Changes in the World Before the Day of Judgment and the Major Signs: An Islamic Perspective

The exact time of the Day of Judgment is known only to Allah. However, before it occurs, a number of unusual and extraordinary changes will take place in the world, which in Islamic terminology are known as Ashrat al-Sa‘ah (the signs of the Hour). The discussion of these signs is primarily meant to increase the faith-consciousness of believers and to encourage preparation for the Hereafter.

When Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam was asked about the timing of the Day of Judgment, he emphasized preparation rather than specifying a time. He said, “What have you prepared for it?” (Sahih Bukhari — Hadith: 3667). This indicates that preparing for the Day of Judgment is more important than knowing when it will occur.

According to Islamic teachings, the signs of the Day of Judgment are of two types—minor and major. The minor signs appear long before the Day of Judgment and continue over an extended period. In contrast, the major signs will appear very close to the Hour and will be highly significant and extraordinary in nature. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam compared these major signs to a string of beads; when the string breaks, the beads fall one after another in quick succession.

The major signs will begin with the (appearance) of Imam Mahdi. He will lead the Muslim Ummah in the final era and fill the earth with justice and fairness, just as it had previously been filled with (oppression and injustice) (Sunan Abu Dawud — Hadith: 4282). Through him, long-standing unrest and injustice will come to an end.

After that, the greatest trial in human history will emerge with the appearance of Dajjal. He will claim to be divine and deceive people through extraordinary abilities. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam warned about him, saying, “Dajjal will be one-eyed, but your Lord is not one-eyed” (Sahih Bukhari — Hadith: 7408). This will be a severe test for humanity.

When the trial of Dajjal reaches its peak, Prophet Isa (Jesus) alaihis salam will descend. He will defeat Dajjal and establish justice on earth. The Qur’an mentions his return as a sign of the Hour: “Indeed, he (Isa) is a sign of the Hour, so do not doubt it.” (Surah Az-Zukhruf — 43:61). His presence will bring stability to the world.

During the time of Isa alaihis salam, a vast group known as Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) will be released, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The Qur’an states: “Until when Ya’juj and Ma’juj are released, and they hasten from every elevation.” (Surah Al-Anbiya — 21:96). Eventually, they will be destroyed by Allah’s command.

Then a remarkable change will occur in the rising of the sun—it will rise from the west instead of the east. This will mark the closure of the door of repentance. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said, “The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from the west... and when people see it, all will believe, but that belief will not benefit them.” (Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 157).

After this, a strange creature known as Dabbat al-Ard will emerge from the earth. It will speak to people and mark them based on their faith. The Qur’an says: “And when the word befalls them, We will bring forth for them a creature from the earth speaking to them.” (Surah An-Naml — 27:82).

Before the Day of Judgment, a thick smoke will descend from the sky and envelop the earth. Additionally, three major landslides will occur—one in the east, one in the west, and one in the Arabian Peninsula (Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 2901). These events will signal global upheaval and transformation.

Finally, a fire will emerge from the region of Yemen, which will gather and drive people toward the place of resurrection. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said, “A fire will come out from Yemen and will drive the people to their place of gathering.” (Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 2901).

These major signs of the Day of Judgment are an essential part of Islamic belief. They remind us that this world is not permanent, but rather a temporary place of testing. Each sign serves as a quiet call to the believer—to reflect, to reform one’s deeds, and to sincerely prepare for the Hereafter.

Therefore, the greater question is not when the Day of Judgment will occur, but how prepared we are for it. This realization makes a conscious believer more responsible regarding their life, time, and actions.