • Forms of Injustice: Prevalence of oppression and unfairness, particularly by those in positions of power. Economic exploitation and social inequality become rampant.

    • Global Reach: This injustice is not limited to one region but is seen globally, affecting every aspect of life, including judicial systems, governments, and workplaces.

  3. Loss of Religious Knowledge:

    • Disappearance of Knowledge: This involves the gradual loss of true religious understanding, primarily through the death of knowledgeable and righteous scholars.

    • Rise of Ignorance: Ignorance about the core tenets of Islam becomes widespread, leading to innovations in religious practices and beliefs that are not in line with authentic Islamic teachings.

  4. Increase in False Prophets:

    • Emergence of False Leaders: Many individuals will claim prophethood, leading people away from the truth of Islam.

    • Nature of Deception: These claimants will bring teachings and practices that contradict Islamic principles, creating confusion and division within the Muslim community.

  5. Abandonment of Prayer:

    • Neglect of Obligatory Worship: A decline in the observance of the five daily prayers, which are a cornerstone of a Muslim’s faith.

    • Decline in Community Worship: The mosques will be less frequented, and there will be a lack of knowledge and emphasis on communal worship.

  6. Dishonesty and Lying:

    • Normalization of Falsehood: Lying and dishonesty become widespread and socially accepted. Truthfulness becomes rare.

    • Impact on Trust: This pervasiveness of dishonesty erodes trust within communities and families, affecting all forms of relationships.

  7. Breakdown of Trust:

    • Betrayal in Transactions: People will betray trust more frequently, and it will be hard to find trustworthy individuals for business or personal affairs.

    • Social Ramifications: This breakdown in trust leads to a weakened social structure, impacting communities and nations.

  8. Widespread Materialism:

    • Material Over Spiritual: A shift in focus towards material wealth and possessions. Accumulation of wealth becomes a primary goal for many, overshadowing spiritual and ethical considerations.

    • Societal Changes: This materialism drives societal changes, influencing lifestyles, priorities, and relationships.

  9. Social Disorders:

    • Increase in Violence and Crime: A rise in crime rates, violence, and social unrest. Traditional structures of law and order struggle to maintain stability.

    • Family Structure: The breakdown of the family unit, with increased rates of divorce and strained parent-child relationships.

  10. Natural Disasters:

    • Frequency and Intensity: An increase in various natural calamities, including earthquakes, floods, and famines.

    • Global Phenomenon: These disasters occur more frequently and on a larger scale, affecting countries and regions worldwide.

These Minor Signs collectively paint a picture of gradual societal and moral decline, setting the stage for the eventual emergence of the Major Signs. They serve as a warning and a reminder for Muslims to adhere to their faith and uphold moral and ethical values in the face of societal changes. The sequence of these signs and their interpretations may vary among Islamic scholars, reflecting the diverse perspectives within Islamic thought. These signs are meant to remind believers of the impermanence of the world and the importance of preparing for the hereafter through righteous living and steadfast faith.

Major Signs (Al-Ayat Al-Kubra):

  1. The Emergence of the Mahdi:

    • Background and Role: The Mahdi, whose arrival marks the beginning of the Major Signs, is a messianic figure in Islamic eschatology. He is expected to emerge before the end of the world, leading Muslims to a period of justice and righteousness after a phase of corruption and injustice.

    • Characteristics and Actions: He is described as a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, possessing exemplary character and leadership qualities. The Mahdi will unite the Muslim Ummah, resolve sectarian differences, and restore Islamic practices to their pure form.

    • Global Impact: His emergence will have a significant impact worldwide, leading to major geopolitical shifts. He is expected to fight various battles, overcoming oppressors and establishing a global Islamic governance.

  2. The Appearance of the Dajjal (False Messiah):

    • Nature and Deception: Following the emergence of the Mahdi, the Dajjal will appear. Described as a one-eyed liar and deceiver, he will claim divinity and mislead many people, except for true believers.

    • Trial and Tribulations: His time will be marked by enormous trials and supernatural feats. He will possess the power to cause famine, drought, and manipulate wealth, using these to lure people into his falsehood.

    • Duration of Reign: The Dajjal's reign of mischief will last for 40 days, with the first day being as long as a year, the second as long as a month, the third as long as a week, and the rest as normal days.

  3. The Descent of Isa (Jesus):

    • Role in Defeating Dajjal: Jesus, known as Isa in Islam, will descend from Heaven during the time of the Dajjal. He will join forces with the Mahdi to defeat the Dajjal.

    • Leadership and Reforms: After the defeat of the Dajjal, Jesus will assume a significant leadership role. He will implement Islamic law (Sharia), abolish the Jizya tax (as everyone will embrace Islam), and guide humanity to justice and righteousness.

    • Miracles and Peace: His period will be marked by miracles and a time of peace and prosperity. He will perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) and will live and die as a righteous servant of God.

  4. The Return of Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog):

    • Release and Chaos: After the defeat of the Dajjal, Ya'juj and Ma'juj will break free from the barrier that confines them. They will cause widespread destruction and chaos on Earth, consuming all in their path.

    • End of Their Tyranny: Their tyranny will end through a divine intervention, as Jesus and the believers will pray to God to protect them from their harm. God will then send a kind of worm or insect that will attack their necks, leading to their demise.

  5. The Smoke (Ad-Dukhan):

    • Nature and Effect: A thick smoke will cover the Earth, affecting both believers and non-believers. It is described as a form of divine retribution and a test for humanity.

    • Duration and Impact: This phenomenon will last for 40 days, causing immense distress and hardship. Believers will experience it as a common cold, but it will be far more severe for non-believers.

  6. The Rising of the Sun from the West:

    • Cosmic Phenomenon: This event is a major cosmic change, where the sun will rise from the west instead of the east. It is considered one of the clearest signs of the approaching end of times.

    • Significance: The rising of the sun from the west will signal the closure of the door of repentance. After this event, no repentance will be accepted from sinners, marking a pivotal point in eschatology.

  7. The Beast (Dabbat Al-Ard):

    • Emergence and Description: A beast will emerge from the Earth, speaking to humanity. This creature is mentioned in the Quran and is said to carry the staff of Moses and the seal of Solomon.

    • Role and Actions: It will mark the foreheads of people, identifying the believers and non-believers. The beast will communicate a message about the truth of God’s signs and the folly of ignoring them.

  8. The Sinking of the Earth (Al-Khasf) in the East, the West, and the Arabian Peninsula:

    • Massive Earthquakes and Sinkholes: Three major sinkholes or landslides will occur – one in the east, one in the west, and one in the Arabian Peninsula.

    • Impact and Destruction: These events will result in massive destruction and loss of life, serving as further signs of the nearing end.

  9. Fire from Yemen:

    • Origin and Movement: A fire will start in Yemen, driving people towards their final gathering place, which is believed to be in Sham (the Levant).

    • Final Gathering: This fire will be instrumental in gathering people for the final judgment, marking a significant phase in the lead-up to the Day of Judgment.

  10. The Blowing of the Trumpet (As-Sur):

    • First Blowing – Destruction: At the first blowing of the trumpet by Angel Israfil, all life will perish, and all the creations of God will be destroyed.

    • Second Blowing – Resurrection: The second blowing will follow, marking the resurrection of all beings for the Day of Judgment. People will be gathered for their final accountability before God.

These Major Signs signify a series of profound and transformative events leading up to the Day of Judgment in Islamic eschatology. Each sign carries its unique set of circumstances and challenges for humanity. These eschatological beliefs serve as a reminder for Muslims to adhere to righteous conduct and remain vigilant in their faith, as the exact timing of these events is known only to God. The order and interpretation of these signs may vary among Islamic scholars.


Name

Al-Ayat As-Sughra and Al-Ayat Al-Kubra

Description

Minor Signs (Al-Ayat As-Sughra) and Major Signs (Al-Ayat Al-Kubra). The signs that precede the Day of Judgment are categorized into two main groups: Minor Signs (Al-Ayat As-Sughra) and Major Signs (Al-Ayat Al-Kubra). These signs are believed to be indicators of the approaching end times and are mentioned in various Islamic traditions, including Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad).

Avatar

Cover

Religions