The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Near the establishment of the Hour, there will be the days of Al-Harj, and the religious knowledge will be taken away (vanish i.e. by the death of Religious scholars) and general ignorance will spread." Abu Musa said, "Al-Harj, in the Ethiopian language, means killing."
Afflictions and the End of the World
Sahih al-Bukhari 7066
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Near the establishment of the Hour, there will be the days of Al-Harj, and the religious knowledge will be taken away (vanish i.e. by the death of Religious scholars) and general ignorance will spread." Abu Musa said, "Al-Harj, in the Ethiopian language, means killing."
Commentary on the Signs
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari describes major signs preceding the Day of Judgment. "Al-Harj" refers to widespread killing and chaos that will become commonplace. The disappearance of religious knowledge occurs through the death of scholars without adequate replacements, leading to ignorance where people no longer distinguish between lawful and unlawful.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that the removal of knowledge signifies not its literal disappearance but the departure of those who understand and implement it correctly. When true scholars perish, people take ignorant leaders who issue rulings without knowledge, leading communities astray. The cycle of killing (Al-Harj) emerges from this spiritual void, as societies lose moral compass and respect for life.
Contemporary Relevance
This prophecy manifests in eras where religious scholarship is devalued and authentic learning diminishes. The solution lies in seeking knowledge from qualified scholars, preserving traditional learning methods, and recognizing the grave consequences when divine guidance is neglected. Muslims must prioritize religious education to counter these end-time tribulations.