The Major Signs of the End Times: What Do the Hadith Say?

Explore the major signs of the Day of Judgment as described in authentic Hadith. Discover the prophetic events that will unfold before the end of the world, based on Islamic tradition.

Introduction

For centuries, people have been fascinated and frightened by the concept of the end times. In Islam, the final day—commonly known as Yawm al-Qiyamah or the Day of Judgment—is not a myth but a certainty. The Qur'an and Hadith both offer vivid details about what will happen before the world ends. While the Qur'an provides general insights, it is through the Hadith—sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—that we find specific descriptions of the major signs. These signs serve as warnings, offering humanity a final chance to reflect, repent, and return to the path of righteousness.

This article explores these major signs as documented in authentic Hadith, examining their meanings, symbolism, and implications for mankind.

The Difference Between Minor and Major Signs

Definition and Scope

Islamic tradition divides the signs of the Last Day into two main categories: minor signs and major signs. Minor signs are events that gradually accumulate over time, such as moral decline, widespread ignorance, and the normalization of sinful behavior. Major signs, on the other hand, are extraordinary events that will occur in a relatively short time before the Day of Judgment, marking a shift in the natural order and signaling the near arrival of the final hour.

Importance of Understanding the Major Signs

Recognizing the major signs is not meant to spark fear alone. It is meant to awaken the heart, encourage self-accountability, and renew one's faith. These events are not only catastrophic but deeply symbolic, reflecting humanity’s moral and spiritual state.

The Ten Major Signs According to Hadith

1. The Emergence of the Dajjal (The False Messiah)

The Dajjal is one of the most detailed figures described in Hadith literature. Often referred to as the Antichrist, the Dajjal will appear during a time of great turmoil. He will claim divinity and deceive many with miracles and false promises. According to Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The last hour will not come until there appear about thirty Dajjals, each of them claiming that he is a messenger of Allah.” (Muslim)

However, this ultimate Dajjal will be the most deceptive. He will travel the world, except Makkah and Madinah, performing false miracles and misleading the masses.

2. The Descent of Isa (Jesus) Son of Mary

In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is not viewed as the son of God but as a mighty prophet. One of the major signs is his return to Earth. The Hadith states that he will descend near a white minaret in Damascus, clothed in two garments dyed with saffron. He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizyah (tax on non-Muslims), uniting people under true monotheism.

He will also kill the Dajjal, ending his tyranny. As stated in Sahih Muslim:

“By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, surely the son of Mary will soon descend among you…” (Muslim)

3. The Emergence of Gog and Magog (Ya’juj and Ma’juj)

These two tribes are mentioned in the Qur'an and elaborated upon in Hadith. They are described as destructive and numerous in number. Once released, they will wreak havoc across the Earth, consuming everything in their path. Even Jesus and his followers will retreat to Mount Sinai to escape them.

Their defeat will not be through warfare but divine intervention. Allah will send worms or insects to infect and kill them all, as per the Hadith.

4. The Smoke (Ad-Dukhan)

One of the supernatural signs is the appearance of thick smoke that will cover the Earth. This smoke will affect both believers and disbelievers. For believers, it will resemble a mild illness; for others, it will bring severe torment.

The Qur'an mentions:

“Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke. Covering the people; this is a painful torment.” (Qur'an 44:10-11)

The Hadith confirms that this smoke will occur shortly before the final hour.

5. The Beast of the Earth (Dabbatul-Ard)

This mysterious creature will emerge and speak to people, differentiating the faithful from the disbelievers. It will mark the faces of people—perhaps metaphorically or literally—declaring who truly believed in their lifetime.

Its function is to close the door of repentance. Once it appears, faith will no longer be accepted if it did not exist prior.

6. The Sun Rising from the West

This event defies the natural laws of physics and marks the closing of the gate of mercy. After this phenomenon, repentance will no longer be accepted. This is mentioned in multiple authentic Hadith, including:

“The hour will not come until the sun rises from the west. When the people see it, they will all believe. But that is when faith will not benefit anyone who did not believe before.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

The metaphorical weight of this sign cannot be overstated—it marks the spiritual end of opportunity.

7. Three Major Earthquakes or Landslides

The Prophet ﷺ mentioned three great collapses of the Earth: one in the East, one in the West, and one in the Arabian Peninsula. These events will physically alter landscapes and symbolize the collapse of human arrogance.

These are not ordinary earthquakes but apocalyptic tremors that divide civilizations and shift continents.

8. A Fire That Will Drive People to Their Gathering Place

Towards the very end, a massive fire will emerge from Yemen or the area of Aden. It will drive people forward, forcing them to assemble at the appointed place for final judgment.

This fire will be relentless, allowing no return, no escape. Its appearance marks the point of no return for all humanity.

9. The Wind That Takes the Souls of the Believers

After all major signs have unfolded, a gentle wind will blow, taking the souls of all believers, sparing them from the horrors of the final hour. Only the worst of humanity will remain, and upon them the Day of Judgment will descend.

This wind is considered a mercy from God, ensuring that the righteous do not experience the terrifying final events.

10. The Total Collapse of the World Order

Though not always listed separately, many scholars include the disintegration of natural order, societal collapse, and spiritual corruption as part of the final signs. The Earth itself will change. Mountains will crumble, the sky will split, and time will have no meaning.

The Role of the Mahdi in the End Times

Who Is the Mahdi?

While not one of the Ten Major Signs, the arrival of the Mahdi is often associated with them. The Mahdi will be a righteous leader from the descendants of the Prophet ﷺ. His arrival will bring justice during a time of global injustice.

He will prepare the world for the descent of Jesus, leading the Muslims in prayer until Jesus takes command.

The Mahdi and the Dajjal

The Mahdi and his army will initially confront the Dajjal but will struggle until the descent of Jesus. This collaborative effort highlights divine planning and unity in the final struggle between truth and falsehood.

Purpose Behind the Major Signs

Divine Mercy and Warning

The signs are not just punishments or supernatural spectacles—they are acts of divine mercy. Each is a wake-up call for those who have gone astray. They provide the opportunity for reflection and repentance before the final day arrives.

A Test of Faith

The appearance of the Dajjal, the return of Jesus, and the trials posed by Gog and Magog all serve as intense tests of belief. In moments of global chaos, staying steadfast in faith becomes a monumental challenge.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

The Hadith serve not just as spiritual guides but as prophetic declarations. The fulfillment of these signs will confirm the truth of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ message and the divine origin of Islam.

Final Reflections

The major signs of the end times, as described in the Hadith, offer profound insights into humanity’s spiritual trajectory. They remind us of the transient nature of life, the importance of sincere belief, and the urgency of returning to God before it is too late.

Rather than provoking fear, these signs should ignite transformation. They are not tales of doom but calls to prepare, purify, and persevere.

Humanity is not left in darkness. The light of divine guidance shines through the Hadith, urging every soul to wake up before the final trumpet is blown.

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