Signs of Qiyamah in Islam: Minor and Major Signs of the Day of Judgment
The Day of Judgment, known in Arabic as Yawm al-Qiyamah, is a fundamental belief in Islam. Muslims believe that this worldly life will come to an end and that every human being will be resurrected and held accountable before Allah for their deeds. The Quran and authentic Hadith describe events associated with the Last Hour and remind believers that the time of its arrival is known only to Allah.
Questions about the signs of Qiyamah have attracted considerable attention throughout Islamic history. People often ask which signs have already occurred, what the major signs are, whether current events can be connected to the prophecies, and how Muslims should prepare for the Hereafter. This article explains the subject using established Islamic sources while distinguishing authentic teachings from speculation and popular claims.
What Is Qiyamah in Islam?
Qiyamah refers to the Resurrection and the Day on which Allah will bring creation to account. Islamic belief teaches that death is not the end of human existence. After this worldly life, people will be resurrected and judged according to their faith, intentions and deeds, by the perfect justice and mercy of Allah.
Allah says in the Quran:
إِنَّ السَّاعَةَ آتِيَةٌ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهَا وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْعَثُ مَن فِي الْقُبُورِ
“Indeed, the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it, and Allah will resurrect those who are in the graves.”
Reference: Quran, Surah Al-Hajj, 22:7.
The Quran repeatedly calls people to remember the Hereafter, live responsibly and avoid becoming so absorbed in worldly life that they forget their ultimate return to Allah.
Who Knows When the Day of Judgment Will Begin?
One of the most important teachings concerning Qiyamah is that no human being knows its exact time. Prophets and scholars may explain the signs mentioned in revelation, but they cannot independently establish a date for the Last Hour.
Allah says:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ عِلْمُ السَّاعَةِ
“Indeed, Allah alone has knowledge of the Hour.”
Reference: Quran, Surah Luqman, 31:34.
In the famous Hadith of Jibril, the Angel Jibril asked Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about the Hour. The Prophet ﷺ replied that the one being questioned knew no more about it than the questioner. The narration is recorded in Sahih Muslim, in the Hadith of Jibril.
This teaching is important because it prevents Muslims from treating predictions, rumours, internet theories or numerical calculations as certain knowledge of the Day of Judgment.
What Are the Signs of Qiyamah?
The signs of Qiyamah are events and conditions described in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that are associated with the approach of the Last Hour. Islamic scholars commonly discuss them under two broad categories: minor signs and major signs.
This classification is a useful way of studying the subject, but individual reports must still be examined according to their authenticity, wording and scholarly interpretation.
Minor Signs of Qiyamah
Minor signs are those that are not classified among the major signs described in the relevant Hadith. Some concern events that occurred during the Prophet’s lifetime or in early Islamic history, while others describe social conditions and events associated with later periods.
1. The Sending of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The sending of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is directly associated with the nearness of the Hour in an authentic Hadith.
The Prophet ﷺ indicated the closeness of his mission to the Hour by bringing two fingers together. This narration is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, with wording and numbering differing between editions.
This sign reminds Muslims that the final Prophet has already been sent and that humanity has received the guidance necessary to prepare for the Hereafter.
2. The Passing Away of the Prophet ﷺ
The death of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a profound event in Islamic history. His passing marked the end of prophetic revelation in the sense that no new prophet would come after him. His message, however, continues through the Quran and the authentic Sunnah.
The events of early Islamic history should be studied carefully from reliable sources rather than presented as sensational predictions.
3. The Widespread Appearance of Trials and Tribulations
Authentic Hadith warn of increasing trials, known as fitan, that may challenge a person’s faith, judgement and conduct. Such trials can include confusion, conflict, misleading claims and circumstances in which distinguishing truth from falsehood becomes difficult.
Muslims are taught to respond to trials by holding firmly to the Quran and Sunnah, seeking sound knowledge, avoiding reckless accusations and asking Allah for guidance.
4. The Loss of Religious Knowledge and the Spread of Ignorance
Authentic narrations describe the removal of religious knowledge through the passing away of scholars and the resulting spread of ignorance.
In a narration recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ explained that Allah does not remove knowledge simply by taking it away from people’s hearts. Rather, knowledge is taken away through the death of scholars, until people turn to ignorant leaders who issue religious answers without proper knowledge.
This teaching highlights the importance of preserving Islamic scholarship, learning from qualified teachers and checking religious information before sharing it.
5. The Spread of Dishonesty and the Loss of Trust
Authentic Hadith describe changes in social conduct, including the loss of trust and the appointment of people who are not qualified for positions of responsibility.
These teachings encourage Muslims to uphold honesty, fulfil trusts, respect people’s rights and choose trustworthy people for positions of responsibility.
6. Widespread Interest in Worldly Wealth
Islamic teachings warn against allowing the pursuit of wealth and status to dominate a person’s life. Some authentic narrations describe increasing competition in worldly matters and changes in people’s material circumstances.
Wealth itself is not condemned in Islam when earned lawfully and used responsibly. The warning is against greed, arrogance, injustice and forgetting one’s obligations to Allah and other people.
7. An Increase in Killing and Violence
Authentic Hadith mention widespread killing among the events associated with the approach of the Hour. These narrations warn of serious moral and social disorder.
They should not be used to claim that every particular conflict or violent event proves that the Day of Judgment is immediately approaching. Specific applications require reliable evidence and careful interpretation.
8. Time Appearing to Pass Quickly
Reports in Sahih al-Bukhari describe a time in which time will seem to pass quickly. Scholars have discussed different possible meanings of this description, including people’s experience of time and changes in the way life is lived.
It is better to acknowledge these scholarly discussions than to insist that the Hadith refers to one particular modern technology or scientific development without evidence.
9. The Growth of High Buildings
The famous Hadith of Jibril mentions that barefoot, destitute shepherds would compete in constructing tall buildings. This narration is recorded in Sahih Muslim.
Many readers connect this description to modern architectural development, but the Hadith should be explained in its complete context. Muslims should avoid claiming that every skyscraper or particular building is a definitive fulfilment of a prophecy unless the evidence supports that conclusion.
10. Other Reports About the Minor Signs
Islamic literature contains additional reports about the signs of the Hour. Their authenticity and interpretation vary. Some are established through authentic narrations, while others are weak, disputed or circulated without reliable evidence.
Anyone studying these signs should consult dependable Hadith collections and qualified scholars. A long list copied from social media should not automatically be treated as an authoritative account of Islamic belief.
Major Signs of Qiyamah
The major signs are extraordinary events described in well-known Hadith concerning the approach of the Last Hour. A famous narration in Sahih Muslim mentions ten signs. Scholars have discussed their order and relationship, and not every detail about their sequence is established in the same way.
The following sections introduce the ten signs mentioned in that narration.
1. The Appearance of the Dajjal
Al-Masih ad-Dajjal is described in authentic Hadith as a great deceiver and a severe trial for humanity. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ repeatedly warned his followers about him and taught them to seek Allah’s protection from the trial of the Dajjal.
Authentic narrations describe the Dajjal’s extraordinary trials and identify characteristics by which believers may recognise him. These descriptions must be learned from reliable Hadith rather than from fictional stories or unsupported internet claims.
Muslims should not casually label a modern individual, political leader, organisation or technology as the Dajjal without clear evidence. The correct response to discussions of his appearance is to strengthen faith, learn the authentic narrations and seek Allah’s protection.
2. The Descent of Isa عليه السلام
Islam teaches that Isa عليه السلام, Jesus son of Mary, has a special role in the events preceding the Last Hour. Authentic Hadith describe his descent and his role in establishing justice and defeating the Dajjal.
Muslims believe that Isa عليه السلام is a noble messenger of Allah. His return is not understood as the arrival of a new prophet bringing a new religion. Rather, his role is described in the context of the message and law brought by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
For the Quranic discussion of Isa عليه السلام, see Surah An-Nisa, 4:157–159. For detailed descriptions of his descent, consult the relevant authentic Hadith, including narrations in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
3. The Emergence of Ya’juj and Ma’juj
Ya’juj and Ma’juj, commonly known in English as Gog and Magog, are mentioned in the Quran and in authentic Hadith. Their emergence is associated with extraordinary events before the end of the world.
The Quran discusses Ya’juj and Ma’juj in Surah Al-Kahf, 18:93–99, and Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:96–97. The passages should be read in context, alongside dependable classical Quranic commentary.
Popular theories identifying particular modern nations or populations as Ya’juj and Ma’juj should not be presented as established Islamic facts without sound evidence.
4. The Appearance of the Smoke
The smoke, known in Arabic as ad-Dukhan, is mentioned among the ten signs in the narration recorded in Sahih Muslim.
The Quran also contains a passage about smoke in Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:10–11. Scholars have discussed the interpretation and relationship of these verses to the end-time sign described in Hadith. A responsible explanation should acknowledge the relevant scholarly interpretations rather than oversimplifying the issue.
5. The Emergence of the Beast of the Earth
The Beast of the Earth, known as Dabbat al-Ard, is mentioned in the Quran and in the Hadith concerning the major signs of the Hour.
Allah says:
وَإِذَا وَقَعَ الْقَوْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ أَخْرَجْنَا لَهُمْ دَابَّةً مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمْ أَنَّ النَّاسَ كَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ
“When the decree comes upon them, We will bring forth for them a creature from the earth, speaking to them because people were not certain of Our signs.”
Reference: Quran, Surah An-Naml, 27:82.
The exact nature and details of this creature should be discussed according to the Quran, authentic Hadith and reliable commentary, without adding invented descriptions.
6. The Sun Rising from the West
One of the most widely discussed major signs is the rising of the sun from the west rather than the east. Authentic Hadith describe this event as a significant sign associated with the end of the period in which repentance in the ordinary sense is accepted.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that when the sun rises from the west, people will believe, but belief at that time will not benefit a person who had not believed before or had not earned good through faith. This teaching is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
The lesson is not to delay repentance. Muslims should turn to Allah sincerely while they have the opportunity.
7–9. Three Major Landslides
The narration in Sahih Muslim mentions three major sinkings or landslides: one in the east, one in the west and one in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Hadith identifies these events as part of the major signs, but it does not give a complete modern geographical map or a precise timetable. Claims that particular contemporary earthquakes or ground collapses fulfil these signs should therefore be treated cautiously.
10. A Fire That Drives People to Their Gathering Place
The narration of the ten major signs also mentions a fire that will emerge from Yemen, or from the direction of Yemen in the wording of the report, and drive people toward their place of gathering.
This is an extraordinary event described in the prophetic narration. Muslims should affirm what is established in reliable sources while avoiding speculation about its exact date or modern geographical circumstances.
Are All the Major Signs Already Happening?
People frequently connect international conflicts, natural disasters, technological developments and social changes to the signs of Qiyamah. Although Islamic revelation describes events associated with the Last Hour, identifying the fulfilment of an individual prophecy requires careful evidence.
There are three important principles to remember.
- Distinguish revelation from speculation: A Quranic verse or authentic Hadith is not the same as someone’s interpretation of a current event.
- Verify the authenticity of narrations: Not every quotation attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is authentic.
- Do not assign an exact date: The timing of the Last Hour belongs to Allah’s knowledge.
Responsible Islamic scholarship avoids turning every news headline into a definite sign of the imminent end of the world. The purpose of learning these teachings is to strengthen faith and encourage preparation for the Hereafter.
What Does Islam Teach Us to Do Before Qiyamah?
Learning about the signs of Qiyamah should lead to practical improvements in faith and character. The Quran and Sunnah repeatedly emphasise worship, repentance, justice and preparation for the next life.
1. Maintain Your Obligatory Worship
Fulfil your religious obligations, including the five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan and other duties that apply to you. Do not let discussions about the end times distract you from the responsibilities of everyday religious life.
2. Repent and Seek Forgiveness
Every person makes mistakes. Sincere repentance involves turning away from sin, feeling genuine remorse, resolving not to return to it and restoring other people’s rights when necessary.
Allah says:
قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ
“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah.”
Reference: Quran, Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53.
3. Learn the Quran and Authentic Sunnah
Study the Quran with a reliable translation and commentary. Learn the Sunnah through dependable Hadith collections and qualified scholars. This helps protect a person from misinformation and unsupported claims about the signs of the Hour.
4. Improve Your Character
Be honest, fulfil your promises, respect parents, treat neighbours well and avoid harming others. Belief in accountability should influence how a Muslim behaves at home, at work and in society.
5. Remember Death Without Falling into Despair
Remembering death can encourage a person to use time wisely, settle debts, seek forgiveness and repair damaged relationships. It should not lead to constant fear or neglect of ordinary responsibilities.
6. Avoid Spreading Unverified End-Time Predictions
Before sharing a claim about Dajjal, the major signs or the date of Qiyamah, verify its source. Avoid frightening people with fabricated Hadith or presenting a scholar’s personal speculation as certain revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Signs of Qiyamah
How many major signs of Qiyamah are there?
A well-known narration in Sahih Muslim lists ten major signs of the Hour. Scholars discuss their sequence and interpretation using the relevant Quranic passages and Hadith. The ten signs in that narration include the Dajjal, the descent of Isa عليه السلام, Ya’juj and Ma’juj, the smoke, the Beast, the sun rising from the west, three major sinkings of the earth and a fire that drives people to their gathering place.
What is the first major sign of Qiyamah?
Discussions about which major sign will occur first require careful attention to the different authentic narrations and scholarly interpretations. Do not assume that every list on the internet presents a universally agreed sequence.
Can anyone predict the date of Qiyamah?
No human being can establish the exact date of the Day of Judgment. The Quran states that knowledge of the Hour belongs to Allah. Predictions based on numerology, current events or internet rumours should not be treated as Islamic certainty.
Is the Dajjal mentioned in authentic Hadith?
Yes. Numerous authentic narrations discuss the Dajjal and warn Muslims about his trial. Readers should consult reliable Hadith collections and qualified scholars for the detailed descriptions and teachings.
Will Prophet Isa عليه السلام return before Qiyamah?
Authentic Hadith describe the descent of Isa عليه السلام among the events preceding the Last Hour. The details should be studied through established Islamic sources rather than through unsupported popular stories.
Are earthquakes and wars signs of Qiyamah?
Some authentic narrations describe tribulations and other events associated with the Hour. However, it is not sound to declare that a specific modern disaster or conflict definitively fulfils a particular prophecy without reliable evidence and careful scholarly interpretation.
How should Muslims prepare for the Day of Judgment?
Muslims should strengthen their faith, fulfil obligatory worship, repent sincerely, uphold people’s rights, perform good deeds and learn the Quran and authentic Sunnah. These responsibilities remain important regardless of when the Last Hour occurs.
Quran and Hadith References for Further Study
- Quran, 22:7: The certainty of the Resurrection.
- Quran, 31:34: Allah’s knowledge of the Hour.
- Quran, 27:82: The Beast of the Earth.
- Quran, 18:93–99: The account of Ya’juj and Ma’juj.
- Quran, 21:96–97: The emergence of Ya’juj and Ma’juj.
- Quran, 44:10–11: The passage concerning the smoke.
- Quran, 39:53: Hope in Allah’s mercy.
- Sahih Muslim: The Hadith of Jibril and the narration listing the ten major signs of the Hour.
- Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim: Narrations concerning the Dajjal, the descent of Isa عليه السلام, and the sun rising from the west.
Hadith numbering varies across editions and translations. Consult the relevant chapters and verify the wording in a reliable edition before quoting a report in formal religious teaching.
Conclusion
The signs of Qiyamah remind Muslims that this worldly life is temporary and that every person will ultimately return to Allah. The Quran and authentic Hadith describe minor and major signs, including extraordinary events that will occur before the Last Hour.
However, learning about these signs should not become an exercise in speculation or fear. Muslims should distinguish authentic revelation from unverified claims, avoid predicting the date of the Hour and focus on the responsibilities that Allah has placed before them.
The most beneficial preparation for Qiyamah is to strengthen faith, maintain worship, seek forgiveness, learn authentic Islamic knowledge and treat other people with justice and compassion.
May Allah grant us sincere faith, protect us from trials, guide us to the truth and grant us a good ending. Amin.
Editorial note: This article provides a general introduction based on Quranic passages and well-known Hadith. Detailed interpretations should be checked against reliable editions and qualified scholarship.