By Haris Farooq – Marketing expert and blogger
Allah (swt) says in the Quran: “And [that they may know] that the Hour is coming -no doubt about it- and that Allah will resurrect those in the graves.” (Al Hajj 22:7)
The end of the world is inevitable. Some of the signs preceding the final hour include lack of religious knowledge, increasing sin and bloodshed. Then the Dajjal will arrive who is considered one of the major and final signs of the hour and a most challenging trial for humanity.
Prophet Muhammad (sa) said: “When three things appear, faith will not benefit one who has not previously believed or derived any good from his faith – the rising of the sun from its place of setting, the Dajjal, and the Beast of the earth.” (Muslim)
As the hour looms closer, we witness a growing number of the signs prophesied in the Hadith, such as earthquakes, fires, and landslides. An obvious surge in the frequency of natural disasters can be noticed every year. Similarly, crime and corruption statistics have visibly increased over the past few years and continue to rise with each passing day.
As the hour’s final signs draw near, the signs that have already occurred may not diminish but could, in fact, intensify. It was narrated that Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (rta) said: “The Prophet of Allah (sa) addressed us regarding the Dajjal. Among the things he said was: ‘Before Dajjal appears, there will be three difficult years in which the people will suffer severe famine. In the first year, Allah will command the sky to withhold one-third of its rain and the earth to withhold one-third of its produce. In the second year, Allah will command the sky to withhold two-thirds of its rain and the earth to withhold two-thirds of its produce. In the third year, Allah will command the sky to withhold all of its rain, and not a single drop of rain will fall, and the earth to withhold all of its produce, and nothing will grow.’” (Ibn Majah)
The Hadith suggests that survival may become increasingly challenging. Just like the signs preceding the hour, the drought will amplify with time.
The Prophet (sa) further stated: “All cloven-hoofed animals will die, except those that Allah wills.” (Ibn Majah) With no rain and produce, people will turn to animal meat for sustenance. Yet even the animals will perish, exacerbating the famine.
The Companions asked the Prophet (sa): “What will the people live on at that time?” He replied: “Tahlil (saying La ilaha illa Allah), Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar), Tasbih (saying Subhan Allah) and Tahmid (saying Alhamdulillah). That will take the place of food for them.” (Ibn Majah)
The Quran and Sunnah emphasize the importance of remembering Allah (swt). This Hadith signifies that those who remember Allah (swt) will not be hungry; instead, they will find peace within. This remarkable phenomenon, of feeling full through spiritual connection despite physical hunger is a miracle in itself and serves as a testament to the rewards Allah (swt) has promised the believers.
Furthermore, it should be acknowledged that the solution to starvation that is mentioned in this Hadith can be applied to other situations as well. For instance, when one is confused, ill, or frightened, he must remember Allah (swt). His Dhikr gives us an opportunity for introspection, prompting us to reconsider our choices and reflect on our actions. In good times or bad, one should never forget to thank Allah (swt).
The remembrance of Allah (swt) can fix any condition or position one may find himself in. A man asked the Prophet (sa): “Oh Prophet of Allah, the laws of Islam are too many for me, so give me something I can hold on to.” The Prophet (sa) replied: “Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.” (Tirmidh)
Ultimately, inner peace and protection cannot be guaranteed by anyone except Allah (swt). No matter the calamity one is afflicted with, constantly remember Allah (swt), seeking His guidance and forgiveness.
“Unquestionable, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.” (Ar Rad 13:28)
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