Episode Three: The Minor Signs(6-10)

In the previous episode, we were able to discuss the forms and importance of these Minor Signs. Likewise we discussed five of these numerous Signs.

We take a look at another five cogent signs among the Minor Signs of the Last Hour.

6: The appearance of fitan

One of the signs that tell the last hour is closer to us is occurrence of many varieties of turmoil, anarchy, secession,and seduction. These fitan had happened in the past and still getting happening in this our century.

Such as when believers turn into unbelievers and sell their religion for nonessential things of this world; when sectarian and other dissenters belie the true message of Islam; when trials and tribulations arrive from the East (Islam’s struggles against invaders from Asia, such as the Mongols, or, later, communism); when sectarian and political divisions erupt within the Islamic community (here the compiler lists the civil wars of early Islamic history); when Muslims (slowly but deeply) appropriate the traditions of others (Persians, Jews and Christians); when religion is affected by (heretical) innovations; where Muslim men come to resemble unbelieving men, and Muslim women resemble unbelieving women.

Among these fitan which the Prophet described in his prophecies are:
i: the murder of Uthman bn Affaan
ii: the battle of jamal(camel)
iii: the battle of Siffiin(which we discussed in chapter four of our book “Salafiyyah On A Grand Scale”)
iv: the appearance of the Khawarij
v: the fitnah of the creation of the Qur’an.

All these incidences, there are prophetic prophesies on them denoting they are all signs of the last hour.

7: The appearance of false prophets

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah, and recorded by Imam Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet said:
“لا تقوم الساعة حتى يبعث دجالون كذابون قريب من ثلاثين. كلهم يزعم أنه رسول الله”
Meaning: “The Hour will not come until you see fake Prophets, lairs, rising and claiming Messengers of Allah, they will be close to thirty”.

This particular sign, some liars have already rose and declared themselves Prophets of Allah, some haven’t and will still.

Examples of those who had are: Musaylamah bn Kadhaab during the time of the Prophet; Aswad bn Unsiyy in Yemen (which the sahaabah killed); Talhah bn Khuwaylid(who later returned to Islam); Mukhtaar bn Abi Ubayd…

8: Poverty

Poverty which is the lack of food, shelter, clothing, health services, and the other basic needs, due to a low level of income. Despite the possibilities afforded by advanced technology, poverty is today one of the most serious problems the world faces.

In Africa and Asia mostly. While there is a happy minority that has more than it needs, there are a considerable number of people struggling with the problems of poverty and destitution.

In the hadith of the Prophet, it is revealed that poverty and hunger will be among the signs of the first period of the End Times.

Obviously, that period indicated by the Prophet describes conditions in our day. If we look at past centuries, we see that the difficulties and anxiety brought about drought, war and other calamities were temporary and limited to a particular region. However, today, the poverty and difficulty of earning a living are permanent and endemic.

9: Economic Crisis

Economic crisis is one of the signs of the last hour.

In an hadith narrated by Naim ibn Hammad from ibn Mas’uud, the period preceding the appearance of Mahdi (alayhi salaam) is described as the time when TRADE and roads are CUT and strife increases. The hadith goes on to report that this will come to an end in the time of Mahdi.

Today, the whole world is suffering from coronavirus(COVID-19) which makes all world economies collapse, this is also a sign that the Hour is near.

10: Islam’s struggle against the Turks.

Another sign of the last hour, which apparently has occured is the Islamic struggle against the Turks; the people of small eyes, broad and reddish faces, flat noses, who wear fur and walk in shoes made of fur.

But, we should distinguishe between the Mongols whose conquest of Islamic territories wrought devastation, and later Turkish dynasties who served the Islamic cause by spreading the power and might of Islam both East and West.

To be continued…