The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The Hour (Last Day) will not be established until (religious) knowledge will be taken away (by the death of religious learned men), earthquakes will be very frequent, time will pass quickly, afflictions will appear, murders will increase and money will overflow amongst you." (See Hadith No. 85 Vol 1).
Exposition of the Hadith
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (Book: Invoking Allah for Rain (Istisqaa), Hadith: 1036) enumerates six major signs preceding the Day of Judgment, serving as both warning and guidance for the Muslim ummah.
Disappearance of Religious Knowledge
The removal of 'ilm (knowledge) refers not to its physical disappearance but to the death of authentic scholars who carry true understanding of Quran and Sunnah. When the bearers of knowledge depart, ignorance prevails, and people follow misguided opinions.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this signifies the departure of those who understand religious texts properly, leaving people to interpret according to their desires.
Increase in Earthquakes
Frequent earthquakes serve as divine warnings and reminders of Allah's power. They are manifestations of the earth bearing witness to the sins committed upon it and signals of the approaching major earthquake of the Hour.
Al-Qurtubi explains that these are among the minor signs that intensify as the Hour draws nearer, calling people to repentance.
Acceleration of Time
Time passing quickly means both the literal shortening of years and months through divine decree, and the psychological experience of time accelerating due to the abundance of distractions and decrease in barakah (blessing).
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that when good deeds decrease and sins increase, blessings are lifted from time itself.
Proliferation of Tribulations
The appearance of fitan (trials/tribulations) encompasses both external conflicts and internal confusion in religious matters. These test the faith of believers and separate the sincere from the hypocrites.
Scholars classify these as trials affecting both worldly affairs and religious understanding, requiring steadfastness upon the Sunnah.
Prevalence of Murder
The increase in killings reflects the degradation of the sanctity of human life and the breakdown of social order. This includes both individual murders and widespread warfare where killing becomes commonplace.
Al-Nawawi emphasizes that this indicates the loss of security and the cheapening of human life, contrary to Islamic teachings that preserve five essential matters: religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property.
Abundance of Wealth
Money overflowing signifies not blessing but trial, as wealth becomes abundant but people are miserly in charitable causes. The circulation of wealth increases while gratitude and proper usage decrease.
Ibn Hajar clarifies that this abundance comes without blessing, leading to hoarding and disputes over inheritance rather than being spent in Allah's cause.