Signs of the Day of Judgement: Minor & Major Signs

Belief in the Day of Judgement is a core tenet of Islam. Islamic teachings describe numerous signs of the Judgement Day (Yawm al-Qiyamah) that will precede the final Hour.

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These signs are traditionally categorized into minor signs (events and moral trends that occur long before the Day, often gradually) and major signs (dramatic, supernatural events that will occur near the end, heralding that the Day of Judgement is imminent).

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In this article, we present a detailed list of the Day of Judgement signs – including signs for Day of Judgement that have already happened, those occurring at present, and those yet to come in the future – based on references from the Quran and Hadith.

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The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) indicated the closeness of the Hour, saying “I and the Hour have been sent like this,” while holding up two adjacent fingers.

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No one knows the exact timing of the final Hour except Allah, but the Prophet gave us signs to recognize its approach.

Minor Signs of the Day of Judgement

The minor signs of the Day of Judgement are numerous. They began with the advent of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and include various events and social phenomena that were prophesied in the Hadith.

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Many minor signs have already occurred and concluded in history, some have appeared and are ongoing in the world today, and some have not yet taken place but will happen in the future.

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Below, the minor signs are organized based on their timeframe, with a brief description and reference (Quran or Hadith) for each. These Day of Judgement signs serve as reminders and warnings for believers.

Past: Minor Signs that Have Already Occurred (Fulfilled)

• The coming of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – The mission of the Prophet was itself the first minor sign of the approaching Hour. Being the final messenger of God, his arrival signified that the Day of Judgement is drawing near (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari & Muslim).
• The death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – The passing of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was foretold as a sign that the end of times is near. This occurred in 632 CE, marking the conclusion of prophethood and a step closer to the Last Day (Hadith).
• Splitting of the Moon – In the time of the Prophet, the moon was miraculously split into two halves by Allah’s power as a sign. The Quran mentions this event: “The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been split”  (Quran 54:1). Muslims understand this miracle (witnessed by the Makkans) as an indication of the approach of the Hour, and it has already happened.
• The Plague of ‘Amwās – A widespread plague struck the Muslim lands in the 7th century (during the caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab), killing thousands. This epidemic, known as Ṭāʿūn ‘Amwās, was foretold as a minor sign (“a form of death that will kill thousands of Muslims” ) and it occurred in the year 639 CE.
• Conquest of Jerusalem – The early Muslims’ conquest of Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) in 637 CE fulfilled another prophecy. This event, occurring within a few years after the Prophet’s death, was mentioned as one of the minor signs of Qiyamah (Hadith).
• Major early Islamic battles and tribulations – The fitan (tribulations) that took place in the first generations of Muslims were predicted by the Prophet PBUH. These include internal conflicts like the civil war (Battle of the Camel and Battle of Ṣiffīn) and the emergence of sects such as the Khawarij. One hadith mentions “two large groups of Muslims will fight each other”, which was exemplified by the early battles between the companions. These events, such as the Battle of al-Ḥarrah in 683 CE , have already occurred in Islamic history (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari & Muslim).
• Appearance of false prophets – The Prophet (ﷺ) warned that impostors claiming prophethood would arise. Indeed, figures like Musaylimah al-Kadhdhāb and Al-Aswad Al-‘Ansī emerged and claimed to be prophets in the Prophet’s lifetime or soon after. Throughout history up to 30 false claimants have appeared (as prophesied in hadith). These early false prophets were defeated by the Muslims, and their appearance is a fulfilled sign (Hadith - Sunan Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).
• A great fire in the Hijaz – In the year 1256 CE (654 AH), a massive fire erupted near Madinah in the Hijaz region, which was so huge that it was reportedly seen from towns far away. Scholars of the time, like Imam An-Nawawi, documented this Hijaz fire in detail. The Prophet had foretold, “A fire will appear in the land of Hijaz which will be seen by the inhabitants of Busra (Syria)”. This event took place in the 13th century, marking another prophecy fulfilled (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari).

• The Muslim conquest of Constantinople – The Prophet (ﷺ) predicted the conquest of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). This occurred in 1453 CE at the hands of the Ottoman Muslims, fulfilling the prophecy. Some scholars believe this conquest may happen again in the future, but historically, it has already been realized once (Hadith - Musnad Ahmad).

Present: Minor Signs Happening Now (Ongoing)

• Loss of honesty and trustworthiness – The Prophet warned that trust (amānah) would disappear and people would entrust affairs to the unqualified. Today we see many instances of incompetence and corruption in leadership. This loss of trust is an ongoing sign, as people often hand positions of authority to those unfit for the responsibility (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari).

• Knowledge being taken away & spread of ignorance – It was foretold that religious knowledge would diminish (as scholars die) and ignorance would prevail. In our times, while information is abundant, true understanding of faith is scarce. We witness widespread ignorance about religion and the rise of misguided ideologies. This process is ongoing as a sign of the approaching Day (Hadith - Bukhari & Muslim).
• Widespread adultery (zina) – Immorality and sexual promiscuity have become common. The Prophet (ﷺ) said illegal sexual intercourse would spread before the Hour. Today, fornication and adultery are openly practiced and even promoted in many societies, fulfilling this sign (Hadith -Sahih Bukhari).
• Prevalence of interest and usury (riba) – Another sign is that usurious transactions would be everywhere. In modern times, interest-based finance dominates the global economy, and it’s difficult to avoid riba. This fulfills the prophecy that people will engage in riba openly (Hadith - Sunan an-Nasa’i).
• Widespread use of intoxicants – The Prophet foretold that alcohol (wine) and intoxicants would be consumed in great quantities. Indeed, the modern world has seen a global rise in alcohol and drug use. Intoxicants are widely available and even socially acceptable, which is a clear sign happening now (Hadith - Sahih Muslim).
• Spread of musical instruments and singers – It was predicted that music and female singers would become popular and commonplace. Today’s era of mass media and entertainment has made music ubiquitous across the world. Many Muslims consider the overwhelming presence of musical concerts and entertainers as a fulfillment of this minor sign (Hadith - Sahih al-Bukhari).
• People competing in building tall buildings – In a famous hadith, the Prophet mentioned that “barefoot, destitute shepherds will compete in constructing tall buildings.” We see this clearly in the modern skyline: people in once-desert regions (for example, the Arabian Gulf states) are competing to erect the world’s tallest skyscrapers. This astounding race for towering buildings, by those who were previously poor herders, is unfolding in front of our eyes. (Hadith -Sahih Muslim).
• Disobedience of children towards parents – Described metaphorically as “the slave woman will give birth to her mistress”, this sign means children will behave arrogantly towards their mothers. In current times, many parents experience disobedience and disrespect from their children – a scenario akin to masters mistreating servants. This inversion of family roles is a prophesied sign that is evident today (Hadith - Bukhari & Muslim).
• Widespread killings and violence – The Prophet (ﷺ) said “Harj” (killing) will increase before the Hour. Today, there is incessant violence, terrorism, mass shootings, wars and bloodshed around the world. The unprecedented scale of killing and murder in the modern age fulfills this ongoing sign of chaos and tribulation (Hadith - Bukhari & Muslim).
• Frequent earthquakes and natural disasters - A notable sign is the increase in earthquakes and natural calamities. In recent decades, earthquakes have become frequent news, alongside floods, hurricanes and other disasters. The world indeed witnesses more frequent seismic events, as the prophecy indicated. (Hadith - Sahih al-Bukhari).
• Landslides and transformations - The Prophet PBUH mentioned that landslides (the earth swallowing people) and transformations (metamorphosis of people into animals as a punishment) would occur. There have been incidents of sudden sinkholes and landslides in various parts of the world. Some scholars interpret “transformations” metaphorically or as future events; nonetheless, the increased geological disturbances align with this sign.
• Women will appear clothed yet naked - This phrase from hadith describes the widespread trend of immodesty in dress, where clothing fails to actually cover (being tight, transparent or scant). We see this phenomenon in modern fashion: many people, especially women, wear revealing attire (appearing “naked” despite wearing clothes). The global spread of such immodest fashion was foretold as a minor sign and is clearly manifest today. (Hadith - Sahih Muslim).
• Prevalence of false testimony and dishonesty - Truthfulness will decrease and false testimony will be common. In current times, perjury, lies in business or media, and general dishonesty are rampant. People readily give false witness or hide the truth for personal gain, reflecting this ongoing sign. (Hadith - Sunan al-Tirmidhi).
• An increase in the female population - The Prophet predicted an imbalanced gender ratio, saying that eventually “the number of women will increase and the number of men will decrease,” until there are 50 women for every man. We haven’t reached that extreme ratio yet, but due to wars and other factors, in many regions women already outnumber men. This trend is developing and is seen as a sign that is in progress (and may fully materialize in the future). (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari).
• Arabia turning green and fertile - It was prophesied that the land of the Arabs will once again become meadows and rivers. We are witnessing signs of this with increasing greenery in deserts through irrigation projects and climate changes bringing more rain to the Arabian Peninsula. For example, parts of Arabia have seen unusual rainfall and blooming vegetation. This ongoing environmental change is viewed as a fulfillment of that prophecy (Hadith - Sahih Muslim).
• Time passing quickly - One subtle sign is that time will feel shorter and months pass like weeks, weeks like days. Many people today sense that time is flying by, which scholars interpret as the world lacking blessings (barakah) in time. This change in perception of time, possibly due to our fast-paced lifestyles and technology, matches the Prophet’s prediction “time will pass rapidly” (reported in Bukhari and Muslim). It’s an ongoing sign noticed by everyone (Hadith - Bukhari & Muslim).
• Greed and miserliness will dominate hearts - The Prophet (ﷺ) foretold that miserliness would become widespread and people would become stingy. Today’s world, despite abundant wealth, is marked by greed and hoarding. Many find it hard to part with their wealth – even obligatory charity (Zakat) is seen as a burden by some. This change in attitudes towards wealth and charity is clearly observable now, in line with the prophecies. (Hadith - at-Tirmidhi).
• People won’t care about the source of their wealth - A minor sign mentioned in hadith is that people will no longer worry whether their earnings are ḥalāl (permissible) or ḥarām (forbidden). In our time, many pursue money by any means necessary, even through fraud, corruption or unlawful industries, with little regard for religious ethics. This indifference to how income is obtained fulfills the prophecy of moral decline in business dealings. (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari).
• A person will wish for death due to trials - The enormity of trials (fitan) in the end times will be such that “a man will pass by a grave and wish he were in the grave” out of despair. With the widespread oppression, conflicts, and personal hardships people face today, some do express such despair. This sign of extreme hopelessness and desire for escape via death is increasingly relevant in the modern era. (Hadith - Sahih al-Bukhari).

Future: Minor Signs Yet to Happen

• The Euphrates River revealing a mountain of gold - The Prophet (ﷺ) said that “The River Euphrates will soon uncover a treasure (mountain) of gold, and people will fight over it”. He warned that people should not take from it. This astonishing event has not occurred yet. It is expected to happen in the future - possibly as the Euphrates dries up, it may expose gold or riches. When this happens, it will cause conflict, and it is advised for believers to avoid the chaos. (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari & Muslim).
• Talking beasts and objects - One of the prophetic signs yet to materialize is that wild animals and even inanimate objects will speak to humans. There are hadiths indicating that at the end times, extraordinary things will occur - for example, one’s whip or shoes might speak, or animals will communicate. This could be literal (a miraculous event) or alluding to technology (like devices “speaking”). In any case, a clear, miraculous communication from animals/objects to people has not happened openly yet, so this remains a future sign (Hadith - Musnad Ahmad).
• Great conflict with the “Romans” (Western powers) – It is foretold that the “Romans” (interpreted as Europeans or Western forces) will be large in number and will fight the Muslims in a massive battle. Some narrations specify a place called “A’maq or Wabiq” near Syria where this confrontation will occur, often referred to as Al-Malḥama al-Kubrā (the great war, or Armageddon). While there have been clashes between Western and Muslim powers historically, many scholars consider that a specific, decisive future battle is meant here - one that has not yet taken place (Hadith - Sahih Muslim).
• Conquest of Rome – In some narrations, after Constantinople, the city of “Rome” (which could mean Rome in Italy or generally the heart of Christendom) will also be conquered by Muslims. This event clearly has not happened yet. It is expected to occur during the end times, possibly under the leadership of Imam Mahdi before the emergence of Dajjal (Hadith - Musnad Ahmad).
• A huge smoke (Ad-Dukhān) - The Quran and Hadith mention a massive smoke as a sign of the last days. The Quran in Surah Ad-Dukhān (Chapter 44) refers to a smoke that will fill the skies as a warning. This “smoke” is anticipated to cover the earth, causing widespread impact . It has not occurred yet. When it appears, it will be an unmistakable major portent that the final Hour is extremely near (Quran 44:10, Hadith - Sahih Muslim).

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Major Signs of the Day of Judgement

Unlike the minor signs (which are many and can recur or span long periods), the major signs of the Day of Judgement are a set of extraordinary events that will happen relatively close to the Final Hour. These events are monumental and will drastically alter life on earth. According to an authentic hadith narrated by Hudhayfah ibn Asid, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) described ten major signs that will occur in the last era, one after another in quick succession.

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Once these begin, the Day of Judgement will be very close behind. Importantly, none of the major signs have occurred yet as of now - they are all future events. Below is a list of the major signs in Islam, with a brief explanation for each:

• The Appearance of Imam Mahdi - Imam Al-Mahdi (literally “the Guided One”) is a righteous leader who will emerge in the end times to restore justice. Numerous hadiths describe that the Mahdi will be a descendant of the Prophet (from the lineage of Fatimah) and will share the Prophet’s name (Muhammad ibn Abdullah). He will appear at a time of great turmoil, when the world is filled with injustice and oppression, and he will establish justice on earth. The Mahdi’s emergence is considered the first of the major signs by many scholars. He will unite the Muslims and lead them, preparing the way for the events to follow (Hadith - Sunan Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi).
• Al-Masih ad-Dajjal (The False Messiah/Antichrist) - Dajjal is a deceiver and false messiah who will be one of the greatest trials for humanity. The Prophet (ﷺ) described Dajjal in detail: he will be one-eyed (one eye blinded) and will claim to be god, performing dazzling miracles to mislead people. Dajjal will traverse the earth for 40 days, spreading corruption and persecution. He will be supported by followers and will travel rapidly, deceiving many. The emergence of Dajjal is a major sign that will shake the faith of people - the Prophet warned every prophet before him also warned their people about the Dajjal’s tribulation. This event has not yet occurred; it will happen after the Mahdi’s arrival, when the world is in a state of conflict (Hadith - Sahih Muslim).
• The Second Coming of Prophet Jesus (Isa ibn Maryam) - Prophet Jesus (PBUH), who Muslims believe was not crucified but raised up to the heavens, will descend back to earth in the end times as a major sign. He will return to support the Mahdi and the believers. Hadith narrations state that Jesus will descend in the city of Damascus, Syria, wearing two garments and with his hands resting on the wings of angels. He will arrive at a time when the Dajjal is wreaking havoc. Prophet Isa (PBUH) will then pursue and slay the Dajjal – specifically at a place near Jerusalem (Lod). After defeating Dajjal, Jesus will lead the believers. He will break the symbols of falsehood (such as the cross) and rule with justice according to the law of Islam. His return is confirmed in both the Quran (which alludes that the People of the Book will believe in him before his death) and explicit hadith. This event has not happened yet and will be among the final era’s miracles (Quran 4:159, Hadith - Sahih Bukhari & Muslim).
• Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) - Gog and Magog are two mighty nations or forces, described in the Quran and Hadith, that will be released in the end times. The Quran mentions that Dhul-Qarnayn enclosed these unruly tribes behind a barrier in ancient times (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:94-98). As a major sign, this barrier will break and Ya’juj & Ma’juj will surge forth in vast numbers, causing devastation on earth . They will swarm from every high place, consuming resources and oppressing people. Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and the believers will take refuge from their onslaught, and ultimately Allah Himself will destroy Ya’juj and Ma’juj by sending a disease/worm that will fell them. The emergence of Gog and Magog is a future event, yet to occur after the Dajjal is killed (Quran 21:96, Hadith - Sahih Muslim).
• Three Major Landslides (Earth sinkings) - The Prophet (ﷺ) foretold that as a major sign, the earth will collapse in three places: one sinking in the East, one in the West, and one in the Arabian Peninsula. These catastrophic land collapses (swallowing whatever is above) have not happened yet. They will be extraordinary geographical events, distinct from the routine earthquakes we experience now. Each of these massive landslides will shock the world and serve as a direct warning that the final Hour is extremely near (Hadith - Sahih Muslim).
• Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke) - A thick smoke or fog will engulf the earth as one of the major signs. The Quran references this in Surah Ad-Dukhan (Chapter 44), and hadith list “the smoke” among the ten signs. This smoke will be a global calamity – according to some interpretations, it will cause believers to catch a mild cold, whereas it will severely afflict disbelievers (causing them distress). The smoke has not yet appeared; it remains a future event that will unmistakably indicate the world is in its final phase (Quran 44:10-11, Hadith - Sahih Muslim).
• Dabbat al-Ard (The Beast of the Earth) - The Beast is a strange creature that will emerge from the earth towards the end of time. The Quran mentions: “And when the Word is fulfilled against them, We shall bring forth for them a Beast from the earth that will speak to them…” (Quran 27:82). This Beast will be tasked with marking people as believers or disbelievers; it will communicate with humanity, demonstrating that the final hour is at hand. Descriptions in Hadith depict it carrying the staff of Moses and the seal of Solomon. The Beast has not come out yet - it will appear after the rise of the sun from the west (according to some reports) or around that time. Its emergence is a major sign that will astonish mankind (Quran 27:82, Hadith - Sunan at-Tirmidhi).
• The Sun Rising from the West - One of the definitive major signs is that the sun will rise from the place it sets (the west). On that day, the usual course of nature will be reversed by Allah’s command. When people see the sun rising opposite to its normal direction, it will be a sign that faith is no longer accepted from those who did not believe before - in other words, the door of repentance will close. This extraordinary event has not happened yet. It will be a global, unmistakable sign of the approach of the Day of Judgement (Hadith - Sahih Bukhari & Muslim).
• A Great Fire that Gathers the People - The final major sign mentioned by the Prophet is a massive fire that will erupt from the region of Yemen and spread, driving people towards their final gathering place. This fire will likely blaze forth near the very end of time. It is said to herd or corral all remaining people to the area of their resurrection (some narrations say towards the land of Sham/Syria or a specific location). This event has not occurred yet. It will be one of the last signs, occurring just before the Trumpet is blown to announce the Day of Resurrection (Hadith - Sahih Muslim).
• Other Events Around the Same Time: Some Islamic narrations also mention that after these signs, the Ka’bah (Sacred House in Makkah) will be destroyed by a man from Abyssinia, and a pleasant breeze will blow to take the souls of remaining believers. Eventually, only the most wicked people will be left, and upon them the Hour will commence. These events, too, are part of the end-times sequence, although they occur at the very culmination of the world (Hadith).

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In conclusion, the signs of the Day of Judgement serve as a roadmap outlining the approach of the Hour. The minor signs of Qiyamah have largely come to pass – many have been fulfilled in history or are manifesting in our present time - which gives believers a sobering reminder that we are indeed drawing closer to the end.

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The major signs are awaited, and when they begin to unfold, they will do so rapidly, one after another, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained “they will follow each other like beads falling from a strung necklace”.

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As Muslims, we are encouraged to be mindful of these signs, to strengthen our faith, and to remain steadfast upon righteousness. Only Allah knows the exact timing of the Day of Judgement, but through the Quran and Hadith we have been given ample warning signs to admonish and prepare us.

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May we recognize these signs and take heed before the final Day arrives. Allah knows best.