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Aug 26, 2025
Explore the key Islamic beliefs about the End of Times, including signs of the Day of Judgment, the role of Daj jal, the return of Isa (Jesus), and how to prepare. A full guide based on Islamic eschatology.
For every believer in Islam, understanding the signs of the end times is crucial. This knowledge not only strengthens our faith but also prepares us for an uncertain future. In this article, we take a dive into the Islamic view on the end of times, derived from the teachings in the Quran and authentic Hadith.
Islamic eschatology is the field of study on the end of times in Islam. It encompasses the events that will occur before, during, and after the Day of Judgment (or Yawm al-Qiyamah). This understanding, based on the Quran and Hadith, deepens our faith in Allah (SWT) and His creations.
The Day of Judgment, also known as the Day of Resurrection, is an integral belief in Islam that marks the end of times. It is the time when Allah (SWT) will judge all souls and when everything He created will cease to exist.
On this day:
It is for this reason that understanding this day is essential for Muslims to live better lives in the present.
Throughout the Quran and Hadith, there are a number of signs that signal that the end times are approaching. Denoted as the Signs of the Hour (or Ashrat al-Sa’ah), Muslims are advised to keep an eye out for these and strengthen their faith.
When the end of times draws near, Allah (SWT) has warned Muslims that their lives will be full of trials (or Fitna), testing their faith.
Muslims must maintain their strength and faith during these trying times, as Allah (SWT) has promised a reward greater than any imaginable for those who persevere.
To ensure Muslims are well-prepared for these events, they’re told to:
“But those who were given knowledge and faith will say, “You remained the extent of Allah ‘s decree until the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection, but you did not used to know.” (Quran 30:56)
The signs of the end times are divided into two categories: minor and major. Understanding these signs is critical for Muslims to prepare mentally and spiritually for the challenges that lie ahead.
Minor signs are events that unfold gradually over time, often going unnoticed by many. While these signs may seem minor, their impact is significant. Hence, it is necessary for Muslims to take proactive measures to protect themselves from falling victim to them and preserve their faith.
These signs include:
Islamic teachings warn of a rise in immoral behavior and corruption when the end comes near.
This includes:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Another minor sign is the spread of oppression and unfairness across society.
These may appear as:
Muslims are strongly encouraged to take a stand against injustice and discrimination, even during challenging times.
This sign alludes to more than just building tall structures. The underlying meaning refers to the pride and arrogance in worldly achievements, particularly in architecture. In today’s time, this is seen with the global race to build the tallest skyscrapers as a battle of pride rather than necessity.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Hour will not be established until people compete with one another in constructing tall buildings.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The loss of religious knowledge also indicates that the end times are near, mainly through the death of scholars.
This serves as a reminder to:
Major signs are the overwhelming events that will occur closer to the Day of Judgment.
They include:
The Dajjal, an alarming figure, is a being who will claim to be divine and lead many people astray.
Muslims are advised to:
The return of Prophet Isa is a major turning point in Islamic eschatology.
He is foretold to:
His reappearance highlights his significance in Islam and how all divine messages are essentially unified in their call to worship Allah (SWT).
Gog and Magog, mentioned in the Quran, are two corrupt forces whose appearance will unleash great destruction on Earth. Their emergence is a clear sign that the end is drawing near.
“Until when [the dam of] Gog and Magog has been opened and they, from every elevation, descend.” (Quran 21:96)
The Beast of the Earth (or Dabbat al-Ard) is a creature who will emerge from the ground as the end times approach. It will mark people by distinguishing them either as believers or non-believers, making faith visible and undeniable.
The most well-known sign of the approaching Day of Judgment is when the sun will rise from the west instead of the east. It signifies the time when repentance will no longer be accepted and people’s deeds are set in stone.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from the West.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Understanding these signs helps Muslims stay vigilant and focused on their faith. It’s important to remember that the purpose of our life is to please Allah (SWT), through the good and bad regardless of when these events occur.
For those seeking to deepen their knowledge about the signs of the end times, Darussalam offers a wide range of authentic Islamic books. These resources can help you understand these concepts better and strengthen your faith in preparation for the challenges ahead.
Islamic teachings mention several important figures who will play significant roles during the end times. Through understanding these key figures, Muslims can prepare for future events and deepen their faith.
The Dajjal is a figure who will test people’s faith through deception and apparent miracles.
Key points about the Dajjal include:
Muslims are advised to seek protection from the Dajjal’s trials by reciting specific prayers and strengthening their faith.
The return of Prophet Isa is a major event in Islamic eschatology. According to Islamic teachings, Prophet Isa will:
Prophet Isa’s return emphasizes the continuity of divine messages and the unity of Abrahamic faiths.
The Mahdi, a righteous leader from Prophet Muhammad’s lineage, will appear in Makkah before the Day of Judgment. He will restore justice, unite Muslims, and prepare for Prophet Isa’s (Jesus’) return. Working alongside him, the Mahdi will play a crucial role in defeating the Dajjal and establishing a period of peace and true Islamic governance on Earth. He will:
His leadership will be a time of great blessings for the Muslim Ummah.
The Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah) will mark the end of this world and the beginning of eternal life or the Hereafter.
On this day, all souls will be resurrected physically and spiritually. This includes:
Allah (SWT) will judge each person based on their deeds. This process includes:
“And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as accountant.” (Quran 21:47)
Based on the judgment, people will enter either:
In Islam, the concept of repentance carries profound importance. Both the Quran and Hadith emphasize the urgency of seeking forgiveness before it’s too late. This is why one of Allah’s (SWT) ninety-nine names is At-Tawaab (the Ever-Pardoning).
Once the sun rises from the West, a major sign of the end times, the door of repentance will definitively close and people’s deeds will be sealed. Therefore, repentance should be a fundamental practice in Muslims’ daily lives.
Preparing for the end times is an essential part of a Muslim’s life.
Some beneficial practices are:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever reads the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
By focusing on these aspects, Muslims can better prepare themselves spiritually for the challenges of the end times and the Day of Judgment.
Islamic teachings about the end times offer valuable insights that can guide our daily lives. These lessons help us focus on what truly matters and prepare for the eternal life that is to come.
“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Quran 99:7-8)
Islamic eschatology highlights that this world is temporary. It teaches us to:
The trials of the end times remind us to:
As we conclude our exploration of Islamic guidelines on the end times, let’s recap the key points:
Understanding these end-time events should inspire us to:
Even in the challenging times ahead, we’re reminded of Allah’s (SWT) attributes:
In conclusion, Islamic teachings about the end times serve as a powerful reminder of our purpose in this world. They encourage us to live righteously, prepare for the Hereafter, and trust in Allah’s (SWT) plan. By understanding these guidelines, we can face the future with hope, faith, and determination to be among those who succeed on the Day of Judgment.
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Islamic eschatology, Darussalam offers a wide range of authentic books on this topic. From detailed Hadith collections to scholarly works explaining the signs of the Hour, these resources can help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of what lies ahead and how to prepare for it.
