I heard from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) a narration which none other than I will narrate to you. The Prophet, said, "From among the portents of the our are the following: General ignorance (in religious affairs) will prevail, (religious) knowledge will decrease, illegal sexual intercourse will prevail, alcoholic drinks will be drunk (in abundance), men will decrease and women will increase so much so that for every fifty women there will be one man to look after them."
Exposition of Hadith on the Portents of the Hour
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 5577, transmitted through the trustworthy companion Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, enumerates five significant signs preceding the Day of Judgment, each indicating spiritual and moral decline within the Muslim community.
Commentary on Religious Ignorance and Knowledge
The prevalence of general ignorance in religious affairs signifies not mere lack of information, but the disappearance of proper understanding of Islamic sciences. True knowledge ('ilm) here refers to comprehension of Quran, Sunnah, and jurisprudence.
The decrease in religious knowledge occurs through the passing of scholars without adequate successors, neglect of Islamic education, and prioritization of worldly sciences over religious learning, leading to misinterpretation and innovation.
Analysis of Moral Degradation
The prevalence of illegal sexual intercourse (zina) indicates societal breakdown of modesty and family structure. This includes not only physical acts but the normalization of indecency through media, free mixing, and abandonment of hijab.
The abundant consumption of alcoholic drinks (khamr), explicitly mentioned in the Book of Drinks, represents the broader category of intoxicants that cloud intellect and distance people from Allah's remembrance.
Examination of Demographic Imbalance
The extraordinary ratio of fifty women to one man results from numerous factors including wars, epidemics, and divine decree. This imbalance creates social instability and challenges in maintaining proper Islamic family structures.
The single man's responsibility toward fifty women refers to the Islamic obligation of providing maintenance and protection, highlighting the tremendous burden on remaining righteous men in such circumstances.
Scholarly Conclusions
These signs serve as warnings for Muslims to rectify their condition, seek knowledge, avoid sins, and prepare for the Hereafter. The gradual manifestation of these portents confirms the truth of the Prophet's prophecies.
Scholars emphasize that recognizing these signs should increase faith in Muhammad's prophethood and motivate Muslims toward religious revival, not despair, for Allah's mercy encompasses all things.