Introduction:
The arrival of the Dajjal (the Antichrist) is one of the most significant signs of the end times in Islamic eschatology. Before the Dajjal appears, several other signs and events will unfold. These signs serve as warnings for believers to prepare spiritually and morally for the trials ahead. Here are some of the major signs that will precede the arrival of the Dajjal.
1. Increased Immorality and Corruption:
Moral Decay:
- A significant sign before the Dajjal’s arrival is the widespread prevalence of immorality, injustice, and corruption. People will engage in sinful behavior openly, and moral values will deteriorate.
Hadith Reference:
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Near the establishment of the Hour there will be days during which ignorance will spread, knowledge will be taken away, and there will be much Harj, and Harj means killing” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
2. Absence of Knowledge and Increase in Ignorance:
Loss of Religious Knowledge:
- Religious knowledge will diminish, and ignorance will become widespread. Scholars will be few, and those who remain may not be followed.
Hadith Reference:
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes away knowledge by taking away the scholars, till when none of the scholars remain, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
3. Spread of False Prophets:
False Claimants:
- There will be an emergence of false prophets and claimants to prophethood who will deceive many people.
Hadith Reference:
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The Hour will not be established until about thirty Dajjal (liars) appear, and each one of them will claim that he is Allah’s Messenger” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
4. Severe Trials and Tribulations:
Fitnah (Trials):
- The world will witness severe trials and tribulations, causing widespread suffering. These trials will test the faith of believers.
Hadith Reference:
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned, “There will be tribulations during which a sitting person will be better than a standing one, and the standing one will be better than a walking one, and the walking one will be better than a running one” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
5. Major Wars and Conflicts:
Battles and Bloodshed:
- There will be significant wars and conflicts before the arrival of the Dajjal, resulting in massive destruction and loss of life.
Hadith Reference:
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Turks; people with small eyes, red faces, and flat noses. Their faces will look like shields coated with leather” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
6. Appearance of Al-Mahdi:
Guided Leader:
- Before the Dajjal appears, a righteous leader known as Al-Mahdi will emerge. He will lead the Muslims and restore justice.
Hadith Reference:
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Al-Mahdi will appear from my Ummah. Allah will make provisions for him within one night” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Conclusion:
The signs preceding the arrival of the Dajjal are numerous and serve as a warning for believers to remain steadfast in their faith. These signs include increased immorality, loss of religious knowledge, the spread of false prophets, severe trials, major wars, and the appearance of Al-Mahdi. Understanding these signs helps Muslims prepare spiritually for the trials of the end times and strengthens their resolve to stay true to their faith amidst the challenges ahead.