The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Time will pass rapidly, good deeds will decrease, miserliness will be thrown (in the hearts of the people) afflictions will appear and there will be much 'Al-Harj." They said, "O Allah's Apostle! What is "Al-Harj?" He said, "Killing! Killing!" (See Hadith No. 63, Vol. 8)
Afflictions and the End of the World
Sahih al-Bukhari 7061
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Time will pass rapidly, good deeds will decrease, miserliness will be thrown (in the hearts of the people) afflictions will appear and there will be much 'Al-Harj." They said, "O Allah's Apostle! What is "Al-Harj?" He said, "Killing! Killing!"
Commentary
This profound hadith describes major signs preceding the Hour, where time's acceleration indicates the world's diminished duration. The decrease in good deeds reflects spiritual decline as people abandon righteous acts. Miserliness cast into hearts signifies the corruption of inner states, where generosity is replaced by greed.
The appearance of afflictions (fitan) refers to trials testing faith and society's stability. "Al-Harj" meaning killing demonstrates the ultimate breakdown of social order where human life loses sanctity. This prophecy warns of moral and social collapse where violence becomes commonplace, serving as both divine warning and call to spiritual vigilance before the Final Hour.