'The people will not finish attacking this House until it is attacked by an army which, when they are at Al-Baida', or a Baida' in the land, it will swallow from the first of them to the last of them, and the middle of them shall not be saved.' I said: 'O Messenger of Allah(s.a.w)! What about those among them who are averse to it?' He said: 'Allah will resurrect them upon what was in their souls(intentions)."'
Hadith Text & Reference
"The people will not finish attacking this House until it is attacked by an army which, when they are at Al-Baida', or a Baida' in the land, it will swallow from the first of them to the last of them, and the middle of them shall not be saved." I said: "O Messenger of Allah(s.a.w)! What about those among them who are averse to it?" He said: "Allah will resurrect them upon what was in their souls(intentions)."
Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2184 | Book: Chapters On Al-Fitan | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Context & Meaning
This profound hadith foretells a future army that will march to attack the Sacred House (Ka'bah) in Mecca. When they reach Al-Baida' (a desert area between Mecca and Medina), the earth will miraculously swallow them entirely - from vanguard to rearguard - as divine punishment for their sacrilegious intent.
The companion's question reveals his concern for those compelled to join against their will. The Prophet's response establishes the Islamic principle that Allah judges by intentions (niyyah), not mere outward actions. Those forced physically but resisting inwardly will be judged accordingly.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain this as one of the major signs preceding the Day of Judgment. Ibn Kathir notes this punishment mirrors Pharaoh's army's destruction, demonstrating Allah's protection of His Sacred Places.
Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that "Al-Baida'" refers to specific desert terrain where miraculous engulfment occurs, serving as a warning against violating Mecca's sanctity.
The ruling on intentions follows the established principle "Actions are but by intentions" (Bukhari 1). Al-Mubarakpuri explains that compulsory participants with pure hearts will be resurrected as believers, while willing attackers face eternal punishment.
Spiritual Lessons
This prophecy reinforces Mecca's inviolability and Allah's direct protection of His sanctuaries. It comforts believers that divine justice accounts for internal states, not just external compliance.
The hadith teaches that collective punishment for public crimes doesn't negate individual accountability before Allah. It also warns Muslims to examine their intentions when participating in any endeavor, especially involving sacred matters.