Author: Dr. Muhammad Saad Saleem
Introduction
This
article provides a unique framework for understanding the
signs of the Day of Judgment in the Hadith literature by
analyzing the prophecies of the Bible and the Qur’an. The
signs of the Day of Judgment described in the Hadith reflect
complex geographical, social, and historical changes, which
were shown to the Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) in the form of visions and dreams. In this article,
these signs are interpreted in the light of the divine
scriptures.
This symbolic
approach not only effectively conveys these important
messages but also helps in transmitting them from generation
to generation. At the same time, it keeps certain future
circumstances somewhat concealed. When these prophecies are
examined in a historical context with an unbiased and
broad-minded perspective, they appear to align with numerous
historical facts. The purpose of these prophecies is not to
morally validate or criticize the actions of people in the
past, but rather to highlight Allah’s perfect knowledge,
power, and sovereignty over history.
This article has
three fundamental objectives. The first objective is to
invite the recognition of God as the Creator and Sustainer
of the universe—a Lord who rules not only over believers but
also non-believers, thus emphasising the universality of
divine sovereignty. The second objective is to accurately
identify the present era in the light of prophecies, so that
Muslims do not base their intellectual and practical
direction on false assumptions. The third and most important
objective is to clarify that these prophecies do not demand
any new religious obligations beyond the existing duties
outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah. As a result of this
clarification, believers can free themselves from
unnecessary intellectual and practical burdens and focus on
their core religious responsibilities with dedication.
For example, the
Hadith mentions that seeking refuge in the mountains during
the tribulation of the Dajjal is in harmony with the
Qur’anic principle that encourages migration during
religious persecution. This is a continuation of divine
guidance, and it shows that these prophecies, rather than
issuing commands, enable the believers to acknowledge and
affirm God’s sovereignty in historical and global events.
The article asserts
that many signs of the Day of Judgment represent major
global events, some of which may have already occurred. All
references to Hadith in the article are based solely on
Sahih Muslim and Sahih Al-Bukhari to ensure authenticity and
reliability.
Prophecies of the Future
Allah sent His
prophets to guide His creation on the straight path, who
were granted divine revelation to fulfil their mission.
These revelations sometimes included glimpses of future
events, serving as clear testimony to Allah’s perfect
knowledge. On some occasions, these events were described
explicitly, as in the Qur’an’s Surah al-Rum, which mentions
the Romans’ victory over the Sassanids. On other occasions,
the revelation was presented in the form of a vision. For
example, Prophet Joseph (pbuh) saw celestial bodies
prostrating before him in a dream, symbolising the honour
and respect he would receive from his family after his
trials. Similarly, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) was shown in a
vision the scene of sacrificing his son, which was a great
trial for him and his son. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his
son regarded this as a test of obedience and adopted an
attitude of submission, deciding to carry it out exactly as
per the dream. However, Allah’s intervention stopped the
sacrifice, as the dream interpretation was for Prophet
Abraham (pbuh) to dedicate his son to the service of Allah’s
House.
In this trial, their willingness to make every kind of
sacrifice and their complete obedience to Allah’s command
made their actions a great example of servitude, loyalty,
and sincerity.
However, the
symbolic nature of visions often makes them susceptible to
misunderstanding. A prominent example is the Book of
Revelation, which was revealed to Jesus (peace be upon him).
This text contains various symbolic visions, including
references to calamities, historical events, and the coming
of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). In the Book of Revelation,
Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is depicted as the “slaughtered lamb,”
symbolizing the prophet’s innocence, sacrifice, and complete
loyalty to Allah.
This allegory resembles the dream of Prophet Abraham (pbuh),
as described above, where the concept of sacrifice signifies
complete submission and acceptance of Allah’s will and
command. However, Christians interpreted the symbol of the
“slaughtered lamb” as a reference to the crucifixion of
Jesus (pbuh). This misinterpretation serves as a reminder
that preconceived notions, not derived through sound
scholarly methods, can lead to incorrect conclusions when
interpreting symbolic traditions.
Fundamental Principles for Understanding
Prophecies
This article
establishes the following principles as the foundation for
understanding the prophecies shown to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
in visions described in the Hadith.
First Principle – Interpretation of Human
and Animal Symbols
In the Hadith,
prophecies are presented symbolically, just as in previous
divine books such as the Book of Daniel and Revelation,
where future events are depicted in dreams and visions. In
these texts, the symbols of animals and humans represent
various powers, such as kingdoms, countries, and
organisations. For example, in the Book of Daniel, during
the final period of the Babylonian Empire, the empire is
shown as a human, and the subsequent Greek Empire is
depicted as an animal in the dream of Prophet Daniel (pbuh.
This is part of the same symbolic style, under which, in the
Hadith, the “Dajjal” is presented as a human and the “Beast
of the Land” as an animal.
Second Principle – Symbolic Meanings of
Places and Groups
Understanding the
geographical locations and human groups mentioned in the
Hadith requires considering the political and cultural
context of the era of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), just as
understanding the Qur’an is impossible without knowledge of
the Arabic language of that time and its linguistic
background. This symbolic style gives the Hadith meaning and
continuity that remain intact despite changing political
circumstances and geographical divisions.
For example, during the time of Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh),
Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Christians,
and it retained this status at the time of its conquest,
which is why it is mentioned by its original name in the
Hadith. Similarly, during the Prophet’s (pbuh) era, “Sham”
was under the control of the Byzantine Empire, so in
prophecies related to the early period, “Sham” refers to the
actual geographical region of Syria. However, in later
prophecies, “Sham” acquires a symbolic meaning, representing
regions under Christian influence.
In this context,
soon after the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) passing, the centre
of the Caliphate shifted outside of Arabia. Therefore, in
Hadiths related to later periods, the mention of Madi#nah
refers not merely to a city, but as a symbol of the entire
Muslim community, just as during the Prophet’s (pbuh) era it
was the centre of the Muslim state. Similarly, it is
necessary to understand other places such as Damascus, Lod,
and Yemen within their historical and cultural backgrounds
to interpret the Hadiths correctly.
According to this
principle, the human groups mentioned in the Hadith should
also be understood in the context of their historical
identity at the time. For example, Christianity was an
integral part of the identity of Roman citizens in the
Byzantine Empire. Although their empire came to an end in
1453 CE, later Christian groups are also called “Romans” in
the prophecies of the Hadith.
Similarly, references to other groups, such as the
descendants of Isaac and the Jews of Isfahan, should be
interpreted within their specific historical context to
ensure the correct understanding of the related Hadith.
Third Principle – Details Remain Hidden
Due to Divine Wisdom
According to the
prophecies described in the Hadith, Allah conceals certain
signs and details based on His infinite wisdom, so their
complete understanding is only possible after their actual
occurrence. These signs are often presented in symbolic
language, which points to a significant event, but does not
reveal its specifics. For example, the sudden death of Gog
and Magog by worms on their necks symbolizes a considerable
factor, which is presented in a symbolic style rather than
described in detail. Similarly, the rush of hypocrites and
disbelievers towards the Dajjal due to three tremors in Madi#nah
conceals the trials manifesting in these tremors. The
correct interpretation of such prophecies only becomes clear
in their historical context after their occurrence, when it
becomes evident which real events these signs represent.
The Ten Major Signs of the Day of
Judgment
The following
sections mention significant events before the Day of
Judgment, as described in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh). These events are based on the ten major signs of the
Day of Judgment,
which were shown to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in his visions.
For example, the Dajjal was shown to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
during the event of Mi‘raj,
which was a vision.
The Beast of the Land (Dabbat al-Ard)
Among the signs of
the Day of Judgment, states, empires, kingdoms, and
organizations are often depicted as living creatures, which
is a symbolic way of understanding and describing powerful
forces. This symbolic expression is prominent in various
religious texts, such as the Bible, the Qur’an, and the
Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Beast of the Land (Dabbat
al-Arḍ) is a significant metaphor in these traditions,
representing oppressive, vast, and often tyrannical states.
Examples from the Old Testament
In the Old
Testament, especially in the Book of Daniel, the symbolism
of animals in the dreams of the Prophet Daniel (pbuh) is
described in great detail. These animals are presented as
representations of powerful and oppressive empires. The
oldest extant manuscripts of the Bible are written in Greek,
where the word “thērion” means “animal,” which is similar to
the Arabic word “dabbah,” indicating the same meaning in
both languages. In the dreams of Prophet Daniel (pbuh),
these animals represent great empires characterised by their
power, oppression, and vastness. Some animals are depicted
with multiple heads, representing different families,
groups, or factions within an empire, while their horns
symbolise kings, rulers, or influential leaders.
Four Beasts – Four Ancient World Empires
Four animals are
mentioned in the Book of Daniel.
These animals represent successive world empires, as
explained to Prophet Daniel (pbuh):
· The First
Animal – The Babylonian Empire: The first animal is like a
lion with eagle’s wings, which later transforms into a human
figure and is given a human mind. This represents the
Babylonian Empire (605–539 BCE), which was renowned for its
strength, dominance, and swiftness.
· The Second
Animal – The Achaemenid Empire: The second animal is like a
bear, representing the Median-Persian Achaemenid Empire
(539–331 BCE). This empire was famous for its immense power
and conquests, and it inspired fear due to its ferocity.
· The Third
Animal – The Greek Empire: The third animal is like a
leopard with four wings and four heads. This represents the
Greek Empire (331–146 BCE), which, under the leadership of
Alexander the Great, dominated the world stage. The four
heads symbolise the division of Alexander’s empire into four
parts after his death.
· The Fourth
Animal – The Roman Empire: The fourth animal is terrifying
and dreadful, with iron teeth and ten horns. It represents
the Roman Empire (from 146 BCE onwards), symbolizing
unparalleled power and dominance. Its iron teeth signify
ruthlessness and powerful control, while the ten horns
represent kings or rulers.
The Ram and the Goat – The Achaemenid and
Greek Empires
Another vision in
the Book of Daniel mentions a ram and a goat.
The angel Gabriel (pbuh) explained this vision to Prophet
Daniel (pbuh).
The ram with two horns represents the Achaemenid Empire,
symbolizing the combined power of Media and Persia within
the Achaemenid Empire. The goat represents the Greek Empire,
which strikes the ram fiercely, throws it to the ground, and
defeats it. The prominent horn between the goat’s eyes
signifies the power and leadership of Alexander the Great.
The breaking of the goat’s horn, followed by the emergence
of four smaller horns, symbolizes the division of
Alexander’s vast empire among his four generals after his
death. This vision describes the power, rise, and fall of
great empires in the course of history.
Examples from the New Testament
The use of animal
metaphors continues in the New Testament, especially in the
Book of Revelation, where three symbolic animals are
mentioned.
The Beast from the Sea – The Roman Empire
This beast described
in the Book of Revelation represents the Roman Empire,
renowned for its powerful naval force and its vast influence
spread through the sea. Its emergence from the sea signifies
Rome’s maritime strength. Its seven heads symbolise seven
royal eras, and the blasphemous words inscribed on each head
represent its rebellion and arrogance against God. This
beast was given the power to speak pride and disbelief for
forty-two months.
These forty-two months refer to the war between the Romans
and the Jews from 66 CE to 70 CE, after the ascension of
Jesus (pbuh), which culminated in the desecration and
destruction of the Jewish Temple by the Romans in 70 CE.
The Beast from the Land – The Church
The beast of the
land mentioned in the Book of Revelation symbolizes an
authority based on the earth, which deceives the masses
through false messages. It is referred to as the “False
Prophet,” representing the spread of false ideologies under
satanic influence. This beast derives its power from the
authority of the sea beast, and it appears when the deadly
wound on one of the heads of the sea beast has been healed.
This wounded head symbolises the Crisis of the Third Century
in the Roman Empire, after which the Church emerged as a
formal institution following the Council of Nicaea held in
325 CE. The Church, utilizing the authority of the Roman
Empire, began persecuting those Christians who opposed the
Nicene Creed, such as the Arians, Donatists, Marcionites,
and Montanists. In the symbol of the “beast from the land,”
its two horns appear like a lamb, giving an impression of
gentleness, sanctity, and innocence, but its speech is like
that of a dragon, representing deception, threats, and
misguidance. These two horns signify the religious power of
the two major branches of the Church—Constantinople (East)
and Rome (West).
The defeat of the
sea and earth beasts in the Book of Revelation
signifies the defeat of the Romans at the hands of the noble
Companions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which not only
weakened the power and influence of Rome and the Church but
also profoundly affected their methods, philosophy, and
ideologies.
The Scarlet Beast – The Persian Empire
The scarlet beast
mentioned in the Book of Revelation represents the Persian
Empire.
Its seven heads
symbolise seven dynasties. The sixth head corresponds to the
Parthians during the time of Jesus (pbuh), while the seventh
head represents the Sassanid Empire.
Its ten horns
represent the last ten Sassanid kings
who fought against the noble Companions of Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh).
Mention of the Beast in the Qur’an – A
Warning to the Quraysh
In Surah al-Naml of
the Holy Qur’an,
there is mention
of a beast emerging from the earth (Dabbatan mina al-Arḍ),
which will speak to the deniers of the truth. This verse was
revealed in response to the disbelief and denial of the
people of Quraysh, the nation of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
If we compare the
“speaking” of the beast in this Qur’anic warning with the
“sea beast” mentioned in the New Testament—which
speaks arrogantly and blasphemously for forty-two months—we
find a profound similarity between the two events. In the
New Testament, the speech of the sea beast is a sign of
divine wrath upon the Israelites, which the Jews had to
endure between 66 and 70 CE in the form of religious
humiliation, psychological pressure, and national disgrace,
culminating in the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Similarly, the Qur’an issues a warning of the same nature to
the Quraysh, presented as a punishment in response to their
disbelief and denial of the truth. However, when a large
number of the Quraysh accepted Islam, this punishment was
averted.
Mention of the Beast in Hadith – The
Mongol Empire
In light of the
prophecies of the Qur’an and the Bible, the “beast of the
land” described in the Hadith—which is among the ten major
signs of the Day of Judgment—actually symbolises a powerful
and tyrannical empire. This empire expanded its influence
through land routes and military conquests, oppression, and
global cultural transformations, leaving a profound impact
on the world. This power differs from the “sea beast”
mentioned in the New Testament, which represents a maritime
power—such as the Roman Empire—whereas the “beast of the
land” represents a terrestrial power.
In the historical
context, this prophecy applies to the Mongol Empire of the
13th century. The Mongol Empire emerged as the largest and
most lethal empire in human history, spreading through land
routes, devastating vast regions stretching from Asia to
Europe. Their military invasions, the collapse of empires,
and the reconfiguration of the international geopolitical
and political order all confirm that the Mongol Empire is
the symbol of the “Beast of the Land,” as described in the
Hadith.
Figure 1: The Mongol Empire at its peak – the largest empire
in history, which expanded primarily through land-based
invasions, and is symbolically described in the Hadith as
the “Beast of the Land.”
The Rising of the Sun from the West
Among the major
signs of the Day of Judgment mentioned in the Hadith is the
sun’s rising from the west. “The rising of the sun over a
civiliztion” is a metaphor in various languages and
cultures, symbolising a civilization’s influence, power, and
ascendancy. In this metaphor, the sun highlights the
historical periods of rise and fall of civilizations, where
power and leadership shift between different regions. The
sun’s rising over a civilization is generally considered a
sign of ascendancy. In contrast, the sun’s setting over a
civilization is typically seen as a sign of its decline.
In the context of
the signs of the Day of Judgment, the rising of the sun from
the west has been interpreted as the rise of Western
civilisation. This journey of ascendancy began with the
Renaissance of the 12th-century Middle Ages,
a period of intellectual and scholarly awakening in Europe,
marked by the rediscovery of ancient wisdom through
translations of Greek and Arabic sciences, the development
of scholastic philosophy, the establishment of universities,
and significant advancements in law, science, and
architecture. During this time, progress in popular
literature, religious reforms, and cultural exchanges
resulting from the Crusades further strengthened the
foundations of European civilisation and knowledge. Later,
the Renaissance from the 14th to the 17th centuries and the
Reformation movements of the 16th century also played a
prominent role. These movements brought about profound
revolutions in thought, science, and governance in Europe,
ultimately establishing the West as a dominant global power.
Proximity to the Beast of the Land
In the Hadith,
the rising of the sun from the west is mentioned as the
first of the major signs of the Day of Judgment, and the
Beast of the Land is described as another major sign that
will appear immediately after it. The sign of the rising of
the sun from the west was the first to be fulfilled among
the ten major signs.
After the Renaissance of the 12th century Middle Ages,
the emergence of the Beast of the Land—symbolically
interpreted as the Mongol Empire in the 13th century—took
place.
The Futility of Faith at That Time – A
Warning
It is stated in the
Hadith that when the sun rises from the west, people will
see it and believe, but at that time, faith will be of no
benefit.
In some Hadiths, the Beast of the Land and the Dajjal are
also included among those signs after whose appearance faith
will not bring any benefit.
A similar warning is also found in Surah al-Anbiyaʾ
regarding Gog and Magog, where, after the barrier of Gog and
Magog is broken, people will admit, “Indeed, we were
wrongdoers.”
These Hadiths and
the verse of the Qur’an are a clear warning, because these
signs will occur close to the Day of Judgment. And this is
the scenario of the Day of Judgment: that a person’s faith
will not benefit him, and people will admit, “Indeed, we
were wrongdoers.” This warning indicates the imminent
occurrence of these signs before the Day of Judgment. Only
Allah knows how close these signs are to the Day of
Judgment. This message invites people to believe before the
time of respite ends and to reform themselves through
sincere repentance, before there remains no way to return.
Dajjal – The Coming of the False Messiah
Dajjal, which means
“the great deceiver,” is also referred to as “al-Masih al-Dajjal,”
which translates as “the false Messiah.” “Masih” (from the
Hebrew “Mashiach,” meaning “anointed one”) was used in
ancient Israel for those chosen by God as kings, prophets,
or priests, who were anointed with oil. Over time, the
concept of the Messiah evolved from simply an anointed
individual to that of a saviour, as a result of historical
struggles, hopes for deliverance, and religious
interpretations.
In this context, the
Masih al-Dajjal is the figure who presents himself as a
saviour and exploits humanity’s hope for deliverance from
the inherent sufferings and difficulties of human nature.
This quest for salvation, in itself, does not necessarily
possess any specific religious aspect. According to
traditions, the word “Kafir” (disbeliever) will be written
on his forehead, which reinforces the idea that Dajjal will
be a denier of God. Consequently, his promises will not be
based on any divine or religious foundation.
In contrast to the
Beast of the Land, which is merely a symbol of power and
oppression, Dajjal appears in human form, just as the
Babylonian Empire was later depicted in human form.
This indicates that Dajjal is not merely a kingdom based on
military power, but rather a state that, with misleading
beliefs, convinces people to believe in its false promises.
|