I went to the Prophet (ﷺ) during the Ghazwa of Tabuk while he was sitting in a leather tent. He said, "Count six signs that indicate the approach of the Hour: my death, the conquest of Jerusalem, a plague that will afflict you (and kill you in great numbers) as the plague that afflicts sheep, the increase of wealth to such an extent that even if one is given one hundred Dinars, he will not be satisfied; then an affliction which no Arab house will escape, and then a truce between you and Bani Al-Asfar (i.e. the Byzantines) who will betray you and attack you under eighty flags. Under each flag will be twelve thousand soldiers.
Jizyah and Mawaada'ah - Sahih al-Bukhari 3176
This narration from the companion Auf bin Malik al-Ashja'i contains profound prophecies from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ regarding the signs preceding the Final Hour. The Prophet ﷺ enumerated six major signs while seated in his leather tent during the Tabuk expedition, demonstrating the importance of these future events.
Commentary on the Six Signs
The first sign - the Prophet's death - represents the greatest calamity to befall the Ummah, as revelation ceased and direct divine guidance ended. This marks the beginning of the countdown to the Hour.
The conquest of Jerusalem signifies Muslim victory over the People of the Book and establishment of Islamic rule over holy lands. This occurred during Caliph Umar's reign, fulfilling this prophecy.
The plague mentioned resembles the Amwas plague during Caliph Umar's time that killed numerous companions, demonstrating how Allah tests believers with epidemics as He tests sheep with disease.
Wealth overflowing to the extent that 100 dinars doesn't satisfy indicates moral decay where people prioritize material wealth over spiritual matters, a condition we witness today.
The affliction affecting every Arab household refers to fitnah (trials) that penetrate every home, likely through media and corruption that spares no one.
The truce with Bani al-Asfar (Byzantines/Romans) and their subsequent betrayal under 80 flags (960,000 soldiers) points to major battles between Muslims and Western powers preceding the final victory of Islam.
Scholarly Observations
Classical scholars note these signs occur in sequence, with earlier ones having manifested and later ones awaiting fulfillment. The progression shows the Ummah's transition from direct prophecy to increasing trials before the Hour's establishment.
The hadith teaches Muslims to recognize divine patterns in history, maintain faith during trials, and understand that current events unfold according to prophetic blueprint, requiring patience and steadfastness.