That one day Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) entered upon her in a state of fear and said, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah! Woe to the Arabs from the Great evil that has approached (them). Today a hole has been opened in the dam of Gog and Magog like this." The Prophet (ﷺ) made a circle with his index finger and thumb. Zainab bint Jahsh added: I said, "O Alllah's Apostle! Shall we be destroyed though there will be righteous people among us?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Yes, if the (number) of evil (persons) increased."
Afflictions and the End of the World
Sahih al-Bukhari 7135
Context and Meaning
This hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari describes a momentous prophecy regarding the emergence of Gog and Magog (Ya'juj wa Ma'juj), one of the major signs preceding the Day of Judgment. The Prophet's ﷺ fear demonstrates the gravity of this event, as these corrupt nations will spread destruction throughout the earth.
The hole made with finger and thumb signifies the initial breach in their barrier - small at first but portending great calamity. This aligns with Quranic descriptions in Surah Al-Anbiya and Surah Al-Kahf of these destructive forces being unleashed upon humanity.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that when evil becomes predominant and righteousness diminishes, divine protection is lifted from communities. Even the presence of righteous individuals cannot avert punishment when corruption becomes widespread.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that this hadith illustrates the principle of collective responsibility - when evil prevails and the righteous fail to reform society, all may face consequences. The preservation of communities depends on maintaining moral boundaries and preventing the spread of corruption.
Spiritual Lessons
This narration serves as a grave warning about the consequences of moral decay and the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil. It reminds believers of their responsibility to maintain social righteousness.
The hadith also teaches about divine wisdom - Allah's decree unfolds according to His perfect knowledge, and believers must trust in His judgment while striving to uphold righteousness in all circumstances.