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Islamic eschatology is the branch of Islamic scholarship that studies Yawm al-Qiyāmah[pronunciation?] (Arabic: يوم القيامة‎ "the Day of Resurrection") or Yawm ad-Din[pronunciation?] (Arabic: يوم الدين‎ "the Day of Judgment"). This is believed to be the final assessment of humanity of Allah, with annihilation of all life, resurrection, and judgment.
The time of the event is not specified, although there are major and minor signs which have been foretold to happen with Qiyamah at the end of time.[1][2] Many earlier Qur'anic verses contain the motif of the impending the Day of Resurrection.[3][4]
The 75th Sura of the Qur'an, "al-Qiyama", has as its main subject the resurrection. Its tribulation is also described in the hadith, and commentaries of Islamic expositors such as al-Ghazali, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Majah, al-Bukhari, and Ibn Khuzaymah.[4][5] The Day of Judgment is also known as the Day of Reckoning, the Last Day and al-sā'ah, or the Hour.[6][7][8] [9]
The hadith describe end time with more specificity than the Qur'an, describing the events of al-Qiyamah through twelve major signs. At the time of judgment, terrible corruption and chaos will rule. The Mahdi will be sent and with the help of Isa, will battle Masih ad-Dajjal. They will triumph, liberating Islam from cruelty, and this will be followed by a time of serenity with people living true to religious values.[10]
Like other Abrahamic religions, Islam also teaches resurrection of the dead, a final tribulation and eternal division of the righteous and wicked.[11] Islamic apocalyptic literature describing Armageddon is often known as fitnah, malāhim, or ghaybah in Shīa Islam. Righteous are rewarded with pleasures of Jannah, while unrighteous are punished in Jahannam.Major and minor signs
There are a number of major and minor signs of the end of days in Islam. There is debate over whether they could occur concurrently or must be at different points in times, although Islamic scholars typically divide them into three major periods.[12][26]
Depiction of the Day of Judgment by Iranian artist Mohammad Modabber in the 19th century.
[edit]Minor signs
The second period will contain the minor signs known as ashratu's-sa'ah as- sughra.[27] This is the period we are currently in, and will last for a length of time unknown to all but Allah. The minor signs are numerous, and include up to one-hundred different predictions. Some are as follows:
People will speak and understand the Qur'an, but few will understand it, and fewer still will act on it
Men will wear silk clothing and marry other men
Trade and wealth will flourish, but people will complain of lack of barakah
Respect will be given according to wealth
There will be abundant rain, but poor harvests
Women will be more numerous than men
Businesses will defraud customers
Elderly will not be respected
People will not care when their children are illegitimate
Property will be unlawfully taken
Life expectancy will decrease, jealousy will spread, and murder will be common
The just will be unfairly accused, the wise ignored, and the deceitful shall become leaders
Inanimate objects will speak
There will be strange noises from the sky
There will be fire west of Yemen
There will be fighting over gold revealed by Euphrates
Woman will give birth to their masters[28]
Smoke[29][30]
Three huge earthquakes.[29]
The reversal of the natural including the sun, mountains and sea.[28]
[edit]Major signs
Following the second period, the third will be marked by the twelve major signs known as amaratu's-sa'ah al- kubra. They are as follows:
Appearance of the Mahdi atop a white horse[12][28]
The false messiah, Masih ad-Dajjal, shall appear as a great beast-like creature with one eye good and the other blind, and the mark of Kafir. He will claim to hold keys to heaven and hell and lead many astray, although believers will not be deceived.[26][31]
The return of Jesus Christ, from the seventh sky to assist the Mahdi against Dajjal[32]
Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj, two tribes of vicious beings which had been imprisoned will escape. They will ravage the earth, drink all its water, and destroy all life. Allah will eventually send worms and insects to wipe them out.[26][33][34]
Medina will be deserted, with true believers going to follow Mahdi and sinners following Dajjal
A short legged and thin ruler of Ethiopia will attack Mecca and destroy the Kabah
Dabbat al-ard, or the Beast of the Last Days will populate the entire planet[35]
A pleasant breeze will blow from Yeme that shall cause all believers to die
The sun will rise from the west [36][37][38]
A first trumpet will be sounded by Israfil, and all remaining humanity will die, followed by a period of forty years, at the end of which smoke will envelope the world for forty days
The Qur'an will be taken to heaven and even the huffaz will not recall its verses
A second trumpet will sound, the dead will return to life and a fire will start from Hadramawt in Yemen that shall gather all people of the world in Mahshar for the Qiy'amah[27]
[edit]Major Figures
[edit]Mahdi
Diagram of "Plain of Assembly"(Ard al-Hashr) on the Day of Judgment, from autograph manuscript of Futuhat al-Makkiyya by Sufi mystic and philosopher Ibn Arabi, ca. 1238. Shown are the 'Arsh (Throne of God), pulpits for the righteous (al-Aminun), seven rows of angels, Gabriel (al-Ruh), A'raf (the Barrier), the Hauzu'l-Kausar (Fountain of Abundance), al-Maqam al-Mahmud (the Praiseworthy Station; where the prophet Muhammad will stand to intercede for the faithful), Mizan (the Scale), As-Sirāt (the Bridge), Jahannam (Hell) and Marj al-Jannat (Meadow of Paradise).[39]
Main article: Mahdi
Mahdi (Arabic: مهدي‎
translates to 'guided one', with hadith being the primary source of his descriptions. His appearance will be the first sign of the third period.[27] Hadith write that he will be a descendant of Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and cousin Ali. The Mahdi will be looked upon to kill Al-Dajjal and end the prevalent disintegration of the Muslim community to prepare for the reign of Jesus who will rule for a time after. The Mahdi will similarly kill all enemies of the Prophet and fulfill the prophetic mission as a vision of justice and peace before following Jesus rule.[40] The physical features of Mahdi are described in the hadith--he will be of Arab complexion and average height with a large belly, large eyes and a sharp nose. He will have a mole on his cheek, the sign of the prophet on his shoulder, and be recognized by the caliphate while he sits at his own home. As written by Abu Dawud:
Our Mahdi will have a broad forehead and a pointed (prominent) nose. He will fill the earth with justice as it is filled with injustice and tyranny. He will rule for seven years.
Abu Dawud, Sahih, 2.208 and Fusul al-muhimma, 275
Though the duration of his rule differs, hadith are consistent in describing that Allah will perfect him in a single night with inspiration and wisdom, and his name will be announced from the sky. He will bring back worship of true Islamic values, and bring the Ark of the Covenant to light. He will conquer Istanbul and Mount Daylam. His banner will be that of the prophet Muhammad: black and unstitched, with a halo. Unopened since the death of Muhammad, the banner will unfurl when the Mahdi appears. He will be helped by angels and others that will prepare the way for him. He will understand the secrets of abjad.[10]
[edit]Sunni and Shi'ite perspectives on the Mahdi
Main articles: The Occultation and Muhammad al-Mahdi
Sunni and Shi'ite Islam have different beliefs on the identity of Mahdi. Historically, Sunni Islam has derived religious authority from the caliphate, who was in turn appointed by the companions of Muhammad at his death. The Sunnis view the Mahdi as the successor of Mohammad, the Mahdi is expected to arrive to rule the world and reestablish righteousness. [41] Various Sunnis also share a parallel belief that though there may be no actual Mahdi, the existence of mujaddid will instead lead the Islamic revolution of a renewal in faith and avoidance of deviation from Gods path. Such an intellectual and spiritual figure of Sunni tradition has been attributed to numerous Muslims at the end of each Muslim century from the origin of Islam through present day.[40] This classical interpretation is favored by Sunni scholars like Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah.
Twelver Shi'a Islam, in distinction, followed the bloodline of Muhammad, favoring his cousin and son by marriage, Ali. Ali was appointed the first Imam, and following him there were eleven more. Muhammad al-Mahdi, otherwise known as the twelfth imam, went into hiding in 873 AD at the age of four. His father was al-`Askari, and had been murdered, and so he was hidden from the authorities of the Abbasid Caliphate. He maintained contact with his followers until 940 AD, when he was hidden. Twelver Shia Islam believes that al-Mahdi is the current Imam, and will emerge at the end of the current age as the Ahmadi described in scripture.[42] Some scholars say that, although unnoticed by others present, the Mahdi of Twelver Shi'a Islam continues to make an annual pilgrimage while he resides outside of Mecca.[43] In distinction, Sunni Islam foresees him as a separate and new prophet.[44] The present Ayatollahs of Saudi Arabia see themselves as joint caretakers of the office of the Imam until he returns, with Ayatollah Khomeini having claimed that he specifically was a descendant of the seventh Imam, and rightful ruler of the Shi'ites. [44] Shi'ite Islamic scholars like Ruhollah Khomeini favor this view of eschatology.
The Mahdi is not described in the Qurʾān, only in hadith, with scholars suggesting he arose when Arabian tribes were settling in Syria under Moawiya. They anticipated the Mahdi who will lead the rising people of the Yemen back to their country in order to restore the glory of their lost Himyarite kingdom. It was believed that he would eventually conquer Constantinople.[41]
[edit]Claimants of the Mahdi
Throughout history, there have been multiple claimants to the role of Mahdi that had come into existence through their pious deeds and by subsequently acquiring their own following. One of these men, Muhammad al-Hanifiyya who was the fourth Sunni Caliph, was said to have judgment and character over rival caliphs and mysteries of his death arose in the 8th century. It was believed he had in fact not died and would one day return as the Mahdi. The sect of Mahdavis arose as followers of another claimant, Muhammad Mahdi of Janpur in the 15th century. Furthermore, a potential Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad of Sudan, was believed to hold the title following his self-proclamation in 1881 and stand against the Turco-Egyptian government as well as the British.[40] Additionally, Mīrzā Ghulām Aḥmad of Punjab claimed to be the Mahdi during the same period as Muhammad Ahmad and though considered by Orthodox Muslims to be a heretic, though he amassed a substantial following and is credited with founding the sect of Ahmadiyya. [40] It should not be forgotten that two linked Shi'i movements, that of the Babis and that of the Baha'is believed (and believe) that their prophets, Sayyid 'Ali Muhammad, the Bab (d. 1850) and Mirza Husayn 'Ali Nuri, Baha' Allah were fulfillers of prophecy. The Bab is the thought to be the return of the Twelfth Imam and Baha' Allah the Mahdi. Since the Baha'is now preach a fairly successful international religion with possibly 6 million followers, ther concept of a fulfillment of Islamic prophecy is now current well outside the Islamic world.
[edit]Isa
Main article: Jesus in Islam
Isa is the Arabic name for Jesus Christ, and his return is considered the third major sign of last days, while the second is the appearance of Masih ad-Dajjal. Although Muhammad is the preeminent Prophet in Islam, Jesus is the only Prophet who is said not to have died but rather raised up to Allah.[45] Thus, in accordance with post-Quranic legend, he could conceivably return to Earth as a just judge on the Day of Judgment.[46] As written in hadith:
Abu Hurayrah narrates the the Messenger of Allah said, "By Him in whose hands my soul rests! It is definitely close in that time that Isa, Son of Maryam descends amongst you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the swine and abolish jizya. And money will abound in such access that no one will accept it.
Ahmad bin Hambal, al-Musnad, vol 2, p. 240[27]
Hadith reference both the Mahdi and Isa simultaneously and the return of the Mahdi will coincide with the return of Christ. He will descend from the heavens in al-Quds at dawn. The two will meet, and Mahdi will lead the people in fajr prayer. After the prayer, they will open a gate to the west and encounter Masih ad-Dajjal. After the defeat of ad-Dajjal, Isa will lead a peaceful forty-year reign until his death. He will be buried in a tomb beside Muhammad in Medina.[47] Though the two most certainly differ regarding their role and persona in Islamic eschatology, the figures of the Mahdi and Isa are ultimately inseparable for according to the Prophet. Though Isa is said to descend upon the world once again, the Mahdi will already be present.
What will be your reaction when the son of Mary (Jesus) descends and your Imam is from among yourselves? (Sahih Muslim, bab nuzul 'isa, Vol. 2; Sahih Bukhari, kitab bad' al-khalq wa nuzul 'isa, Vol. 4)
[edit]Al-Dajjal
Al-Dajjal or the Antichrist or False Messiah does not appear in the Quran but is a prominent figure in the Hadiths and Islamic eschatology as a whole. He appears gruesome and is blind in his right eye. His one eye is thought to be a symbol that correlates with how single minded he is in achieving his goal of converting Muslims to his side. Al-Dajjal has the intention of gaining followers through his miracle working abilities and apparent wealth and generosity. These abilities are a test for true believers of Islam, who have been warned about his power and must resist his material temptations. He is thought to appear prior to the Day of Judgement, where he will engage in an epic battle with and be killed by either Jesus (according to Sunni tradition) or the Mahdi (according to the Shia tradition). Al-Dajjal functions symbolically as a key cog in overall Islamic eschatological picture, which emphasizes the world coming to an end, of good finally triumphing over evil, and of the remarkable events that will prefigure the replacement of the mortal world with a more authentic form of existence in the afterlife. Various Muslim political movements use the concept of Al-Dajjal to comment on contemporary events, and often identify him with opposing regimes or other worldly forces that they consider as harmful to Islam.[48]
[edit]Ya'juj and Ma'juj
Main article: Gog and Magog
The fourth major sign of end time will be that the wall which imprisons the nations of Ya'juj and Ma'juj will break, and they will surge forth. Some Islamic scholars, such as Imran Nazar Hosein, believe the wall began to crack during the life of Muhammad. This is supported in the hadith when the prophet mentions that "a hole has been made in the wall containing the Ya'juj and Ma'juj", indicating the size of the hole with his thumb and index finger. Their release will occur forty years prior to the Last Judgment:[27]
But when Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj are let loose and they rush headlong down every hill and mountain
Qur'an 21:96 [49]
They will ravage the earth. Ultimately, Allah will send worms and insects to destroy them.[27]
[edit]Major Events
[edit]Desertion of Medina, destruction of Mecca, and the Beast of the Earth
The fifth sign is that Medinah will be deserted, and all that remains in the city will be date palms. The just will have gone to join Mahdi, and the evil to Dajjal. Medinah will have been depopulated for forty years by the time of al-Qiyama. The sixth sign is that a thin ruler with short legs from Ethiopia will attack Mecca and destroy the Kabah.
The seventh sign is written in the Ahadith, and is the appearance of the da'ba-tul-ard, or the Beast of the Earth, who will populate the entire world and judge the wicked:
And when the Word is fulfilled against [the unjust], We shall produce from the earth a Beast to [face] them: he will speak to them, for that mankind did not believe with assurance in our Signs.
Qur'an 27:82
The entire world will be engulfed by dukhan, or smoke, for forty days and there will be three huge earthquakes.[28][50] The Qur'an will be taken to the heavens and even the huffaz will not recall its verses. Finally, a pleasant breeze will blow that shall cause all believers to die, but infidels and sinners will remain alive. A fire will start from Hadramawt in Yemen that shall gather all the people of the world in the land of Mahshar, and al-Qiyamah will commence.[27]
[edit]Separation of righteous and the damned at al-Qiyamah
The eighth sign is a breeze bearing a pleasant scent will emanate from Yemen, causing the awliya, sulaha and the pious to die peacefully once they inhale it. After the believers die, there will be a period of 120 years during which the world will hold only kafirs, sinners, oppressors, liars and adulterers, and there would be a reversion to idolatry.
The ninth sign is the rising of the sun from the West after a long night, which after midday will set again. According to Hadith:
Abu Hurayrah states that the Messenger of Allah (swt) A said, The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from the West and when the people see it they will have faith. But that will be (the time) when believing of the soul, that will have not believed before that time, will not benefit it.
Ibn Maja, as-Sunan, vol. 2 p 1352-53[27]
The final signs will be nafkhatu'l-ula, when the trumpet will be sounded for the first time, and which will result in the death of the remaining sinners. Then there will be a period of forty years. Then a second trumpet will sound to signal the resurrection. As written in the Qur'an:
The Trumpet will (just) be sounded, when all that are in the heavens and on earth will swoon, except such as it will please Allah (to exempt). Then will a second one be sounded, when, behold, they will be standing and looking on!
Sura 39 (Az-Zumar), ayah 68[51]
Finally, there will be no more injustic:
Surely God does not do injustice to the weight of an ant, and if it is a good deed He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward.
Sura 4 An-Nisa, ayah 40[52]
[edit]Resurrection of the dead
Main article: Barzakh
In the Qur'an, barzakh (Arabic: برزخ‎ is the intermediate state in which nafs of the deceased are held between realities to rest with loved ones until Qiyamah.[53][54][54][55][56]
The eleventh sign is the second sounding of the trumpet, at which time the dead will be resurrected as ba'as ba'da'l-mawt. All will be naked and running to the Place of Gathering, while the enemies of Allah will be travelling on their faces with their legs upright. Muhammad himself will be travelling on a buraq accompanied by 70,000 angels.[27]
At divine judgment, each person's Book of Deeds will be read, in which 'every small and great thing is recorded',[57] will be read, with actions before adolescence not written. Records shall be given in the right hand if they are good, and the left if they are evil. Even the smallest acts will not be ignored:
Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!
And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it.
Qur'an, sura 99 Az-Zalzala, ayat 7-8[58]
This will be followed by perfect, divine and merciful justice. The age of the hereafter, or rest of eternity, is the final stage after the Day of Judgment, when all will receive their judgment from God.
Those who believe in that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad, and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabians - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
Qur'an, sura 2 Al-Baqara, ayah 62[59]
The dead will stand in a grand assembly, awaiting a scroll detailing their righteous deeds, sinful acts and ultimate judgment.[60][61] Muhammad will be the first to be resurrected.[62]
If one did good deeds, one would go to Jannah, and if unrighteous would go to Jahannam. Punishments will include adhab, or severe pain, and khizy or shame.[63][63] There will also be a punishment of the grave between death and the resurrection.[64]
[edit]Comparison to Christianity
While appearing similar to certain parts of the Bible (Ezekiel,[65] James,[66] 1 Peter,[67] Revelation[68]), this is dissimilar to some Protestant branches of Christianity, where salvation comes by faith in Jesus alone. Catholics, however, cite James 2:24[69] as evidence that judgment is not based on faith alone. Islam emphasizes that grace does not conflict with perfect justice.
[edit]Islamic eschatology in literature
Ibn al-Nafis wrote of Islamic eschatology in Theologus Autodidactus, where he used reason, science, and early Islamic philosophy to explain how he believed the event would unfold as a theological fiction novel.[70] Fantasy novelist C. S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia, also portrayed the eschatology of Islam in his fiction novel The Last Battle.[71]
So this proves that there is no end of the world in 2012
The time of the event is not specified, although there are major and minor signs which have been foretold to happen with Qiyamah at the end of time.[1][2] Many earlier Qur'anic verses contain the motif of the impending the Day of Resurrection.[3][4]
The 75th Sura of the Qur'an, "al-Qiyama", has as its main subject the resurrection. Its tribulation is also described in the hadith, and commentaries of Islamic expositors such as al-Ghazali, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Majah, al-Bukhari, and Ibn Khuzaymah.[4][5] The Day of Judgment is also known as the Day of Reckoning, the Last Day and al-sā'ah, or the Hour.[6][7][8] [9]
The hadith describe end time with more specificity than the Qur'an, describing the events of al-Qiyamah through twelve major signs. At the time of judgment, terrible corruption and chaos will rule. The Mahdi will be sent and with the help of Isa, will battle Masih ad-Dajjal. They will triumph, liberating Islam from cruelty, and this will be followed by a time of serenity with people living true to religious values.[10]
Like other Abrahamic religions, Islam also teaches resurrection of the dead, a final tribulation and eternal division of the righteous and wicked.[11] Islamic apocalyptic literature describing Armageddon is often known as fitnah, malāhim, or ghaybah in Shīa Islam. Righteous are rewarded with pleasures of Jannah, while unrighteous are punished in Jahannam.Major and minor signs
There are a number of major and minor signs of the end of days in Islam. There is debate over whether they could occur concurrently or must be at different points in times, although Islamic scholars typically divide them into three major periods.[12][26]
Depiction of the Day of Judgment by Iranian artist Mohammad Modabber in the 19th century.
[edit]Minor signs
The second period will contain the minor signs known as ashratu's-sa'ah as- sughra.[27] This is the period we are currently in, and will last for a length of time unknown to all but Allah. The minor signs are numerous, and include up to one-hundred different predictions. Some are as follows:
People will speak and understand the Qur'an, but few will understand it, and fewer still will act on it
Men will wear silk clothing and marry other men
Trade and wealth will flourish, but people will complain of lack of barakah
Respect will be given according to wealth
There will be abundant rain, but poor harvests
Women will be more numerous than men
Businesses will defraud customers
Elderly will not be respected
People will not care when their children are illegitimate
Property will be unlawfully taken
Life expectancy will decrease, jealousy will spread, and murder will be common
The just will be unfairly accused, the wise ignored, and the deceitful shall become leaders
Inanimate objects will speak
There will be strange noises from the sky
There will be fire west of Yemen
There will be fighting over gold revealed by Euphrates
Woman will give birth to their masters[28]
Smoke[29][30]
Three huge earthquakes.[29]
The reversal of the natural including the sun, mountains and sea.[28]
[edit]Major signs
Following the second period, the third will be marked by the twelve major signs known as amaratu's-sa'ah al- kubra. They are as follows:
Appearance of the Mahdi atop a white horse[12][28]
The false messiah, Masih ad-Dajjal, shall appear as a great beast-like creature with one eye good and the other blind, and the mark of Kafir. He will claim to hold keys to heaven and hell and lead many astray, although believers will not be deceived.[26][31]
The return of Jesus Christ, from the seventh sky to assist the Mahdi against Dajjal[32]
Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj, two tribes of vicious beings which had been imprisoned will escape. They will ravage the earth, drink all its water, and destroy all life. Allah will eventually send worms and insects to wipe them out.[26][33][34]
Medina will be deserted, with true believers going to follow Mahdi and sinners following Dajjal
A short legged and thin ruler of Ethiopia will attack Mecca and destroy the Kabah
Dabbat al-ard, or the Beast of the Last Days will populate the entire planet[35]
A pleasant breeze will blow from Yeme that shall cause all believers to die
The sun will rise from the west [36][37][38]
A first trumpet will be sounded by Israfil, and all remaining humanity will die, followed by a period of forty years, at the end of which smoke will envelope the world for forty days
The Qur'an will be taken to heaven and even the huffaz will not recall its verses
A second trumpet will sound, the dead will return to life and a fire will start from Hadramawt in Yemen that shall gather all people of the world in Mahshar for the Qiy'amah[27]
[edit]Major Figures
[edit]Mahdi
Diagram of "Plain of Assembly"(Ard al-Hashr) on the Day of Judgment, from autograph manuscript of Futuhat al-Makkiyya by Sufi mystic and philosopher Ibn Arabi, ca. 1238. Shown are the 'Arsh (Throne of God), pulpits for the righteous (al-Aminun), seven rows of angels, Gabriel (al-Ruh), A'raf (the Barrier), the Hauzu'l-Kausar (Fountain of Abundance), al-Maqam al-Mahmud (the Praiseworthy Station; where the prophet Muhammad will stand to intercede for the faithful), Mizan (the Scale), As-Sirāt (the Bridge), Jahannam (Hell) and Marj al-Jannat (Meadow of Paradise).[39]
Main article: Mahdi
Mahdi (Arabic: مهدي‎
translates to 'guided one', with hadith being the primary source of his descriptions. His appearance will be the first sign of the third period.[27] Hadith write that he will be a descendant of Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and cousin Ali. The Mahdi will be looked upon to kill Al-Dajjal and end the prevalent disintegration of the Muslim community to prepare for the reign of Jesus who will rule for a time after. The Mahdi will similarly kill all enemies of the Prophet and fulfill the prophetic mission as a vision of justice and peace before following Jesus rule.[40] The physical features of Mahdi are described in the hadith--he will be of Arab complexion and average height with a large belly, large eyes and a sharp nose. He will have a mole on his cheek, the sign of the prophet on his shoulder, and be recognized by the caliphate while he sits at his own home. As written by Abu Dawud:Our Mahdi will have a broad forehead and a pointed (prominent) nose. He will fill the earth with justice as it is filled with injustice and tyranny. He will rule for seven years.
Abu Dawud, Sahih, 2.208 and Fusul al-muhimma, 275
Though the duration of his rule differs, hadith are consistent in describing that Allah will perfect him in a single night with inspiration and wisdom, and his name will be announced from the sky. He will bring back worship of true Islamic values, and bring the Ark of the Covenant to light. He will conquer Istanbul and Mount Daylam. His banner will be that of the prophet Muhammad: black and unstitched, with a halo. Unopened since the death of Muhammad, the banner will unfurl when the Mahdi appears. He will be helped by angels and others that will prepare the way for him. He will understand the secrets of abjad.[10]
[edit]Sunni and Shi'ite perspectives on the Mahdi
Main articles: The Occultation and Muhammad al-Mahdi
Sunni and Shi'ite Islam have different beliefs on the identity of Mahdi. Historically, Sunni Islam has derived religious authority from the caliphate, who was in turn appointed by the companions of Muhammad at his death. The Sunnis view the Mahdi as the successor of Mohammad, the Mahdi is expected to arrive to rule the world and reestablish righteousness. [41] Various Sunnis also share a parallel belief that though there may be no actual Mahdi, the existence of mujaddid will instead lead the Islamic revolution of a renewal in faith and avoidance of deviation from Gods path. Such an intellectual and spiritual figure of Sunni tradition has been attributed to numerous Muslims at the end of each Muslim century from the origin of Islam through present day.[40] This classical interpretation is favored by Sunni scholars like Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah.
Twelver Shi'a Islam, in distinction, followed the bloodline of Muhammad, favoring his cousin and son by marriage, Ali. Ali was appointed the first Imam, and following him there were eleven more. Muhammad al-Mahdi, otherwise known as the twelfth imam, went into hiding in 873 AD at the age of four. His father was al-`Askari, and had been murdered, and so he was hidden from the authorities of the Abbasid Caliphate. He maintained contact with his followers until 940 AD, when he was hidden. Twelver Shia Islam believes that al-Mahdi is the current Imam, and will emerge at the end of the current age as the Ahmadi described in scripture.[42] Some scholars say that, although unnoticed by others present, the Mahdi of Twelver Shi'a Islam continues to make an annual pilgrimage while he resides outside of Mecca.[43] In distinction, Sunni Islam foresees him as a separate and new prophet.[44] The present Ayatollahs of Saudi Arabia see themselves as joint caretakers of the office of the Imam until he returns, with Ayatollah Khomeini having claimed that he specifically was a descendant of the seventh Imam, and rightful ruler of the Shi'ites. [44] Shi'ite Islamic scholars like Ruhollah Khomeini favor this view of eschatology.
The Mahdi is not described in the Qurʾān, only in hadith, with scholars suggesting he arose when Arabian tribes were settling in Syria under Moawiya. They anticipated the Mahdi who will lead the rising people of the Yemen back to their country in order to restore the glory of their lost Himyarite kingdom. It was believed that he would eventually conquer Constantinople.[41]
[edit]Claimants of the Mahdi
Throughout history, there have been multiple claimants to the role of Mahdi that had come into existence through their pious deeds and by subsequently acquiring their own following. One of these men, Muhammad al-Hanifiyya who was the fourth Sunni Caliph, was said to have judgment and character over rival caliphs and mysteries of his death arose in the 8th century. It was believed he had in fact not died and would one day return as the Mahdi. The sect of Mahdavis arose as followers of another claimant, Muhammad Mahdi of Janpur in the 15th century. Furthermore, a potential Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad of Sudan, was believed to hold the title following his self-proclamation in 1881 and stand against the Turco-Egyptian government as well as the British.[40] Additionally, Mīrzā Ghulām Aḥmad of Punjab claimed to be the Mahdi during the same period as Muhammad Ahmad and though considered by Orthodox Muslims to be a heretic, though he amassed a substantial following and is credited with founding the sect of Ahmadiyya. [40] It should not be forgotten that two linked Shi'i movements, that of the Babis and that of the Baha'is believed (and believe) that their prophets, Sayyid 'Ali Muhammad, the Bab (d. 1850) and Mirza Husayn 'Ali Nuri, Baha' Allah were fulfillers of prophecy. The Bab is the thought to be the return of the Twelfth Imam and Baha' Allah the Mahdi. Since the Baha'is now preach a fairly successful international religion with possibly 6 million followers, ther concept of a fulfillment of Islamic prophecy is now current well outside the Islamic world.
[edit]Isa
Main article: Jesus in Islam
Isa is the Arabic name for Jesus Christ, and his return is considered the third major sign of last days, while the second is the appearance of Masih ad-Dajjal. Although Muhammad is the preeminent Prophet in Islam, Jesus is the only Prophet who is said not to have died but rather raised up to Allah.[45] Thus, in accordance with post-Quranic legend, he could conceivably return to Earth as a just judge on the Day of Judgment.[46] As written in hadith:
Abu Hurayrah narrates the the Messenger of Allah said, "By Him in whose hands my soul rests! It is definitely close in that time that Isa, Son of Maryam descends amongst you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the swine and abolish jizya. And money will abound in such access that no one will accept it.
Ahmad bin Hambal, al-Musnad, vol 2, p. 240[27]
Hadith reference both the Mahdi and Isa simultaneously and the return of the Mahdi will coincide with the return of Christ. He will descend from the heavens in al-Quds at dawn. The two will meet, and Mahdi will lead the people in fajr prayer. After the prayer, they will open a gate to the west and encounter Masih ad-Dajjal. After the defeat of ad-Dajjal, Isa will lead a peaceful forty-year reign until his death. He will be buried in a tomb beside Muhammad in Medina.[47] Though the two most certainly differ regarding their role and persona in Islamic eschatology, the figures of the Mahdi and Isa are ultimately inseparable for according to the Prophet. Though Isa is said to descend upon the world once again, the Mahdi will already be present.
What will be your reaction when the son of Mary (Jesus) descends and your Imam is from among yourselves? (Sahih Muslim, bab nuzul 'isa, Vol. 2; Sahih Bukhari, kitab bad' al-khalq wa nuzul 'isa, Vol. 4)
[edit]Al-Dajjal
Al-Dajjal or the Antichrist or False Messiah does not appear in the Quran but is a prominent figure in the Hadiths and Islamic eschatology as a whole. He appears gruesome and is blind in his right eye. His one eye is thought to be a symbol that correlates with how single minded he is in achieving his goal of converting Muslims to his side. Al-Dajjal has the intention of gaining followers through his miracle working abilities and apparent wealth and generosity. These abilities are a test for true believers of Islam, who have been warned about his power and must resist his material temptations. He is thought to appear prior to the Day of Judgement, where he will engage in an epic battle with and be killed by either Jesus (according to Sunni tradition) or the Mahdi (according to the Shia tradition). Al-Dajjal functions symbolically as a key cog in overall Islamic eschatological picture, which emphasizes the world coming to an end, of good finally triumphing over evil, and of the remarkable events that will prefigure the replacement of the mortal world with a more authentic form of existence in the afterlife. Various Muslim political movements use the concept of Al-Dajjal to comment on contemporary events, and often identify him with opposing regimes or other worldly forces that they consider as harmful to Islam.[48]
[edit]Ya'juj and Ma'juj
Main article: Gog and Magog
The fourth major sign of end time will be that the wall which imprisons the nations of Ya'juj and Ma'juj will break, and they will surge forth. Some Islamic scholars, such as Imran Nazar Hosein, believe the wall began to crack during the life of Muhammad. This is supported in the hadith when the prophet mentions that "a hole has been made in the wall containing the Ya'juj and Ma'juj", indicating the size of the hole with his thumb and index finger. Their release will occur forty years prior to the Last Judgment:[27]
But when Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj are let loose and they rush headlong down every hill and mountain
Qur'an 21:96 [49]
They will ravage the earth. Ultimately, Allah will send worms and insects to destroy them.[27]
[edit]Major Events
[edit]Desertion of Medina, destruction of Mecca, and the Beast of the Earth
The fifth sign is that Medinah will be deserted, and all that remains in the city will be date palms. The just will have gone to join Mahdi, and the evil to Dajjal. Medinah will have been depopulated for forty years by the time of al-Qiyama. The sixth sign is that a thin ruler with short legs from Ethiopia will attack Mecca and destroy the Kabah.
The seventh sign is written in the Ahadith, and is the appearance of the da'ba-tul-ard, or the Beast of the Earth, who will populate the entire world and judge the wicked:
And when the Word is fulfilled against [the unjust], We shall produce from the earth a Beast to [face] them: he will speak to them, for that mankind did not believe with assurance in our Signs.
Qur'an 27:82
The entire world will be engulfed by dukhan, or smoke, for forty days and there will be three huge earthquakes.[28][50] The Qur'an will be taken to the heavens and even the huffaz will not recall its verses. Finally, a pleasant breeze will blow that shall cause all believers to die, but infidels and sinners will remain alive. A fire will start from Hadramawt in Yemen that shall gather all the people of the world in the land of Mahshar, and al-Qiyamah will commence.[27]
[edit]Separation of righteous and the damned at al-Qiyamah
The eighth sign is a breeze bearing a pleasant scent will emanate from Yemen, causing the awliya, sulaha and the pious to die peacefully once they inhale it. After the believers die, there will be a period of 120 years during which the world will hold only kafirs, sinners, oppressors, liars and adulterers, and there would be a reversion to idolatry.
The ninth sign is the rising of the sun from the West after a long night, which after midday will set again. According to Hadith:
Abu Hurayrah states that the Messenger of Allah (swt) A said, The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from the West and when the people see it they will have faith. But that will be (the time) when believing of the soul, that will have not believed before that time, will not benefit it.
Ibn Maja, as-Sunan, vol. 2 p 1352-53[27]
The final signs will be nafkhatu'l-ula, when the trumpet will be sounded for the first time, and which will result in the death of the remaining sinners. Then there will be a period of forty years. Then a second trumpet will sound to signal the resurrection. As written in the Qur'an:
The Trumpet will (just) be sounded, when all that are in the heavens and on earth will swoon, except such as it will please Allah (to exempt). Then will a second one be sounded, when, behold, they will be standing and looking on!
Sura 39 (Az-Zumar), ayah 68[51]
Finally, there will be no more injustic:
Surely God does not do injustice to the weight of an ant, and if it is a good deed He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward.
Sura 4 An-Nisa, ayah 40[52]
[edit]Resurrection of the dead
Main article: Barzakh
In the Qur'an, barzakh (Arabic: برزخ‎
is the intermediate state in which nafs of the deceased are held between realities to rest with loved ones until Qiyamah.[53][54][54][55][56]The eleventh sign is the second sounding of the trumpet, at which time the dead will be resurrected as ba'as ba'da'l-mawt. All will be naked and running to the Place of Gathering, while the enemies of Allah will be travelling on their faces with their legs upright. Muhammad himself will be travelling on a buraq accompanied by 70,000 angels.[27]
At divine judgment, each person's Book of Deeds will be read, in which 'every small and great thing is recorded',[57] will be read, with actions before adolescence not written. Records shall be given in the right hand if they are good, and the left if they are evil. Even the smallest acts will not be ignored:
Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!
And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it.
Qur'an, sura 99 Az-Zalzala, ayat 7-8[58]
This will be followed by perfect, divine and merciful justice. The age of the hereafter, or rest of eternity, is the final stage after the Day of Judgment, when all will receive their judgment from God.
Those who believe in that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad, and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabians - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
Qur'an, sura 2 Al-Baqara, ayah 62[59]
The dead will stand in a grand assembly, awaiting a scroll detailing their righteous deeds, sinful acts and ultimate judgment.[60][61] Muhammad will be the first to be resurrected.[62]
If one did good deeds, one would go to Jannah, and if unrighteous would go to Jahannam. Punishments will include adhab, or severe pain, and khizy or shame.[63][63] There will also be a punishment of the grave between death and the resurrection.[64]
[edit]Comparison to Christianity
While appearing similar to certain parts of the Bible (Ezekiel,[65] James,[66] 1 Peter,[67] Revelation[68]), this is dissimilar to some Protestant branches of Christianity, where salvation comes by faith in Jesus alone. Catholics, however, cite James 2:24[69] as evidence that judgment is not based on faith alone. Islam emphasizes that grace does not conflict with perfect justice.
[edit]Islamic eschatology in literature
Ibn al-Nafis wrote of Islamic eschatology in Theologus Autodidactus, where he used reason, science, and early Islamic philosophy to explain how he believed the event would unfold as a theological fiction novel.[70] Fantasy novelist C. S. Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia, also portrayed the eschatology of Islam in his fiction novel The Last Battle.[71]
So this proves that there is no end of the world in 2012
