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By indicating, some 1,400 years ago, various signs that will be manifested in the present day, our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), has told us of a time when people will turn their backs on the moral values of the Qur'an, when there will be terrible, worldwide corruption, strife, disorder and degeneration. He has also revealed that in the wake of this, Allah will use a holy servant, bearing the title of the "Mahdi," to bring Qur'anic moral values to prevail across the world, and to replace the existing spiritual degeneration with virtue, peace, security, happiness and well-being. Our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has also described how during this time the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), who had previously been raised into the presence of Allah, will once again return to earth. By the will of Allah, the system of the antichrist (dajjal) will be brought to a spiritual end and totally neutralized by the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) during this holy age.The great majority of the signs discussed in this website have already taken place, and by the will of Allah this age we are living in will be one of great well-being, in which the system of the antichrist is defeated, and in which believers and the moral virtues of the true faith prevail across the world. Our Lord reveals how He will impose the moral virtues of the true faith through the light of faith:
They desire to extinguish Allah's light with their mouths. But Allah refuses to do other than perfect His light, even though the unbelievers detest it. It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of Truth to exalt it over every other religion, even though the associaters detest it. (Surat at-Tawba, 32-33)
This promise of Allah's will very definitely be made good within the destiny appointed by Him. Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will fulfill all the services promised by our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and will, by the will of Allah, impose the moral values of the Qur'an across the world. An age which, because of its abundance and plenty, the comforts of all kinds it will bestow on mankind and its general atmosphere of peace, will be one that all Muslims will wish to live to see, is a most sublime blessing for the faithful in the life of this world.
Our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has revealed the glad tidings of the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) in the words "Hear the glad tidings of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). He is one of the Qureysh and is of my line." (Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 13.), and he has revealed how believers must follow this worthy personage sent by Allah: ... He (Hazrat Mahdi [pbuh]) will possess land and will fill the earth, which before him was full of oppression and cruelty, with justice. Whoever lives to see him after you, let him join him even if he has to crawl over the snow. Let him join him, because he is Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). (Hadiths from Jalaluddin al-Suyuti's Classification: Signs of the Mahdi of the End Times p. 14.)
Signs of the Coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) and the Dominion of Islamic Moral Values, According to the Qur'an
Signs in the Qur'an of the Coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)
Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) has been described in the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in considerable detail, with his name, attributes, helpers, the features of his time and his activities. So clear and detailed are our Prophet's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) descriptions of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) that anyone seeing him in person will immediately be able to recognize him.It is related in a Qur'anic verse that the People of the Book will recognize our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) "as they recognize their own sons":
Those We have given the Book recognize him as they recognize their own sons. Yet a group of them knowingly conceal the truth. (Surat al-Baqara, 146)
Metaphorically, this verse also refers to the recognition of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). When he appears, people will recognize him, in the light of our Prophet's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) descriptions, as they do their own sons. And Allah knows the truth.
One of the verses in the Qur'an pointing to the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) refers to "a messenger who will appear after the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)."
Through this verse, Allah tells us that He has made a covenant with the Prophets that they would believe in and help a messenger who will come after them:
Remember when Allah made a covenant with the Prophets: "Now that We have given you a share of the Book and Wisdom, and then a messenger comes to you confirming what is with you, you must believe in him and help him." He asked, "Do you agree and undertake my commission on that condition?" They replied, "We agree." He said, "Bear witness, then. I am with you as one of the witnesses." (Surah Al 'Imran, 81)
The names of the Prophets referred to in this verse, those reported to have made that covenant, are revealed in another verse:When We made a covenant with all the Prophets—with you and with Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus son of Maryam—We made a binding covenant with them. (Surat al-Ahzab, 7)
It is revealed in the verse that a covenant has been made with Prophets "Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus" (peace be upon them) and with "the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)," as the term "with you" implies.
This revelation in the verse shows that "this messenger whose coming is described is not the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), but is a messenger who will come after our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)." And Allah knows the truth. This messenger, whom Allah reveals will come after the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), may well be "Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)," the glad tidings of whose coming are related also in the sayings of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). And Allah knows the truth.
The way that the messenger whose coming has been promised has also received a promise of assistance from the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), as reported in verse 7 of Surat al-Ahzab, further reinforces this view. That is because as we know, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is reported in the hadith of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as returning to earth in the End Times and following and supporting Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh):
And when Jesus son of Maryam said, "Tribe of Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, confirming the Torah which came before me and giving you the good news of a messenger after me whose name is Ahmad." When he brought them the clear signs, they said, "This is downright magic." (Surat as-Saff, 6)
The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) imparts the tidings that this messenger who will come after him will be called "Ahmad." Examination of the Qur'an as a whole shows that those verses referring to the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) either use the name "Muhammad" or else just the term "Prophet." Nowhere in the Qur'an is the name "Ahmad" used for our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The name appears only once in the Qur'an, in a verse revealing the glad tidings of a messenger. This supports the idea that the name "Ahmad" may well refer to Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) who will come in the End Times, as well as our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). And Allah knows the truth. In addition, as in the previous verse, the fact that it is the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) who imparts the name of the messenger is another piece of evidence reinforcing this interpretation.
In his hadiths our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also provides the following information about the name of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh):
... He has made Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), whose name is AHMAD, and whose father's name is Abdullah, a ruler over you. Follow him. (al-Qawl al-mukhtasar fi alamat al-mahdi al-muntazar, p. 31.)
... Follow him, he is Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). And his name is AHMAD bin Abdullah... (Alamat al-Qiyama, Madina Allama Muhammad bin Rasul al-Hussain al-Barzanji, Pamuk Publishing, 8th ed., p. 165.)
Ibn Masood (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "His name will be similar to my name and his father's name to my father's name." (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
Some Verses Indicating the Coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) and the Global Dominion of Islamic Moral Values
And other things you love: support from Allah and imminent victory. Give good news to the believers! (Surat as-Saff, 13)
Allah has promised those of you who believe and do right actions that He will make them successors in the land as He made those before them successors, and will firmly establish for them their religion with which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear, security... (Surat an-Nur, 55)
Allah has written, "I will be victorious, I and My messengers." Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (Surat al-Mujadala, 21)
Do not imagine that Allah will break His promise to His messengers. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. (Surah Ibrahim, 47)
It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every other religion, though the idolaters hate it. (Surat as-Saff, 9)
It is He Who sent His Messenger with the Guidance and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every other religion and Allah suffices as a witness. (Surat al-Fath, 28)
It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every other religion, even though the idolaters detest it. (Surat at-Tawba, 33)
"We will leave you the land to live in after them. That is the reward of those who fear My station and fear My threat." They asked for Allah's victory, and every obdurate tyrant failed. (Surah Ibrahim, 14-15)
When Allah's help and victory have arrived and you have seen people entering Allah's religion in droves, then glorify your Lord's praise and ask His forgiveness. He is the Ever-Returning. (Surat an-Nasr, 1-3)
Truly We have granted you a clear victory, so that Allah may forgive you your earlier errors and any later ones and complete His blessing upon you, and guide you on a Straight Path and so that Allah may help you with a mighty help. (Surat al-Fath, 1-3)
... He knew what you did not know and ordained, in place of this, an imminent victory. (Surat al-Fath, 27)
... The unbelievers will soon know who has the Ultimate Abode. (Surat ar-Ra'd, 42)
... Except those who believe and do right actions and remember Allah repeatedly and defend themselves after they have beenwronged? Those who do wrong will soon know the kind of reversal they will receive! (Surat ash-Shu'ara', 227)
Then We will rescue Our messengers and those who believe as well. It is incumbent upon Us to rescue the believers. (Surah Yunus, 103)
Say: "Truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Falsehood is always bound to vanish." (Surat al-Isra', 81)
Then We appointed you after them to be successors on the earth... (Surah Yunus, 14)
And We bequeathed to the people who had been oppressed the easternmost part of the land We had blessed, and its westernmost part as well... (Surat al-A'raf, 137)
They desire to extinguish Allah's Light with their mouths. But Allah refuses to do other than perfect His Light, even though the unbelievers detest it. (Surat at-Tawba, 32)
They desire to extinguish Allah's Light with their mouths but Allah will perfect His Light, though the unbelievers hate it. (Surat as-Saff, 8)
He bequeathed their land, their houses and their wealth to you, and another land you had not yet trodden on. Allah has power over all things. (Surat al-Ahzab, 27)
Say: "Everyone is waiting expectantly so wait expectantly. You will soon know who are the Companions of the Right Path and who is guided." (Surah Ta Ha, 135)
Allah will give security those who had piety in their victorious Safe Haven. No evil will touch them and they will know no sorrow. (Surat az-Zumar, 61)
Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through it and it vanishes clean away! Woe without end for you for what you portray! (Surat al-Anbiya', 18)
Allah confirms the Truth by His words, even though the evildoers hate it. (Surah Yunus, 82)
Those who, if We establish them firmly on the earth, will perform the prayer and give the alms, and command what is right and forbid what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with Allah. (Surat al Hajj, 41)
Do not give up and do not be downhearted. You shall be uppermost if you are believers. (Surah Al 'Imran, 139)
The Coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) and His Rule, According to the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah Bless Him and Grant Him Peace)
The hadiths of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) contain very detailed information and signs regarding the End Times, which will take place close to the Judgment Day. According to this information, the End Times will be made up of two parts. The beginning of this holy time will be one of corruption, degeneration, disasters, conflict, wars and famine. But the second part will see the return to earth of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), and will be a time of beauty when peace, security and freedom dominate the world—a period of plenty and abundance, when people will be happy in every regard.The hadiths contain hundreds of portents that reveal when and what form the End Times will begin. The way that the portents revealed by our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) 1,400 years ago are taking place one after the other in our own day shows that the first portion of the End Times has already begun. With the fulfilment of these signs, the Islamic world has begun a hopeful and joyous expectation of the second coming of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and the emergence of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), putting an end to the corruption of the antichrist (dajjal) so that Islamic moral values will rule the world.
Earlier books in this series have described, in the light of the authentic (tawatur) hadiths of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), and this holy personage's characteristics, physical appearance, and moral and intellectual superiority, his intellectual struggle, and the period of peace and security he will usher in. [For detailed information, see The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will Come in This Century, Portents and Features of the Mahdi's (pbuh) Coming, The End of Times and the Mahdi (pbuh), The Golden Age by Harun Yahya.] For that reason, this book deals only with certain specific portents out of the hundreds of hadiths which reveal that Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) has already appeared or else is about to do so.
Some of the hadiths of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) concerning the End Times and related by great Islamic scholars are listed below:
1. Successive fulfilment of portents of Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) appearance:
... These [the portents of the appearance of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)] will follow upon one another like the beads of a rosary. (Ali ibn Husamaddin al-Muttaki, Hadiths from Jalaluddin al-Suyuti's Classification: Signs of the Mahdi of the End Times, Kahraman Publications, p. 34.)The signs of the Last Day will follow one another. Like beads strung out one behind the other. (Ramuz al-Ahadith, 277/6; Al-Jami' al-Sagir, 3/167.)
The portents of the End Times revealed in the hadiths are far too clear and definitive to leave any room for doubt. The most important point, however, is that they have taken place and are still occurring, in our own day and age. Some of these signs, of course, might have been observed at any time during Islam's 1,400-year history, anywhere in the world and in a specific environment. But that does not mean that those were the End Times, because in order for an age to qualify as the End Times revealed by Allah, all the portents—which we shall describe in some detail—must occur at the same time, one after the other.
2. The Iran-Iraq war:
There will be tumult in Shawwal, talks of war in Dhu al-Qa'dah, and the outbreak of war in Dhu al-Hijja. (Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Rasul Barzanji, Al-Isha'ah li-Ashrat as-Sa'ah, p. 166.)* Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa'dah, Dhu al-Hijja: First, second and third months of pilgrimage according to the Islamic calendar.
The months of Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa'dah and Dhu al-Hijja mention in the hadith correspond to the stages of development of the Iran-Iraq War:
"Tumult in Shawwal..."
The first uprising against the Shah took place on 5 Shawwal 1398 (8 September 1976), as indicated by the hadith:
"Talks of war in Dhu al-Qa'dah, and the outbreak of war in Dhu al-Hijja..."
A full-blown war broke out between Iran and Iraq in Dhu al-Hijjah 1400 (October 1980).
Another hadith describes the details of this war:
A nation will come from the Farsi direction, saying: "You Arabs! You have been too zealous! If you don't give them their due rights, nobody will have an alliance with you... It must be given to them one day and to you the following day, and mutual promises must be kept... "They will be going up Mutekh; Muslims will be coming down to the plain... Mushrikun [associaters] will be standing over there on the bank of a black river [Rakabeh] on the other side. There will be a war between them. Allah will deprive both armies of a victory... (Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Rasul Barzanji, Al-Isha'ah li Ashrat as-Sa'ah, p. 179.)
* Farsi: Iran, Iranian
** Mutekh: Name of a mountain in the region
*** Yazi: The Plain of Iraq
**** Rakabeh: A region where the oil wells are concentrated
"You Arabs! You have indulged yourselves to bigotry! Unless you grant due rights to them, no one will agree with you on a plan of action."
This part of the hadith states that a dispute will arise between the two sides, stemming from extreme nationalism. Because of that dispute, they will descend to Yazi (the Plain of Iraq), and war will begin.
"Allah will not give victory to any one of the armies..."
Further, as noted by the hadith, the Iran-Iraq war lasted for eight years. Despite the many thousands of casualties, neither side could claim victory or a decisive superiority.
3. A great battle between the Tigris and the Euphrates:
There will be a city called Zawra [Baghdad] between the Tigris and the Euphrates. There will be a great battle there. Women will be taken prisoner, and men will have their throats cut like sheep. (Muntakhab Kanz al-'Ummal, vol. 5, p. 38.) Quite likely, this hadith calls attention to the Iran-Iraq war, which saw many great clashes between these two Muslim countries. Heavy bombardments reduced villages, towns, and cities to rubble. Women, elderly people, and children lost their lives. After the war, the mass graves uncovered that the casualties were far higher than anticipated. The fact that conflict, disorder and anarchy are still going on in the region is in complete agreement with the hadith.
4. Stopping the flow of the Euphrates:Allah's Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "The Hour will not come to pass before the river Euphrates dries up to unveil the mountain of gold, for which people will fight. Ninety-nine out of one hundred will die [in the fighting], and every man among them will say: 'Perhaps I may be the only one to remain alive.'" (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "The Euphrates reveals the treasures within itself. Whoever sees it should not take anything from it." (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 28.)
Soon the river Euphrates will disclose the treasure [the mountain] of gold. So, whoever will be present at that time should not take anything of it. (Sahih Bukhari)
(1) ... the River Euphrates dries up...
As-Suyuti mentions this hadith as "the stopping of water." The Keban Dam, built in 1975, has accomplished this.
(2) ... unveils the mountain of gold...
The surrounding land has become as valuable as gold for various reasons, for the Keban Dam has enabled electricity production and higher soil fertility through irrigation and transport facilities.
The Keban and other dams lining the Euphrates resemble a concrete mountain, and wealth as valuable as gold comes out of it. Therefore, these dams take on the properties of "the golden mountain." (Allah knows the truth.)
(3) There will be conflict over this wealth, leading to many deaths
Because of the widespread anarchy and disorder that still persist in the region, those who buy land there may suffer losses. As the hadith puts it, they will either die or be killed.
5. Lunar and solar eclipses during Ramadan:
There are two signs for Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)... The first one is the lunar eclipse in the first night of Ramadan, and the second is the solar eclipse in the middle of this month. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar, p. 47.)The solar eclipse in the middle of the Ramadan, and the lunar eclipse at the end... (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 37.)
During his [Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh)] reign, on the fourteenth of the Ramadan, a solar eclipse will occur. On the first of that month, the Moon will darken... (Imam Rabbani, Letters of Rabbani, p. 380; Letters of Rabbani, vol. 2, p. 1163.)
A lunar eclipse will occur in the first night of the Ramadan. In the middle of the Ramadan, a solar eclipse will occur. (Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Rasul Barzanji, Al-Isha'ah li-Ashrat as-Sa'ah, p. 199.)
The most striking points here are that a solar eclipse will take place in the middle of the month, and two solar and two lunar eclipses will take place within one month (Ramadan).
In line with these calculations, there was a lunar eclipse in 1981 (Hijri 1401) on Ramadan 15 and a solar eclipse on Ramadan 29. There was a "second" lunar eclipse in 1982 (Hijri 1402) on Ramadan 14, and a solar eclipse on Ramadan 28.
These incidents occurring during the same period coinciding with the signs of Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) emergence, and their miraculous recurrence for two consecutive years at the onset of the fifteenth Islamic century (1401-02), indicates that they might be the signs foretold by the hadiths.
Moreover, an astoundingly similar series of eclipses occurred in the years 2002 and 2003.
DATES AND TYPES OF ECLIPSES | |
| Lunar Eclipse | November 20, 2002 Hijri 1423 (in the middle of Ramadan) |
| Solar Eclipse | December 4, 2002 Hijri 1423 (at the end of Ramadan) |
| Lunar Eclipse | November 9, 2003 Hijri 1424 (in the middle of Ramadan) |
| Solar Eclipse | November 23, 2003 Hijri 1424 (at the end of Ramadan) |
6. The occupation of Afghanistan:
Pity poor Taliqan [a region in Afghanistan]. At that place are treasures of Allah, but these are not of gold and silver but consist of people who have recognized Allah as they should have. They are Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) servants. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-l-Zaman, p. 59.) The hadith may well refer to Afghanistan's being invaded in the time of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). In fact, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan took place in 1979, or 1400 Hijri or at the beginning of Hijri 14th century. The hadiths tell us that Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will appear at the beginning of that century. The fact that many other portents regarding Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) have taken place in 1400 Hijri and at the beginning of the 1400s shows that these dates have a particular significance in terms of the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh).
7. Sighting a flare in the east:
A big flame will occur in the east for three or seven days in a row, followed by darkness in the sky and a brand-new redness unlike the usual color of red spreading over the sky. A proclamation will be heard in a language earth can understand. (Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Rasul Barzanji, Al-Isha'ah li-Ashrat as-Sa'ah, p. 166.)This is a hadith narrated by Abu Ja'far b. Muhammad b. Ali (ra): "When you see a flame rise in the east for three or seven days, then wait for the emergence of Al-i Muhammad; Allah will proclaim from the sky uttering the name of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) and everybody, whether in the east or the west, will hear that voice." (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 32.)
"I swear that a flame will engulf you. That flame is presently in an extinguished state at the valley called Berehut. That flame swallows up people with terrible pain inside it, burns down and destroys people and property, and spreads all over the world by flying like a cloud with the assistance of winds. Its heat at night is much higher than its daytime temperature. By going as deep as the center of earth from above the heads of people, that flame becomes a terrible noise, just like the lightning between the ground and the sky," he narrated. (Mukhtasar Tazkirah al-Qurtubi, p. 461.)
Some people wait for this flame as a sign that comes suddenly and for no particular reason, that never goes out, and that everyone in the world can see. Since the test in this world continues during the occurrence of these signs, just because people will see them does not mean that they will understand them. Thus, people will make their decisions by using their intellects, minds, consciences, and will. The portents concerning the flame must be evaluated in this manner.
The first part of the hadith says that the flame "is presently in an extinguished state." Given that the flame results from burning a flammable substance, what waits "in an extinguished state" is not the flame itself, but rather the material to be burned. In this context, this may mean underground oil. "Berehut" is the name of a well. This can be considered as an oil well. When the time comes, oil extracted from these wells will become a fire ready to be burned.
"That flame swallows up people with terrible pain inside it." That flame is not merely a burning flare that makes people miserable and sorrowful, but also deprives them of their lives and possessions, and contaminates the surrounding environment.
"That flame... burns down and destroys people and property."
It causes the death of certain people and in addition, burns down property, causing material damage and, by polluting the surrounding environment, destroys what people need in order to live.
"... spreads all over the world by flying like a cloud with the assistance of winds."
This particular element is the smoke that the flame it produces. Thus, this hadith indicates that the smoke will reach as high as the clouds and be spread by the wind in all directions.
"Its heat at night is much higher than its daytime temperature."
In other words, the flame will burn around the clock.
"By going as deep as the center of earth from above the heads of people, that flame makes a terrible noise, just like the thunder between the ground and the sky."
The flame will climb very high into the air and cause very strong explosions resembling a thunder.
"... a brand-new redness unlike the usual color of red spreading over the sky..."
This part of the hadith points out that the incident will occur at night, with the flames of a large explosion leading to a very strong illumination. The reddish illumination caused by such flames is very different from the reddishness of "dawn with which people are familiar. Such an illumination at night, very similar to daylight, is an extraordinary phenomenon.
The burning oil in Kuwait led to the deaths of people and animals. According to experts, half a million tons of oil went up into the atmosphere as smoke. Every day, more than 10,000 tons of soot, sulfur, carbon dioxide and large quantities of hydrocarbons with their carcinogenic properties hang suspended over the Gulf. It is not just the Gulf but, on its behalf, the world is burning.1
Two wells that were set alight produced as much oil as Turkey does in one day, and the smoke from them were even seen from Saudi Arabia, 55 kilometers (34 miles) away.2An endless reports of disasters in the Gulf: Hundreds of oil wells set alight in Kuwait are still burning fiercely. Experts say it will be "exceedingly difficult to put those fires out," and it is said that the fires may affect a wide area from Turkey to India for the next 10 years.3
8. The rise of a comet:
A star with a luminous tail will rise from the east before Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) emerges. (Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Rasul Barzanji, Al-Isha'ah li Ashrat as-Sa'ah, p. 200.)Before he [Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)] arrives, a comet will appear in the east, giving out an illumination. (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar, p. 53.)
The rise of that star will occur after the eclipse of the Sun and the Moon. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 32.)
Throughout history, comets have heralded times of very important developments for Muslims, some of which became milestones in Islamic history. The Companions of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also narrated some of these occurrences, as follows:
- The people in the time the Prophet Noah (pbuh) drowned.
- The Prophet Abraham (pbuh) was cast into the fire.
- Pharaoh and his people were perished.
- The Prophet John (pbuh) was killed.
- The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was born.
- Our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was honored with prophecy.
- The Ottoman state first entered the world stage.
- Constantinople was captured by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror.
Some interesting statistics regarding Halley's comet:
Particularly striking is the way that multiplies of 19 keep occurring in the appearances of this comet:
* Halleys comet passes by once every 76 years (76=19 x 4)
* The comet was last seen in Hijri 1406 (1406 = 19 x 74)
Another interesting aspect of this is that the year Hijri 1406, when Halley's comet last passed by, is also an exact multiple of 19 (74 x 19). The number 74 is also that of Surat al-Muddaththir, in which the miracle of the number 19 is set out. (For detailed information about the miracle of the number 19, see Allah's Miracles in the Quran, Harun Yahya)
In verse 30 of Surat al-Muddaththir (the 74th sura), the number 19 is revealed as a great blessing for believers, but a vehicle for strife for unbelievers.
This miraculous link between Halley's comet and the number 19 may indicate strife for unbelievers and a blessing for believers.
In verses 1 and 2 of Surat al-Muddaththir, the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is told: "You who are enveloped in your cloak! Arise and warn." This is the outward meaning of the verses. However, the verses may also contain a second, secret sign: The word "enveloped" may refer to Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), who will be descended from our Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace). And one of the portents of his appearance will take place in Hijri 1406 (the year of the appearance of the comet).
Surat al-Muddaththir (sura 74)
1) ... You who are enveloped in your cloak!
2) ... Arise and warn
(The word muddaththir means that which is covered up or concealed.)
Another great sign and miracle is that the appearance of Halley's comet in 1986 (Hijri 1406) is the 19th such passage since 607 AD, when the blessed Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) was honored with prophecy.
9. Storming the Ka'bah and the subsequent bloodshed:
The year in which he [Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)] will emerge, people will perform pilgrimage together and gather without an imam. The pilgrims will be looted, and there will be a battle at Mina in which many will be slain, and blood will flow until it runs over the Jamra al-'Aqaba. [Jamra: one of the stone pillars representing satan that are stoned during the pilgrimage.] (Narrated by 'Amr ibn Shu'ayb, al-Hakim and Nu'aym ibn Hammad.)People make pilgrimage without an imam leading them. Big wars break out when they come down to Mina, and they are entwined just the way dogs entwine, and tribes attack each other. This strife is so widespread that legs are buried in lakes of blood. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 35.)
In the month of Dhu al-Qa'dah, the nations will wage war, pilgrims will be kidnapped, and there will be bloody wars. Great sins will be committed beside the Ka'bah. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 34.)
The phrase "the year in which he [Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)] will emerge" draws attention to a massacre that will occur on the date of Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) emergence. In 1979, a massacre very like this one occurred during the Ka'bah raid, which took place during the pilgrimage month at the very beginning of the period during which the signs of Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) advent appeared—the first day of the Islamic year 1400 (21 November 1979).
Seven years later, an even bloodier incident happened during the pilgrimage. In this incident, 402 demonstrating pilgrims were killed. Both the Saudi soldiers and the Iranian pilgrims committed great sins by killing one another. These bloody incidents have strong parallels to the incidents described in the hadiths.
There will be cries of war in Shawwal, act of war and carnage (battle, fight) in Dhu al-Hijja. Again in [the month of] Dhu al-Hijja, pilgrims will be despoiled and their streets will be full of blood and prohibitions are broken. Great sins will be commited in Bayt al-Muaddham. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 37.)
"... Great sins will be committed in Bayt al-Muaddham."
This hadith draws attention to the incidents that will occur not in Bayt al-Muaddham (Ka'bah) but close to it. The incidents during the month of Dhul al-Hijja (pilgrimage season) of the Hijri year 1407 actually took place near the Ka'bah, and not inside it, unlike the event of 1400 (Hijri year). The first incident that we narrated at the beginning occurred on Muharram 1,1400 in Bayt al-Muaddham (Ka'bah) itself. Both incidents happened just as the hadiths indicated that they would.
It is no mere coincidence that two such major events as bloodshed in the Ka'bah and the killing of pilgrims, as reported in the hadiths, are taking place one after the other in the period when all portents regarding Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) are coming true.
"[There will be] act of war and carnage in [the month of] Dhu al-Hijja."
The fact that this war and conflict is discussed together with the killing of pilgrims shows that these events will take place in the same period of time. During that same period, the Iran-Iraq war broke out, and the world saw the worst fighting and disorder in the Middle East.
10. A sign out of the SunAnother sign of the Judgment Day is extraordinary solar flares. During the twentieth century, a great solar explosion took place and had a great impact upon the world. The sign referred to in the hadith may well be this great explosion.
11. A solar eclipse:
Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will not emerge unless the Sun rises as a sign. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 33.)Along with the solar explosion mentioned above, the "sign" to appear on the Sun may well be the great solar eclipse on August 11, 1999—the last total solar eclipse of the twentieth century, and the first time that so many people had been able to watch and study an eclipse for so long.
12. The appearance of dusty, smoky fitnah:
... There will be a dusty and smoky fitnah like patches of dark night... (Sunan Abu Dawud)The word fitnah (tribulation) implies war, incitement, disorder, and conflict—anything that turns peoples' reason and hearts away from the true path.4 The fitnah mentioned in this hadith will leave behind smoke and dust.
This hadith could well refer to 9/11, one of the world's worst terrorist attacks, when New York City and Washington DC, were attacked. As television screens and newspapers depicted, a huge thick cloud of dust and smoke swallowed up the immediate surroundings in lower Manhattan.
This incident, one of the most serious acts of terror in history, occurred along with other signs and bears characteristics similar to ones described in the hadith. Therefore, this act may well be the "fitnah (tribulation) like patches of dark night" foretold as the sign of Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) emergence. (Allah knows the truth.)
13. A change of systems:
A man called Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will come at a time when time is interrupted... (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 14.) In this hadith, our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) foretold that Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) would come when "time is interrupted." Many scholars interpret this expression as a "differentiation of time" when a "change of systems" takes place. This "change of systems" may be the collapse of communism, the governing ideology of many nations, toward the end of the twentieth century.
14. Killing of the rulers of Damascus and Egypt:
Before he comes, the inhabitants of Egypt and Sham will kill their rulers and their commanders... (Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar, p. 49.) In 1981, Anwar al-Sadat (President of Egypt since 1970) was assassinated during a military review. Other Egyptian leaders who have been killed include the prime ministers Boutros Ghali (1910), Prime Minister Ahmed Maher Pasha (1945), and Mahmoud Nukrashy Pasha (1948).
The word Sham is not used only for Damascus, for it also means "left" and has long been used to refer to those countries to the west of the Hijaz (where the cities of Mecca and Madina lie).5 Many leaders have been killed in the region, among them;
Former Syrian prime ministers Salah al-Din Bitar (1920),
Droubi Pasha (1921),
Muhsin al-Barazi (1949),
King Abdullah of Jordan (1951), and the Lebanese Phalange leader Bashir Gemayel (1982).6
15. The killing of Abdullah, former King of Jordan:
Another portent of Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) coming is the killing of a senior member of the Hashemites. (Risalat al-Khuruj al-Mahdi, p. 12.)Jordan, known as the Hashemite Kingdom, was detached from the Ottoman Empire and came under British control for a period of time. Great Britain recognized Jordanian independence in 1946, as part of the Treaty of London. The monarchy was given to Abdullah, head of the principality of Jordan. King Abdullah was later killed in 1951. Thus the incident foretold in the hadith came to pass.
16. The loss of an army:
There are five portents of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh): ... the sinking of an army in Bayda... (Narrated by Nu'aym ibn Hammad)
An army will be sent to him. This army will be leveled while it is somewhere in the desert. (Sahih Muslim)An army comes to fight. Once they enter the desert, the one in the front and the back disappear, and the ones in the middle cannot save themselves. (Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan Abu Dawud)
The almost sudden disappearance of a large part of the Iraqi army was one of the most striking features of the 2003 American-led war against Iraq. Many newspapers and television channels reported that a 60,000-man army from the Republican Guard, along with some 15,000 Iraqi militiamen from the Fedayeen, got "lost." This account indicates that "the loss of an army," a portent of Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) coming, and hence of the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) second coming, may already have taken place. (Allah knows the truth.) In fact, the discovery of some war planes buried under the desert sands reinforces the possibility that the "leveling of an army" refers to the Iraqi army.
17. No money will be left to the Iraqis:
The Iraqis will be left with no weighing equipment, and no money will be left to them with which to buy and sell. (Muntakhab Kanz al-'Ummaal, vol. 5, p. 45.) This hadith may indicate two situations. One is Iraq's economic collapse after the Iran-Iraq and the Gulf wars. The Iraqi economy, faced with such crises, could not recover in the postwar period due to the embargos imposed by the USA and the UN. The Iraqi people grew even poorer, and famine became a major problem.
Or it might also refer to abolishing the dinar, the Iraqi unit of currency in the postwar era. During 2003, the rapid loss of the Iraqi currency's value and the possibility of its being withdrawn from circulation appeared in the newspapers.
18. Flames destroy homes in Baghdad:
Baghdad is destroyed by fire in the End Times... (Risalat al-Khuruj al-Mahdi, vol. 3, p. 177.)From the very first day of the Second Gulf War in 2003, Baghdad was the target of very intensive bombing. Under heavy bombardment, the city burned, just as the hadith said it would. Images of Baghdad, appearing on TV and in newspapers, conveyed this reality to the world—a clear indication that we are living in the End Times.
19. An embargo against Iraq and Damascus:
"It may happen that the people of Iraq may not send their qafiz [their measures of food-stuff] and dirhams [their money]." We said: "Who would be responsible for it?" He said: "The non-Arabs would prevent them." He again: "There is the possibility that the people of Syria may not send their dinar and mudd." We said: "Who would be responsible for it?" He said: "This prevention would be made by the Romans." (Sahih Muslim)
20. The restructuring of Iraq: The hadith draws attention to the reconstruction of Iraq, many of whose cities were reduced to rubble during the Iran-Iraq war, and then again during the two Gulf wars of 1991 and 2003. After this latest war, Iraq's rebuilding became a necessity because so much of it had been ruined. Looting also contributed to this situation, as was widely discussed in the press.
21. Iraqis flee to Damascus and the north:
The innocent and clean people of Iraq will flee to Sham. (Risalat al-Khuruj al-Mahdi, p. 210.)
Immediately before the outbreak of the latest Gulf war, tens of thousands of Iraqis sought to migrate to other countries, especially Syria. This bears great similarity to the event described in the hadith. News and pictures about this attempted migration appeared in the media.
22. Fitnah in Damascus:
The fitnah in Sham will calm down on the one hand and flare up again on another. This corruption will not end until an Angel from the sky calls: "Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) is your leader. Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) is your successor." (Risalat al-Khuruj al-Mahdi, p. 63.) This hadith very probably refers to the disorder that took place in Syria. However, the Sham region is not limited to Damascus, the Syrian capital, alone. As mentioned earlier, Sham means "the left" and refers to those countries to the west of the Hijaz (which includes the cities of Mecca and Medina).
23. Disorder in Damascus, Iraq, and Arabian Peninsula:
Our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "There will be such troubles and calamities that nobody will be able to find a place of shelter. These woes will move around Sham, fall upon Iraq, and tie the hands and feet of the Arabian Peninsula. The community of Islam will fight against troubles in the steppes. Nobody will feel any sympathy for them or even say: "Alas!" As they try to remedy their woes on the one hand, they will emerge again on the other." (Muntakhab Kanz al-'Ummal, vol. 5, pp. 38-39.) The expression, "the woes will move around Sham, fall upon Iraq" may well indicate the Second Gulf War in 2003. Before and during this war, there was always the possibility of the conflict extending into Syria, however the war remained limited to Iraq.
24. The division of Iraq into three parts:
According to our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the people of Iraq will be divided into three groups. One part will join the looters. One group will flee, leaving their families behind. And one group will fight and kill. Prepare yourselves for the Judgment Day when you see this. (Fera Idu Fevaidi'l Fiqr Fi'l Imam al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar)As the hadith relates, some Iraqis will join the "looters." Indeed, at the end of the war, some Iraqis took advantage of the loss of authority and engaged in looting. In fact, some of these people stole and pillaged, acts that can be defined as looting.
The hadith informs us that some people would be so eager to escape that they would not even think about the families they left behind. The hadith also tells that some people would fight and be killed. During this latest Gulf War, some Iraqis fought and died.
"The division of Iraq into three," as is related in the hadith's first section, also came true after the first Gulf War in 1991, when the country was divided into three regions: between the 32th and 36th parallels, south of the 32th parallel, and north of the 36th parallel.
25. War in the streets:
"Between the Tigris and the Euphrates, a city will be built where the children of Abbas will reign. It is called Zawra [Baghdad]... " "O Rasul al-Akram, the leader of believers, why is it called Zawra?" "It is called Zawra because the war surrounds it, expanding to the borders." (Mukhtasar Tazkirah al-Qurtubi, p. 426, no. 776.) You do not see for I am seeing the places of turmoil between your houses as the places of rainfall. (Sahih Muslim, the Judgment Day: Portents & Prophecies, p. 84.)
In the twentieth century, guerilla warfare became widespread. The ensuing conflicts often take place in streets and between houses. The most recent example occurred in Baghdad in 2003. Indeed, the first hadith above relates that a war will expand to all the corners of Baghdad. The events of the latest Gulf War and the related news reported by the media confirm the news foretold in the hadiths. (Allah knows the truth.)
26. The occurrence of great and astonishing events:
So many appalling incidents will occur in his [Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh)] time. (Imam Rabbani, Letters of Rabbani, vol. 2, p. 258.) The signs of his [Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh)] emergence resemble those preparatory signs that earlier gave an indication of our Rasulullah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). (Imam Rabbani, Letters of Rabbani, vol. 2, p. 258.)
Great and extraordinary events preceded the birth of our Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). For example, a new star rose on that night, 14 towers of the Iranian Emperor's Palace collapsed, the fire of the fire-worshipping Magians' in Iran that had burned for 1,000 years went out, the Semavi Valley was flooded, and the Save Lake dried up.
As indicated in the above hadiths, Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) appearance will resemble that of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Great and miraculous phenomena will also take place when he emerges.
Some of the remarkable phenomena that took place during the last century are as follows:
- The Ka'bah was raided, and many Muslims were killed.
- The 2,500-year Iranian monarchy collapsed.
- A gas leak in a Bombay factory killed 20,000 people.
- War broke out between two Muslim nations: Iran and Iraq.
- The Soviet Union occupied Afghanistan.
- On September 19, 1985, Mexico City was devastated by an earthquake.
- The Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted, wiping the town of Armero off the map and killing 25,000 people.
- Floods in Bangladesh killed 25,000 people.
- Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, was flooded.
- The worst forest fire in history broke out in China.
- Indian Prime Minister Gandhi, President Anwar al-Sadat of Egypt, and Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme were assassinated.
- Pope John Paul II was shot.
- The AIDS virus, identified in 1980, has so far killed more than 25 million people and is known as a "today's plague."7
- The Challenger space shuttle exploded after take-off in 1986.
- The worst nuclear accident in history occurred when the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in the Soviet Union exploded on 26 April 1986, and the released radiation affected many European countries.
- A hole was discovered in the ozone layer.
- The Soviet Union collapsed, thanks to Gorbachev, and the newly independent states of Central Asia emerged.
- The Gulf War broke out, Iraq annexed and then fled Kuwait, and was finally occupied by America and Britain in 2003.
- The Chinese government sent its tanks into Tienanmen Square during 1989 to crush a student movement demanding greater freedom; 2,000 students died.
- The Berlin Wall, which for 28 years had symbolized the Cold War, was torn down.
- More than 1,400 pilgrims were killed in a stampede at a tunnel in the Ka'bah in 1990.
- Approximately 139,000 people died from flooding in Bangladesh in 1991, and ten million were left homeless.
- Hundreds of thousands of Muslims were killed in the atrocities in Bosnia and Kosovo, and hundreds of thousands more were exiled.
- The Ebola virus led to the deaths of a few hundreds.
- The climate pattern known as El Nino, causing changes in sea temperature and air pressure, has inflicted huge disasters on all the countries of the world.
- The London Stock Exchange collapsed on October 19, 1987, and the ensuing panic resulted in a value loss of 50 billion British pounds.
- 168 people were killed in a bomb attack on a federal building in Oklahoma City on 19 April 1995. -In 1997, the Hale-Bopp Comet passed so close to Earth that it could be seen with the naked eye.
- 5,000 people died in an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale in Afghanistan on February 1998.
- The biggest-ever terrorist attack on America took place on September 11, 2001. Within 18 minutes of each other, two passenger airplanes crushed into the World Trade Center in New York City. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon. Over 5,000 people died.
- An earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck India, killing thousands of people.
- Many European countries have experienced heat waves that have killed many people.
- The 13-year research known as the Human Genome Project was completed in April, 2003. The approximately 30,000 genes in human DNA were thus identified and the human genome map produced.
- Mars was closer to Earth in August 2003 than at any other time in the past 60,000 years.
- The deadly SARS virus spread in 2003, killing 775 people.
- Twelve lost their lives as floods hit Mecca, one of the most arid regions in the world.
- 86,000 lives lost in the Iranian earthquake on 27 December 2003. The city of Bam was completely devastated.
- A total of 263 people have so far lost their lives as a result of bird flu, first observed in birds in Asia.
- An earthquake in the Indian Ocean on 26 December 2004, measuring 9.1 to 9.3 on the Richter scale and the following 30-meter (98.5 feet) tsunami lead to the deaths of some 300,000 people in 11 countries, particularly Indonesia. More than 1 million people were left homeless. This earthquake, the second most severe ever recorded, has been described as the deadliest in history.
- On 23 August 2005, Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest hurricanes in history, causes the deaths of around 2,000 people and economic damage of $100 billion, the highest figure ever. Many settled areas, particularly the city of New Orleans, had to be evacuated.- 75,000 lives lost in an earthquake in Kashmir on 8 October 2005, with more than 100,000 injured.
- Because of the collapse of a hotel in Mecca on January 5, 2006, 76 Muslim pilgrims who were there to fulfill their religious obligations lost their lives. One week later, on the last day of the Hajj, 362 pilgrims died in a stampede during the stoning of the devil in Mina.
- More than 6,000 people died in a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Java, Indonesia, on May 27, 2006, while another 36,000 were injured and 1.5 million were left homeless.
- In August 2007 the financial markets in the United States of America started to collapse and the economic crisis continued to intensify, beginning to spread across the whole world.
- More than 3,000 people died due to Cyclone Sidr that struck Bangladesh on November 16, 2007. The Bangladeshi Red Crescent announced that 7 million people were in need of aid.
- On March 19, 2008, NASA’s Swift X-ray telescope recorded a cosmic explosion which occurred 7.5 billion years ago.- More than 13,000 people died in Cyclone Nargis that struck Burma (Myanmar) on May 3, 2008 .
- More than 70,000 people died and millions were left homeless in a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in China on May 12, 2008 .
- The Icelandic government and banking system went bankrupt on January 26, 2009, and the country collapsed.
- The H1N1 epidemic that broke out on June 11, 2009, under the name of swine flu, was regarded as a threat to the whole world.
- The comet Lulin approached closest to the Earth on February 24, 2009. This comet, which was very bright and emitted a green light, possesses features not found in any other heavenly body, being double tailed and travelling, unlike them, from east to west.
- Some 100,000 people lost their lives and more than 3 million were affected in the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.
27. The loss of hope of the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh):
Allah Almighty will send Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) after despair has reached the point that people will say: "There is no Mahdi." (Narrated by Nu'aym ibn Hammad)The above hadith reveals that another of the portents of the End Times is people's increasing abandonment of belief in Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) coming. This state of mind can frequently be observed in the present day. Despite the existence of countless hadiths about Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) coming, the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) return, and the Golden Age characterized by great blessings, many people doubt that such a period will ever come. This assumption is also a sign of the End Times. In a time of despair, people will enjoy the benefits of the prevailing Qur'anic morality, thanks to Allah's mercy.
28. Pervasive corruption:
Islamic literature defines fitnah as severe trial terms where life conditions are hardened and people's faith are attempted to be weakened and destroyed through denial of Allah and religion by various methods.One hadith reveals that the believers' faith will weaken in the End Times and also provides information about the developments that will lead to this:
Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), one of my children, comes into being, by the blessing of Allah, upon the approach of the Day of Judgment; the weakening of the believers' hearts because of death, hunger, fitnah and the disappearance of the Sunnah; and the emergence of innovations and the loss of means by which to enjoin the right and forbid the wrong. His justice and prosperity will ease the believers' hearts, and friendship and love will settle between the non-Arab and the Arab nations. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 66.)
Briefly, the following events will take place before the End Times and Hazrat Mahdi's (pbuh) appearance:
1- Death: As a consequence of anarchy and mass murder, people will not be safe and will be greatly concerned about dying.
2- Hunger: The struggle to make a living will become harder because the cost of living will rise. Natural disasters and catastrophes will lead to starvation and hunger. 3- Fitnah: Such troubles will spread and encourage unlawful and immoral acts among all people, both in public and in private.
4- Innovation (bid'at): Adoption of some rituals or innovations on the grounds that they are essential components of Islam, although they violate the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
5- Disappearance of the communication of moral values of Islam: Believers will be hindered from enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, and a spiritual decline will occur as a result.
Such fitnah (tribulation) will lead to a stronger faith, an increase in patience and rewards in the Hereafter for the believers' having a solid faith, while weakening further the faith of those with weak faith.The latter group might even lose their faith completely.
Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will appear when such fitnah is prevalent.
Other hadiths and Islamic scholars state that Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will appear when a particular type of fitnah has become worldwide.
Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will come when fitnahs (tribulation) appear. (Imam Rabbani, Letters of Rabbani, vol. 2, p. 258.)
Disorder, fitnah, and fear will emerge in the west... Corruption will proliferate. (Mukhtasar Tazkirah al-Qurtubi, p. 440.) Fitnahs will follow one another in the near future. Then, there will be other fitnahs and even more following them. (Mukhtasar Tazkirah al-Qurtubi, p. 374, no. 684.)
There will emerge widespread fitnah that seems impossible to ever end... (Al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar, p. 55.)
29. The emergence of widespread slaughter:
Before Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) there will be widespread slaughter and terrible fitnah. (The Book of Portents of the Mahdi of the End Times, p. 37.)Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will only appear at a time when people are experiencing great fear and are afflicted by disturbances, civil war, and other disasters. (Narrated by Abu Ja''far Muhammad ibn 'Ali)
Most painful situations and grievous sights will be seen. Strife will go on and on... It will kill mothers, fathers, daughters, men, and everyone... Among these will be strife, violence, destruction, and looting. People will ask when it will end, but it will still go on. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 36.)
... Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will appear when the inhabitants of the earth and sky can no longer bear the slaughter... (The Book of Portents of the Mahdi of the End Times, p. 37.)... will make bloodshed lawful and be the enemy of Al-i-Muhammad... (Ali ibn Husamaddin al-Muttaki, Hadiths from Jalaluddin al-Suyuti's Classification: Signs of the Mahdi of the End Times, Kahraman Publications, p. 37.)
... The shedding of blood... is one of the signs of the Last Day. (Alamat al-Qiyama, p. 142.)
The hadiths forecast massacres that will occur all over the world.
During the twentieth century's two World Wars, an estimated 150 million people were killed. The number of civilians slaughtered for political reasons during the same century is estimated to be well over 200 million. This is an extraordinarily high figure when compared with those of previous centuries. Wars and conflicts are still going on all over the world in the 21st century. Their common feature is, as stated in the above hadith, all these wars have entailed the mass slaughter of civilians.
30. Pervasiveness of global disorder and conflict:
The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "Fitnah (tribulation) will spread after me. Terror and war will rage. Then, there will be greater fitnahs. When people will say that the fitnah has ended, new rebellions will appear. Until someone from my lineage [Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)] emerges, there will be no home in Arabia into which fitnah will not enter and a Muslim to whom fitnah will not reach." (Fera Idu Fevaidi'l Fiqr Fi'l Imam al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 147.)At a time when the world will be in harj [utter confusion and disorder], fitnah will appear, people will be attacked, the old will not have mercy on the young, and the young will not show respect to the old, Allah will send someone to eradicate hostility and conquer the castles of perversion, uphold faith in the End Times just as I upheld it formerly, someone who will fill this earth with justice where violence prevailed before. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 12.)
As these hadiths reveal, such disorder will spread around the world. Indeed, many countries have been ruined, either wholly or in part, by disorder, war, murder, and terrorism. Every day, hundreds are exiled or murdered for no reason. (For further information, see Harun Yahya's Signs of the Last Day [Global Publishing: 2003].)
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