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By Naghmana Ahmed-Sherazi
In Islam, what are the signs of the Day of Judgment?
According to Islam, the signs of the Day of Judgment are divided into three: Past, Present, and Future. Though, since no one knows for sure when the day will arrive, Muslims are required to live life as though it might happen the next day. In preparation, a Muslim should live every day performing good deeds and acts of worship. When a man asked the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as to when would the Day of Judgement occur, He instead asked ‘What have you done to be prepared for that day?’
The major signs include the emergence of Dajjal or the Anti-Christ. He is described in the Quran as an impostor and a false prophet who will mislead people and make them stray from their faiths. He will appear in the Last Days. When asked about Dajjal, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Say: ‘O Allah! Verily I seek refuge in you from the punishment of the Hellfire, and I seek refuge in you from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in you from the trial of Dajjal. And I seek refuge in you from the trial of life and death.’” He will have one working eye, he will be able to perform great miracles such as commanding rainfall, and grow vegetation. He will travel all over the world and gather followers. He will reign for 40 days
Then, Essa (may Allah be pleased with him) son of Mary will descend from heaven. Allah says in the Quran, “There is not one of the People of the Scripture but will believe in him before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them” (An-Nisa’: 159). This refers to the death of Essa (may Allah be pleased with him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “I swear by Allah, that Jesus, son of Mary will indeed descend judging (mankind) with justice.” He will descend by the white minaret in the east of Damascus, placing his hands upon the wings of two angels. Then it will not be possible for a disbeliever to perceive the scent of his breath without dying. And his breath will extend as far his eyesight extends. He will search for the Dajjal until he reaches him by the gate of Ludd, where he will kill him. He will break the cross and abolish the jizyah (tax paid by non-Muslims living under Muslim rule), and prostration will be only for Allah the Lord of the universe. He will also perform Hajj and`Umrah.
Another sign is the emergence of Gog and Magog. The prophet indicated their emergence by saying, “Today a hole has been opened in the barrier of Gog and Magog like this,” and he made a circle with his index finger and thumb. This is considered to be one of the signs from the past.
Allah will bring forth the beast close to the time of the Day of Judgment. Its emergence is confirmed in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah says what means: “And when the word of torment is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth, a Beast for them, to speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our signs.” (An-Naml: 82)
One of the most decisive sign sis said to be the rising of the sun from the West. Allah says in the Quran, “The Day that some of the signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do for a person to believe then, if he believed not before nor earned good (by doing good deeds), through his Faith.” (Al-An`aam: 158).
