THE SPECTACLE OF DEATH

Like everything, the present universe will also come to an end, and it is a part of our faith to believe in the Last Day. The signs of the Day of Judgment have been foretold by our Prophet (S). Ibn Kathir has collected all the prophesies of the Prophet (S) in his book Al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah. In this volume, we have presented from them the signs of the Hour and the events that are yet to take place, although mentioning very few examples of those prophesies that have already been realized.

Introduction

O Allah, send prayers and salutations on Muhammad, his family, and his Companions. This is the Book of The End: Great Trials and Tribulations. It deals with what the Prophet informed us about regarding the signs of the Hour and the great events that are to take place before the Day of Judgment, all of which we must have faith in, because the Prophet spoke not from desire, but from revelation. Abu Moosa Al-Ash'aree related that the Messenger of Allah said, "This nation of mine is one upon which there is mercy; there is no punishment upon it in the Hereafter; its punishment is in this world - with trials, earthquakes, and killings." Hitherto in our discussion on the unseen past, we covered in detail events that pertain to the beginning of the world, the stories of the prophets, and the history of peoples until our era. Then we discussed the biography of the Prophet (S) mentioning his characteristics and the proofs of his prophet hood. Then we covered some events that the Prophet prophesized about and that have already taken place before our century. When we gave an account of events that took place after the Prophet's death, we pointed out those occurrences about which a Hadeeth gave information. Since we already mentioned those prophesies that have already become realized and since it would be too long to repeat them all here, we will suffice by mentioning only a few examples, after which we will return to the main theme of this work. And we seek help from Allah. * View Sample Pages from this item.

There are great trials which a person faces, so it is obligatory for him to have knowledge of them so that he is able to stay clear and overcome them if he is trialed. So, one must first have knowledge and insight of Islam, its rules and regulations. One must know those things which turn us away from Islam and the barriers which obstruct the servant of Allaah from worshipping Him. One must know the things that affect their faith, such as sins, in order to keep away from their harm and reap the benefits (of being steadfast). If a person does not know those affairs that can harm and misguide him, they may destroy him. Allaah ordered us to hold fast to this religion until we die.