Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came to us all of a sudden as we were (busy in a discussion). He said: What do you discuss about? They (the Companions) said. We are discussing about the Last Hour. Thereupon he said: It will not come until you see ten signs before and (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke, Dajjal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Jesus son of Mary (Allah be pleased with him), the Gog and Magog, and land-slides in three places, one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia at the end of which fire would burn forth from the Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly.
The Book of Tribulations and Portents of the Last Hour
Sahih Muslim 2901 a - Commentary by Imam An-Nawawi
The Ten Major Signs
The Prophet (ﷺ) enumerated ten major signs that will precede the Final Hour, serving as clear warnings for believers. These signs will appear in sequence, each more tremendous than the last, signaling the imminent destruction of this world.
Exposition of the Signs
The Smoke (Dukhan) will envelop the earth, causing distress to disbelievers while believers experience only mild discomfort. This is a divine punishment and warning.
The Dajjal (False Messiah) will emerge, claiming divinity and performing deceptive miracles. His trial will be the greatest test for believers before the Hour.
The Beast (Dabbat al-Ard) will emerge from Mecca, speaking to people and distinguishing between believers and disbelievers.
The Sun Rising from the West marks the point where repentance is no longer accepted. This cosmic alteration demonstrates Allah's absolute power over creation.
The Descent of Jesus (ﷺ) will occur at the white minaret in Damascus. He will break the cross, kill the swine, abolish the jizyah, and fight the Dajjal.
Gog and Magog (Ya'juj wa Ma'juj) will spread corruption throughout the earth until Jesus (ﷺ) and the believers pray for their destruction.
Three Massive Landslides will occur in the East, West, and Arabian Peninsula, demonstrating the earth's submission to its Creator.
The Final Fire from Yemen will drive people toward their gathering place for judgment, herding them like animals to the plain of resurrection.
Scholarly Wisdom
The sequence of these signs is not explicitly defined in all narrations, but scholars agree they will occur progressively. The purpose of mentioning these signs is to strengthen faith, encourage preparation for the Hereafter, and warn against complacency in worldly matters.
True believers should focus on preparing for the Akhirah rather than speculating about timing. The wisdom lies in constant readiness through righteous deeds and sincere repentance.