INTRODUCTION
One of the characteristics of the human is a longing to know how things will work out in future. Specifically, he wants to know what is going to happen in terms of life and death, good and bad. Seeking to discover these things is human. Hence we see many people trying to find out about these things out from their dreams, knowledgeable people etc. Some people earn their living from that, because they know that the people have a keen interest in it. So people of weak intellect go to them in order to ask them how the future will work out with regard to earnings, power, livelihood, relationships, enemies and so on. So you see leaders and the common people resorting to consulting sorcerers, fortune tellers and astrologer in order to find out these things. Allaah has however given us the truth and that is sufficient.
Some benefits
1. Knowledge of shariah ruling to apply some of the benefits of knowing about what will happen in future is because they will require shariah rulings and the Muslims need to know how to behave when these events happen. As we proceed in this series we shall, insha Allaah, come across such events which require some rulings.
2. Knowledge of how to act during Allah (Bukhaaree) fitnah. - Another benefit of knowing the signs of the Last Hour is to warn us against the evil Bahead so that those of us that will be alive at that time can be prepared. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned us about some of the fitnah (trials & tribulations) that are to come and what we are supposed to do.
3. Reinforcement of Belief Knowing about what is to happen also serves to reinforce our belief in the Day of Resurrection. Believing in the Day of Resurrection is part of the fundamentals of faith. The fact that events in this world unfold as described in the texts is a clear indication of the truthfulness of all of the reports, including the reports about the Last Hour. Categories of the signs The Signs mentioned by the Messenger of Allaah have been divided into two major parts: Minor and Major Signs. Some of these signs have happened, some are still happening while some have not happened. Most of the major signs as at now have not happened as far as we know and Allaah knows best. So we shall treat the signs in three categories namely:
A. Signs which have come and gone.
B. Signs which have happened and are still happening and
C. Signs which have not yet happened. The fact that the Hour is coming and that some of it signs have already happened is attested to by many verses of the Noble Quran and ahadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah. Allaah says:
"And surely, the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it, and certainly, Allaah will resurrect those who are in the graves." (Q22:7)
And Do they then await (anything) other than the Hour, that it should come upon them suddenly? But some of its portents (indications and signs) have already come, and when it (actually) is on them, how can they benefit then by their reminder?" (Q47:18) ,
And when Jibril asked the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings be upon him) when the Hour will be established, he replied, "The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents,
when a slave (lady) gives birth to her master when the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah." (Bukhaaree)
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited