IMPORTANCE
All the previous Ambiyaa (A.S.) informed their respective Ummats about the signs of Qiyamah, but Our Beloved Nabi Sayyidena Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) informed his Ummat about these signs in much greater detail. The reason being that there is no Nabi to come after him and his Ummat is closest to the advent of Qiyamah, hence they need to make greater preparation for it by reforming their spiritual selves, controlling their passions and diligently carrying out the orders of Allah Ta'ala.
According to a hadeeth appearing in Sahih Muslim, Sayyidena Abi Zaid (R.A.) says, "Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) once led the Fajr Salaat after which he ascended the pulpit and addressed us till Zuhr Salaat. He alighted from the pulpit, performed Zuhr Salaat and ascended the pulpit. He then addressed us till Asr and descended from the pulpit. He performed Salaat and ascended the Mimbar. He then addressed us till sunset. (In these sermons) He informed us about those incidents which had occurred as well as those which are yet to occur. Those with stronger memories amongst us remembered most of them."
The above hadeeth as well as other Ahadeeth indicate the importance attached to the imparting of information pertaining to Qiyamah. It is further reported that the Noble Companions used to teach these Ahadeeth to their children instructing them to convey it to others.
It will be noticed that while some Ahadeeth mention very briefly certain signs of Qiyamah, other ahadeeth again mention certain signs in greater detail eg. the coming of Sayyidena Eesa (A.S.), Imaam Madhi (A.S.) and the advent of Dajjal. This is so because of the fact that these signs are a greater test for one's Imaan.
Another important point is that despite the large collection of Ahadeeth which exists in regard to the signs of Qiyamah there is no specific order mentioned in as far as the occurrence of many of these events is concerned. The exact period between each sign is also generally unknown.
Further, certain signs have been mentioned very briefly, thus making it difficult to specify exactly as to whether or not a certain event which has occurred or is occurring is the same one which the Ahadeeth has mentioned. The reason for all these above factors is to disable anyone from reckoning the exact time of Qiyamah which Allah has said will occur suddenly "it will come upon you suddenly". (Qur'aan).
TYPES OF SIGNS
The minor signs are again divided as follows: Immediate and later.
The immediate signs occurred in the earlier era of Islam while the later signs will occur in closer proximity to Qiyamah.
After the passing of the later signs will follow the major signs. The signs of Qiyamah in this book are listed in the above mentioned order.
THE MINOR SIGNS: IMMEDIATE
THE NOBLE BIRTH OF RASULULLAH
Qiyamah will not come until the Final Nabi of Allah (Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) came to this Earth. Being the Final Nabi it is obvious that once he has come Qiyamah is near.
THE DEMISE OF RASULULLAH
It is also evident that Qiyamah will never come during the lifetime of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Therefore no sooner did Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) pass away, then the advent of Qiyamah drew closer.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) once said, "I and Qiyamah have been sent like this". He indicated the closeness of these events (his coming and Qiyamah) by holding his index finger and middle finger together.
THE SPLITTING OF THE MOON
This incident apart from being a miracle of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is also a sign of Qiyamah and occurred approximately five years prior to the Hijrah.
THE TARTARS
The incident of the Tartars has been recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah. In the words of Bukhari the following is recorded, "Sayyidena Abu Hurairah narrates that Rasulullah said that Qiyamah will not take place until you people do not engage in battle with the Turks, (this does not refer to the Turkish people) who have small eyes, reddish laces and small flat noses. Their faces will be like a shield (broad) upon which many layers of skin have been placed. Qiyamah will not come until you do not fight with that nation which wears shoes made of hair."
NOTE:Allamah Nawawi (R.A.) the well known commentator of Sahih Muslim says: This prophecy of Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) (regarding the Tartars) is from amongst his miracles. The battle is in progress with the Turks. All the details mentioned by Rasulullah are found in them: small eyes, reddish faces, small flat noses, broad faces. Their faces are like a shield over which layers of skin have been placed. They wear shoes made of hair.
These signs are found in them in our times. The Muslims have fought and are still fighting them. We supplicate unto Allah that May He forever shower His kindness and support. May His Mercy be upon His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) who does not speak from his own side, but whatever he speaks is Divine Revelation.
