Introduction
The Day of Judgment, known as Yawm al-Qiyamah, is a fundamental belief in Islam. Muslims believe that this world will come to an end and that every person will stand before Allah to be judged according to their deeds.
The Qur’an and Sunnah describe signs that will occur before the Last Hour. Learning about these signs should not simply satisfy our curiosity about the future; it should strengthen our faith, encourage repentance, and remind us to prepare for the Hereafter.
In this article, we explore the minor and major signs of the Day of Judgment using evidence from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.
When Will the Day of Judgment Occur?
The exact time of the Last Hour is known only to Allah.
Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour.”
Reference: Qur’an, Surah Luqman 31:34.
Even Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not know its exact timing. When Angel Jibreel asked him about the Hour, the Prophet ﷺ explained that the one being asked knew no more than the one asking.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 8a, the Hadith of Jibreel.
This teaches us not to believe people who claim to know the exact date or year of the Day of Judgment. Our responsibility is to prepare for it rather than predict it.
1. Minor Signs of the Day of Judgment
Minor signs are events and changes that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ informed us would occur before the Last Hour. Some have already occurred, while others continue to appear or remain to be fulfilled. Not every reported sign can be confidently assigned a precise date or declared fulfilled.
The Sending of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
One of the signs of the approaching Hour is the sending of the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ said, indicating his index and middle fingers:
“I and the Hour have been sent like these two.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6504.
This Hadith illustrates the closeness of the Last Hour in relation to the history of humanity, without giving an exact date.
Competition in Building Tall Structures
In the famous Hadith of Jibreel, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned that among the signs of the Hour would be barefoot, destitute shepherds competing in constructing tall buildings.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 8a.
This narration is often discussed when studying changes in wealth and society. However, Muslims should avoid claiming that any single modern building proves that the Hour is imminent.
The Widespread Appearance of Trials
The Prophet ﷺ warned that trials, confusion, and changes in people’s religious commitment would occur before the Last Hour.
These warnings remind believers to remain firm upon the Qur’an and Sunnah, verify information before spreading it, and seek knowledge from reliable scholars.
2. Major Signs of the Day of Judgment
Authentic Hadith describe ten major signs that will occur before the Hour.
Hudhayfah ibn Asid al-Ghifari (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ mentioned ten signs, including the smoke, the Dajjal, the Beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Jesus son of Mary (AS), Gog and Magog, three major landslides, and a fire that will drive people to their gathering place.
Reference: Sahih Muslim 2901.
The following are some of the major signs described in Islamic sources.
The Appearance of Al-Masih ad-Dajjal
The Dajjal will be a great trial for humanity. The Prophet ﷺ repeatedly warned his Ummah about him and taught Muslims to seek Allah’s protection from the trial of the Dajjal.
Muslims should learn the authentic descriptions of this trial rather than rely on rumors, fictional accounts, or unsupported claims about the identity of the Dajjal.
The Return of Prophet Isa (Jesus, AS)
Muslims believe that Prophet Isa (AS) will descend before the Last Hour, as described in authentic Hadith.
His return is among the major signs mentioned by the Prophet ﷺ. Islamic teachings about his return should be understood through reliable Qur’anic interpretation and authentic narrations.
The Emergence of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog)
The Qur’an mentions Ya’juj and Ma’juj in Surah Al-Kahf 18:94–99 and Surah Al-Anbiya 21:96.
Their emergence is also included among the major signs in authentic Hadith. The Qur’an and Sunnah provide the basis for believing in this event, while speculative claims about its exact timing should be avoided.
The Sun Rising from the West
Among the major signs is the rising of the sun from the west instead of the east.
The Prophet ﷺ explained that when this sign occurs, people will believe, but faith will not benefit a person who had not believed before or had not earned good through their faith.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6506; Sahih Muslim 157.
This is a powerful reminder not to delay repentance and obedience to Allah.
3. How Should Muslims Prepare for the Day of Judgment?
The purpose of learning about Qiyamah is to improve our lives and prepare for our meeting with Allah.
Strengthen your Salah. Establish the five daily prayers and strive to perform them with sincerity and humility.
Repent sincerely. Ask Allah for forgiveness and make a genuine effort to leave sinful behavior.
Follow the Qur’an and Sunnah. Learn your religion from authentic sources and trustworthy scholars.
Fulfil the rights of others. Treat your parents, family, neighbors, and wider community with justice and kindness.
Avoid spreading misinformation. Do not share unverified videos, rumors, or claims that a particular event proves the Hour is about to occur.
Remember the Hereafter. Make time for good deeds, charity, remembrance of Allah, and preparation for the life to come.
Allah says:
“O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow.”
Reference: Qur’an, Surah Al-Hashr 59:18.
Conclusion
The signs of the Day of Judgment are an important part of Islamic belief. The Qur’an and authentic Sunnah teach us about the approaching Hour and events that will occur before it, while making clear that its exact timing is known only to Allah.
Rather than becoming consumed by speculation, Muslims should use this knowledge as a reminder to strengthen their faith, fulfil their responsibilities, seek forgiveness, and prepare for the Hereafter.
May Allah protect us from the trials before the Last Hour, keep us firm upon the truth, forgive our sins, and grant us a good ending. Ameen.