In Islamic eschatology, the signs of the Day of Judgment, or Yawm al-Qiyamah (يوم القيامة), are described in the Quran and Hadith (prophetic sayings). These signs are divided into minor and major signs, with the major signs indicating that the Day of Judgment is near. Here’s a summary based on the Quran and authentic Hadiths:
Minor Signs (علامات صغرى)
Minor signs are events that may occur long before the Day of Judgment and serve as early warnings.
Increase in Ignorance and Decrease in Knowledge: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) predicted that knowledge would decrease while ignorance and illiteracy would increase. This is found in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Widespread Disobedience to Parents and Breaking of Family Ties: Disobedience to parents and severing of family ties are condemned, and their prevalence is seen as a sign of the Last Day.
Increase in Immorality and Adultery: It is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet mentioned that fornication and adultery would become widespread, which is considered a sign.
Spread of Usury (Interest) and Financial Corruption: Usury will become widespread, and wealth will be concentrated in the hands of the few, as noted in Hadiths.
People Taking Pride in Constructing Tall Buildings: The Hadith in Sahih Muslim mentions that Bedouins and people who were previously poor would compete in constructing tall buildings.
Frequent Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, landslides, and other natural calamities will increase. This is mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari and other sources.
Decline in Honesty and Trustworthiness: Trust will be diminished, and there will be more deceit and dishonesty among people. This sign is mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Obsession with Material Wealth and Worldly Gains: People will become overly concerned with wealth and material success, neglecting spiritual and moral duties.
Widespread Killing and Violence: According to Sahih Muslim, one of the signs of the Last Day is that "the hour will not come until murder will increase."
People Disregarding Religion: Many will turn away from religious obligations, and the mosques will be filled but not with people who are sincere in their prayers.
Major Signs (علامات كبرى)
The major signs are extraordinary events that signify the approach of the Day of Judgment and indicate that it is imminent.
The Appearance of Al-Mahdi (المهدي): He will appear as a just ruler to bring peace and justice. This prophecy is found in several authentic Hadiths, such as those in Sunan Abi Dawood and Sahih Muslim.
The Emergence of the Dajjal (الدجال, Antichrist): A figure who will bring great deception and claim to be God, performing false miracles to mislead people. Many authentic Hadiths warn of Dajjal, such as in Sahih Muslim.
The Descent of Prophet Isa (Jesus) (عيسى عليه السلام): Jesus will return to defeat the Dajjal and establish justice, as described in the Quran (Surah An-Nisa 4:157-159) and in Hadiths such as in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
The Emergence of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog): Two tribes will break free and cause widespread destruction, as mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf (18:94-99) and in Hadith literature.
Three Major Landslides: Landslides will occur in the east, west, and the Arabian Peninsula. This is mentioned in Sahih Muslim.
The Smoke (الدخان): A smoke or fog that will envelop the earth, as referenced in Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:10-11) and explained in Hadiths.
The Rising of the Sun from the West: When this occurs, repentance will no longer be accepted from those who did not previously believe. This is mentioned in Sahih Muslim.
The Beast (الدابة): A beast will emerge from the earth and speak to people, confirming the truth of faith for believers and exposing the disbelief of others. This is mentioned in Surah An-Naml (27:82) and in Hadiths.
The Fire that Will Gather People: A fire will spread from Yemen and drive people toward the place of gathering (Mahshar). This is mentioned in Sahih Muslim.
The Trumpet (نفخ في الصور): Finally, the Angel Israfil will blow the trumpet, causing all to die. A second blast will then bring all people back to life for the Day of Judgment, as mentioned in several places in the Quran, such as in Surah Az-Zumar (39:68).
In Summary
The Day of Judgment will be preceded by minor signs that warn of moral and societal decay and major signs that are extraordinary and direct indications of the Day’s nearness. These signs, documented in the Quran and authentic Hadiths, serve to remind believers to prepare spiritually and uphold faith amidst the challenges of the end times.