As believers, it is essential to be aware of the signs that indicate the approach of the Day of Judgment. The signs of the Hour serve as reminders of the transient nature of this world and the ultimate accountability that awaits us. Let us explore some of these signs, as mentioned in the Quran and the authentic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
1. Moral Decay and Widespread Corruption:
One of the signs of the Hour is the increase in moral decay and corruption in society. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "By Allah, I do not fear poverty for you, but I fear that the world would be abundant for you as it has been for those before you, so you compete for it as they have competed for it, so it destroys you as it has destroyed them" (Bukhari). This warning highlights the importance of guarding our moral values in a society prone to corruption.
2. Increase in Materialism and Love of the Dunya:
Another sign of the Hour is the widespread love for material possessions and worldly pursuits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The Hour will not be established until my ummah [nation] follows the ways of those who came before them, inch by inch and step by step, so much so that if they were to enter a lizard's hole, they would follow them" (Tirmidhi). This warns against the dangers of excessive attachment to worldly desires, diverting focus from our ultimate purpose.
3. Erosion of Trust and Prevalence of Deception:
A significant sign of the Hour is the erosion of trust and an increase in deception. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Honesty will be lost, and trustworthiness will be diminished, and then there will come a day when a man will not care about how he gets his money, whether legally or illegally" (Bukhari). This emphasizes the importance of upholding honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.
4. Spread of Falsehood and Ignorance:
The spread of falsehood and ignorance is also among the signs of the Hour. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Indeed, before the Hour, there will be days of deceit in which the truthful person will not be believed, and the liar will be believed" (Ahmad). This highlights the need for seeking knowledge, verifying information, and holding onto the authentic teachings of Islam.
5. Increase in Natural Disasters:
An increase in natural disasters is another sign of the Hour. The Quran mentions, "And when the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake. And the earth discharges its burdens" (Quran 99:1-2). The occurrence of earthquakes, hurricanes, and other calamities serves as a reminder of the power and might of Allah, urging us to turn back to Him in repentance.
The signs of the Hour are reminders for believers to remain vigilant, prepare for the hereafter, and strive to live a righteous life. Moral decay, materialism, erosion of trust, spread of falsehood, and natural disasters are among the signs that indicate the approaching Day of Judgment. By recognizing these signs, we can strive to purify our hearts, increase our devotion to Allah, and fulfill our responsibilities as stewards of this world.
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