Question:
For some time, I’ve been reflecting on the signs of the end times—particularly the prophecies that our beloved Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ foretold regarding the wars and conflicts that would occur near the end of time.
With the ongoing tragedy and oppression in Gaza and Palestine, we often hear references to the Malḥamah al-Kubrā (the great and final battle, sometimes called Armageddon) and the ḥadīth, “‘Umrān Bayt al-Maqdis Kharāb Yathrib”—meaning that when Jerusalem becomes prosperous and highly developed, it will signal the decline or desolation of Madinah.
Looking at this Hadith and others, there seems to be a great deal of confusion and ambiguity surrounding these reports. Some scholars even claim that these prophecies are unfolding before our very eyes in the current era.
My question is:
How companions of prophet (sas) understood these ahadith ?
what are the main lessons and benefits we should derive from these prophecies today?
I would be deeply grateful if you could shed light on these questions and help us understand these predictions in their proper context—so we may take the intended lessons and reminders from them.
Answer:
May Allah bless you for your thoughtful question and your sincere concern to understand the Prophetic traditions in their proper light. Reflecting upon the signs of the end times (ʿAlāmāt al-Sāʿah) is indeed beneficial, provided that reflection is guided by sound knowledge, balance, and humility before revelation.
As for the ḥadīth that says “‘Umrān Bayt al-Maqdis Kharāb Yathrib”, meaning that when Jerusalem becomes prosperous, Madinah will fall into decline, and the reports about al-Malḥamah al-Kubrā (the great and final battle, sometimes called Armageddon), I have written a separate article in Arabic clarifying that this particular ḥadīth is weak. Because it is weak, it should not be used independently to establish its content, though it may be cited as supporting evidence for the general fact that near the end of time there will be widespread trials, conflict, and disorder.
The Companions of the Prophet ﷺ understood such ḥadīth not as predictions to decode or timelines to determine, but as moral and spiritual reminders. They did not busy themselves with calculating when these events would occur, nor did they try to identify who or where the signs would appear. Their focus was always upon what Allah required of them in their own time, to remain steadfast upon truth, to prepare for the Hereafter, and to avoid being distracted by worldly concerns. When they heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ speak of the turmoil that would precede the Hour, their reaction was not speculation but repentance, fear of Allah, and an increase in righteous action.
The signs of the Hour are mentioned in authentic ḥadīth and alluded to in the Qur’ān, sometimes directly and sometimes symbolically. The purpose of mentioning them is not to enable us to predict the unseen or to identify specific individuals and places, but to warn and remind. These reports are not intended to give us factual precision about future events; rather, they aim to awaken our hearts and strengthen our awareness of Allah.
Their message is moral and spiritual: to instil fear of Allah, to encourage repentance, to inspire hope in His promise, and to strengthen patience during trials. They teach us that hardship is not permanent, that Allah’s help always comes to those who remain steadfast, and that the believers’ duty is to continue striving for truth regardless of the surrounding turmoil.
The language of Prophetic reports about the future is not like ordinary language. It is often symbolic and layered with meaning. Therefore, one should not rush to match every phrase with a modern political event or assume that a prophecy is being fulfilled today. Such claims are speculative and can easily mislead. The correct attitude is one of faith, balance, and discernment, to neither exaggerate interpretations nor neglect their lessons.
Ultimately, the purpose of these reports is not to satisfy curiosity, but to shape the believer’s moral and spiritual readiness. They call us to be alert, sincere, and steadfast, always prepared to meet Allah. The intelligent person is not the one who knows when the Hour will come, but the one who prepares for it with faith and righteous action. As the Prophet ﷺ said: “The intelligent one is he who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death.” (Tirmidhī)
Therefore, the main lesson we should take from such aḥādīth is to remain conscious of Allah, to strengthen our trust in Him, and to stay steadfast in worship and moral integrity, no matter how dark the circumstances around us become. What benefits us most is not knowledge of when these events will occur, but how we respond, through taqwā, repentance, and sincerity in obedience.
May Allah grant us insight, patience, and steadfastness in these testing times, and make us among those who are alert to His signs and firm upon His path.
FOLLOW THE الشيخ محمد أكرم الندوي CHANNEL ON WHATSAPP:
