Author: Ridwan Kekere-ekun

Publisher:

Published: 2018-02-13

Total Pages: 385

ISBN-13: 9781980255192

This book is all-encompassing and comprehensive in its descriptions of the portents of the Last Hour. Allaah sent Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) with the truth to give glad tidings to mankind and to warn them before the strike of the Hour such that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) neither left any good except that he showed mankind and exhorted them to practise it, nor did he leave any evil except that he warned them about it and forbade them from indulging in it. It was expedient for the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) to inform his followers about the coming of the Hour and the portents heralding it as well as other matters of the unseen as he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was the last Prophet and Messenger sent to mankind, while his followers are the last community or generation (Ummah).Although Allaah has concealed the knowledge of the exact time of the Hour and the Day of Resurrection from the whole of mankind, Allaah has, however, revealed to His chosen Prophet the signs of the Hour and has acquainted him with the events that would take place on earth before its coming. And all that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has said on this matter were not out of his own desire; rather, they are revelation from Allaah, the Exalted and Most High.The preceding events before the Last Hour are generally grouped into two:I. Minor Signs or Lesser Signs or Distant SignsII. Major Signs or Greater Signs or Near SignsThe minor or lesser signs are referred to as such not because they are less significant than the major signs but rather due to their repeated occurrence, their occurring without any specific sequence and their placement when compared to the major signs with respect to the blast of the Hour and Day of Resurrection; most of the minor signs occur from time to time and from places to places. The major signs, however, follow one another in a sequence; they are much closer to the Hour and actually herald it. These major signs are the closest signs to the last Day or Day of Resurrection.Today, some of the minor signs prophesied by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) are at their peak and some are still at the beginning of their development. All will eventually culminate into the major signs. These major signs will occur one after the other and they are referred to as "Near Signs" because they will be the signs closest to the establishment of the Last Hour when the trumpet will be blown.When a sign of the Hour mentioned by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) comes to pass and the people witness it, they begin to realize that the coming of the Hour is an inevitable event of which there is no doubt. They will hold the Hour with fear and esteem and make preparations for it by performing good deeds and eschewing evil deeds. This is Allaah''s justice to mankind before the torment of the Day of Recompense, "Lest a person should say: ''Ah! Woe upon me that I neglected my duty towards Allaah and I was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth],'' or lest he should say: ''If only Allaah had guided me, I should indeed have been among the righteous,'' or lest he should say when he sees the torment: ''If only I had another chance [to return to the world], then I should indeed be among those who do good.''" (ref. Soorah az-Zumar [39]:56-58)Attempts have been made in the book utilizing the most authentic and reliable sources to enumerate the signs of the Last Hour prophesied by Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).Likewise, effort has been made in the book to expel the distortions, prophecies and fantasies of the futurists, the seers and the prognosticators, who, at difference times, make predictions of the end and destruction of the universe, creating panic and commotion, and at the same time gaining recognition.It is a well-researched book and it is thoroughly referenced for seekers of knowledge and seekers of truth.