SIGNS OF DOOMSDAY IN THE QURAN
-->> THE HOUR IS NEAR
Most people know at least something about the Last Day. Almost everyone has heard one thing or another about the horror of the Hour. Nevertheless, most tend to have the same reaction to it as they do to other matters of vital importance, that is, they do not want to speak or even think about it. They try very hard not trying to think about the terror they will experience on the Last Day. They cannot bear the reminders of the Last Day found in a news report of a terrible accident or a film report about some disaster. They avoid thinking about the fact that that day will certainly come. They do not want to listen to others who talk about that great day, or to read authors’ works about it. These are some of the ways that people have developed in order to escape the dread of thinking about the Last Day.
Many do not seriously believe that the Hour is coming. We are presented with an example of this in a verse of Surat al-Kahf, about the wealthy owner of a rich vineyard:
I do not think the Hour will ever come. But if I should be sent back to my Lord, I will definitely get something better in return. (Surat al-Kahf: 36)
The above verse reveals the true mentality of someone who professes to believe in Allah but avoids thinking about the reality of the Last Day and puts forward claims contradicting some verses of the Qur'an. Another verse relates the doubt and uncertainty that engulfs disbelievers in regards to the time of the end.
When you were told, “Allah’s promise is true and so is the Hour, of which there is no doubt,” you said, “We have no idea what the Hour is. We have only been conjecturing. We are by no means certain.” (Surat al-Jathiya: 32)
Some people entirely deny that the Last Day is coming. Those who have this opinion are mentioned in the Qur’an as follows:
But instead, they deny the Hour; and We have prepared a Searing Blaze for those who deny the Hour. (Surat al-Furqan: 11)
The source that can guide us on the way and show us the truth is the Qur’an. When we look at what it says, we learn an obvious fact. Those who deceive themselves about the Last Day commit a grave error, because Allah reveals in the Qur’an that there can be no doubt that the Last Day is near.
And the Hour is coming without any doubt... (Surat al-Hajj: 7)
We did not create the heavens and earth and everything between them, except with truth. The Hour is certainly coming. (Surat al-Hijr: 85)
The Hour is coming—there is no doubt about it… (Surat al-Mu’min: 59)
There may be some who think that the message of the Qur’an concerning the Last Day was revealed more that 1400 years ago and that this is a long time compared to the length of a human life. But here, it is a question of the end of the world, the sun and the stars, in short, of the universe. When we consider that the universe is billions of years old, fourteen centuries is a very short period of time.
A great Islamic scholar of recent times, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, responded to a similar question in this way:
The Qur’an says, “The Hour has drawn nigh.” (Surat al-Qamar: 1) That is, Doomsday is near. It still not having come after a thousand or this many years does not injure its closeness. Because, Doomsday is the appointed hour of the world, and in relation to the life of the world one or two thousand years are like one or two minutes in relation to a year. The Hour of Doomsday is not only the appointed hour of mankind that it should be related to it and seen as distant. (Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, Risale-i Nur Collection, Words, Twenty-Fourth Word, Third Branch, Eighth Principle)
-->> THE QUR'AN STATES THAT THERE ARE SIGNS OF THE HOUR
The appointed time when the universe and every creature in it, from microorganisms to human beings, including stars and galaxies, will come to an end, is called the “Hour” in the Qur’an. This “Hour” refers to not just any hour; but is a word used specifically in the Qur’an to refer to that time when the world will come to an end.
First, it must be stated that it is clear from a number of verses of the Qur’an, that the subject of the inevitable end of the world has excited interest in every period of history. In certain verses, it is related that people had asked the Prophet Muhammad (saas) about when the end of the world would come:
They will ask you about the Hour: when is it due?… ( Surat al-A‘raf: 187)
They ask you about the Hour: “When will it come?” (Surat an-Nazi’at: 42)
Allah commanded the Prophet (saas) to answer this question in the following way: “… Knowledge of it rests with my Lord alone...” (Surat al-A‘raf: 187), meaning that only He knows the date of the Hour. From this verse we understand that knowledge about when the Hour will come is hidden from human beings.
There must be a divine reason why our Lord keeps the time of the Hour a secret. For example, it is good for all people, whatever century they live in, to be “… apprehensive about the Hour” (Surat al-Anbiya’: 49), and to consider the greatness and unbounded power of Allah. Before that day of horrible anguish overtakes them all of a sudden, they should understand that, apart from Allah, there is no place of refuge. If the time of the Hour were known, people living before the present era would not have felt compelled to think seriously about the end of the world; they would have been unmindful of the final events described in the Qur’an.
But, it must be pointed out that there are many verses that tell of the Hour, and when we examine them we encounter a great truth. The Qur’an does not indicate the time of the Hour, but it describes those events that will happen prior to it. One verse related that there are several signs of the Hour:
What are they awaiting but for the Hour to come upon them suddenly? Its Signs have already come. What good will their Reminder be to them when it does arrive? (Surah Muhammad: 18)
From this verse we learn that the Qur’an describes signs that announce the coming of the Last Day. In order to understand the signs of this “great announcement” we must reflect upon these verses. Otherwise, as the verse indicates, our thinking will be of no use when the Last Day is suddenly upon us.
-->> THE QUR'AN STATES THAT THE HOUR IS NEAR
Allah reveals in the Qur’an that there can be no doubt that the Last Day is near.
And the Hour is coming without any doubt ... (Surat al-Hajj: 7)
We did not create the heavens and earth and everything between them, except with truth. The Hour is certainly coming. (Surat al-Hijr: 85)
The Hour is coming—there is no doubt about it …(Surat al-Mu’min: 59)
There may be some who think that the message of the Qur’an concerning the Last Day was revealed more that 1400 years ago and that this is a long time compared to the length of a human life. But here, it is a question of the end of the world, the sun and the stars, in short, of the universe. When we consider that the universe is billions of years old, fourteen centuries is a very short period of time.
A great Islamic scholar of recent times, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, responded to a similar question in this way:
The Qur’an says, “The Hour has drawn nigh.” (Surat al-Qamar: 1) That is, Doomsday is near. It still not having come after a thousand or this many years does not injure its closeness. Because, Doomsday is the appointed hour of the world, and in relation to the life of the world one or two thousand years are like one or two minutes in relation to a year. The Hour of Doomsday is not only the appointed hour of mankind that it should be related to it and seen as distant. (Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, Risale-i Nur Collection, Words, Twenty-Fourth Word, Third Branch, Eighth Principle)
-->> IT IS ALLAH'S SUNNAH TO WARN COMMUNITIES BY SENDING A HOLY BOOK BEFORE THEY ARE DESTROYED
We have never destroyed a city without giving it prior warning as a reminder... (Surat ash-Shu‘ara’: 208-209)
Throughout history, Allah has sent a reminder to every society that has become corrupted, inviting it to follow the true path. Yet, those who persisted in their wickedness perished after having fulfilled the time allotted to them, and became an example for succeeding generations. When we consider this law of Allah, a number of important mysteries are revealed to us.
The Last Day is the final calamity to fall upon the world. The Qur’an is the last divine book sent to advise humanity, whose guide it will remain until the end of the world. In one of its verses, it says, “… It is simply a reminder to all beings." (Surat al-An'am: 90) Those who think that the Qur’an speaks only to one particular time or place are seriously mistaken, because the Qur’an is a general invitation to all “worlds.”
Since the time of the Prophet (saas), the truth of the Qur’an has been communicated to the entire world. Because of the incomparable technological developments in our present age, the commands of the Qur’an can be proclaimed to the whole of humanity. Today, science, education, communication and transportation are about to reach the final point of their development. Thanks to computer and Internet technology in particular, people in distant parts of the world can instantly share information and establish communications. The revolution in science and technology has united all the nations of the world; expressions like “globalization” and “world citizenship” have been added to our stock of vocabulary. In short, all the obstacles preventing the unity of people throughout the whole world are being quickly removed.
In the light of these facts, it can be easily said that in our “information age,” Allah has put all kinds of technological developments at our disposal. It is the responsibility of Muslims to make the best use of these possibilities that Allah has offered, and to invite people from all walks of life to accept the moral teaching of the Qur’an.
-->> ALLAH PROMISES NOT TO DESTROY ANY COMMUNITY WITHOUT FIRST SENDING THEM A MESSENGER
Your Lord would never destroy any cities without first sending to the chief of them a messenger to recite Our Signs to them. We would never destroy any cities unless their inhabitants were wrongdoers. (Surat al-Qasas: 59)
… We never punish until We have sent a messenger. (Surat al-Isra: 15)
We have never destroyed a city without giving it prior warning as a reminder. We were never unjust. (Surat ash-Shu'ara’: 208-209)
These verses show that Allah sends messengers to major cities to warn the people. These messengers announce Allah’s commands, but the disbelievers from the societies of every age have mocked them, accused them of being liars, frauds or madmen, and subjected them to every kind of slander. Allah destroys societies that continue to live in wickedness and immorality through some great disaster, at a time when they least expect it. The destruction of the people of Nuh, Lut, Ad, Thamud and others mentioned in the Qur’an are examples of this form of annihilation.
As it says in verse 40 of Surat al-Azhab, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) is the last Prophet. Muhammad (saas) is “…the Messenger of Allah and the Final Seal of the Prophets…” (Surat al-Azhab: 40) In other words, through the mediation of the Prophet Muhammad (saas), the series of Allah’s revelations to humanity have been completed. In spite of this, the responsibility for communicating and reminding people of the Qur’an delivered by the Prophet (saas) lies with every Muslim until the end of the world.
-->> THE SUPREMACY OF THE MORALITY OF ISLAM IN THE WORLD
Allah announces that those who serve him purely, without associating any of His creatures as divinities besides Him, and do good works to win his favor, will be endowed with power and authority.
Allah has promised those of you who believe and do right actions that He will make them successors in the land as He made those before them successors, and will firmly establish for them their religion with which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear, security. “They worship Me, not associating anything with Me.” Any who are disbelievers after that, such people are deviators. (Surat an-Nur: 55)
In a number of verses, it also says that it is a divine law that those servants who are faithful and live the true religion in their hearts will be made the inheritors of the world:
We wrote down in the Psalms, after the Reminder came: “It is My righteous servants who will inherit the earth." (Surat al-Anbiya’: 105)
We will leave you the land to live in after them. That is the reward of those who fear My station and fear My threat. (Surah Ibrahim: 14)
We destroyed generations before you when they did wrong. Their messengers brought them the Clear Signs, but they were never going to believe. That is how We repay evildoers. Then We made you their successors on the earth so We might observe how you would act. (Surah Yunus: 13-14)
Musa said to his people, “Seek help in Allah and be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He bequeathes it to any of His servants He wills. The successful outcome is for those who do their duty.” They said, “We suffered harm before you came to us and after you came to us.” He said, “It may well be that your Lord is going to destroy your enemy and make you the successors in the land so that He can see how you behave.” (Surat al-A‘raf: 128-129)
Allah has written, “I will be victorious, I and and My messengers.” Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (Surat al-Mujadala: 21)
Together with the good news announced in the verses above, Allah has made a very important promise to believers. He reveals in the Qur’an that the religion of Islam was sent to humanity to be superior to all religions.
They desire to extinguish Allah’s Light with their mouths. But Allah refuses to do other than perfect His Light, even though the disbelievers detest it. It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the True Religion to exalt it over every other religion, even though the idolators detest it. (Surat at-Tawba: 32-33)
They desire to extinguish Allah’s Light with their mouths but Allah will perfect His Light, though the disbelievers hate it. It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the True Religion to exalt it over every other religion, though the idolaters hate it. (Surat as-Saff: 8-9)
There is no doubt that Allah will keep His promises. The high morality that will conquer perverse philosophies, distorted ideologies and false religious understanding is Islamic morality. The verses quoted above stress that the disbelievers and pagans cannot prevent this from happening.
This period, in which Islamic morality will be established, will be in every way a time of love, self-sacrifice, generosity, honesty, social justice, security and personal well-being. This period has been called the Golden Age because of its similarity to depictions of Paradise, but, so far, such an age has never yet existed. This blessed age will precede the Last Day; and is now awaiting that time in which Allah has determined it will come.
-->> ‘ISA (AS)’S RETURN TO EARTH
Allah did not allow the disbelievers to kill ‘Isa (as), but took him up into His own presence, and announced the good news to humanity that he will come back again one day. The Qur’an provides information about ‘Isa (as)’s return in several instances:
- The Qur’an says that ‘Isa’s (as) return to Earth is a sign of the Last Day:
He (‘Isa) is a Sign of the Hour. Have no doubt about it. But follow me. This is a straight path. (Surat az-Zukhruf: 61)
We know that ‘Isa (as) lived six centuries before the Qur’an was revealed. Therefore, this verse must refer, not to his first life, but to his coming again during the End Times. Both the Christian and the Islamic world are eagerly awaiting ‘Isa (as)’s second coming. This blessed guest’s honored presence on the earth will be the important sign of the Last Day.
- One verse says that the disbelievers who set a trap to kill ‘Isa (as) did not succeed;
(And We cursed them) for their saying, “We killed the Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of Allah." They did not kill him and they did not crucify him but it was made to seem so to them. Those who argue about him are in doubt about it. They have no real knowledge of it, just conjecture. But they certainly did not kill him. (Surat an-Nisa’: 157)
Another verse says that ‘Isa (as) did not die, but was taken from the human sphere into the presence of Allah.
Allah raised him up to Himself. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surat an-Nisa’: 158)
In the 55th verse of Surah Al ‘Imran, we learn that Allah will place the people who follow ‘Isa (as) above those who disbelieve until the Day of Rising. It is an historical fact that, 2000 years ago, ‘Isa (as)’s disciples had no political power. Christians who lived between that period and our own have believed a number of false doctrines, the chief of which is the doctrine of the Trinity. Therefore, as is evident, that they will not be able to be referred to as followers of ‘Isa (as), because, as it says in several places in the Qur’an, those who believe in the Trinity have slipped into denial. In such a case, in the time before the Hour, the true followers of ‘Isa (as) will overcome the deniers and become the manifestation of the divine promise contained in Surah Al ‘Imran. Surely, this blessed group will be made known when ‘Isa (as) returns again to earth.
- Again, the Qur’an states that all the People of the Book will believe in ‘Isa (as) before he dies.
There is not one of the People of the Book who will not believe in him ('Isa) before he dies; and on the Day of Rising he will be a witness against them. (Surat an-Nisa’: 159)
We learn clearly from this verse that there are still three unfilled promises concerning ‘Isa (as). First, like every other human being, the Prophet ‘Isa (as) will die. Second, all the People of the Book will see him in bodily form and will obey him while he is alive. There is no doubt that these two predictions will be fulfilled when ‘Isa (as) comes again before the Last Day. The third prediction about ‘Isa's (as) bearing witness against the People of the Book will be fulfilled on the Last Day.
- Another verse in Surah Maryam discusses the death of ‘Isa (as).
Peace be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die and the day I am raised up again alive. (Surah Maryam: 33)
When we compare this verse with the 55th verse of Surah Al ‘Imran, we can recognize a very important fact. The verse in Surah Al ‘Imran speaks about ‘Isa (as)’s being raised to the presence of Allah. In this verse, no information is given as to whether ‘Isa (as) died or not. But in the 33rd verse of Surah Maryam, ‘Isa (as)’s death is referred to. This second death is possible only if ‘Isa (as) came to earth again and died after living here for some time. (Allah surely knows best)
- Another verse that alludes to ‘Isa (as)’s return to earth reads:
He will teach him ('Isa) the Book and Wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel. (Surah Al ‘Imran: 48)
To understand the reference to the “Book” mentioned in this verse, we must look at other verses in the Qur’an that are relevant to this subject: if the Book is stated in one verse together with the Torah and the Gospel, then it must mean the Qur’an. The third verse of Surah Al ‘Imran serves as such an example:
Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. He has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what has there before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel, previously, as guidance for mankind, and He has sent down the Furqan (the Criterion of judgement between right and wrong). (Surah Al ‘Imran: 2-4)
In that case, the book referred to in verse 48, that ‘Isa (as) is to learn, can only be the Qur’an. We know that ‘Isa (as) knew the Torah and the Gospel during his lifetime, that is, approximately 2000 years ago. Clearly, it will be the Qur’an that he will learn when he comes to earth again.
- What verse 59 of Surah Al ‘Imran offers is very interesting: “The likeness of ‘Isa in Allah’s sight is the same as Adam…” In this verse we can see there must be a number of similarities between the two prophets. As we know, both Adam and ‘Isa (as) had no father, but we may draw a further similarity from the above verse, between Adam’s descending to earth from Paradise and ‘Isa (as)’s descent from Allah’s presence in the End Times.
- Further evidence of the second coming of ‘Isa (as) can be found in the use of the word wakahlan in Surah Maida, 110 and Surah Al ‘Imran 46. In these verses, we are revealed these commands:
Remember when Allah said, “‘Isa, son of Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to your mother when I reinforced you with the Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in the cradle and when you were fully grown (wakahlan) …” (Surat al-Ma’ida: 110)
He will speak to people in the cradle, and also when fully grown (wakahlan), and will be one of the righteous. (Surah Al 'Imran: 46)
This word occurs only in these two verses and only in reference to ‘Isa (as). The word is used to describe ‘Isa (as)’s more mature age. The word refers to the age between 30 and 50, that is, to the end of youth and the beginning of old age. Islamic scholars are agreed in translating this word to refer to a period after the age of 35.
Islamic scholars rely on a tradition related by Ibn Abbas to the effect that ‘Isa (as) was raised to the presence of Allah when he was young, that is, at the beginning of his 30’s, and that when he comes to earth again, he will have 40 years left to live. ‘Isa (as) will progress into his old age after he has returned to earth, so this verse may be said to be a proof of ‘Isa (as)’s second coming to earth. (Faslu'l-Makal fi Ref'i Isa Hayyen ve Nuzulihi ve Katlihi'd-Deccal, p. 20)
It will be beneficial to remind the reader here of a very important matter: Allah sent the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to humanity as the last prophet. Allah revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (saas), and holds all people responsible for obeying the Qur’an until the Day of Judgment. ‘Isa (as) will miraculously return to the world in the End Times but, as the Prophet (saas) has said, he will not bring a new religion. The true religion that the Prophet (saas) taught to humanity is Islam, to which ‘Isa (as) will be subject when he comes to the earth again.
(Please visit the section "Jesus' will return to Earth in the End Times" of this site for other proofs on Jesus' return to earth in the End Times, our Prophet's sayings and the explanations of Islamic scholars.)
-->> THE SPLITTING OF THE MOON
The 54th Surah of the Qur’an is called “Surat al-Qamar.” In English qamar means moon. In several instances, this Surah tells about the destruction that befell the people of Nuh, Ad, Thamud, Lut and Pharaoh, because they rejected the warnings of the prophets. At the same time, there is a very important message stated in the first verse, concerning the Last Day.
The Hour has drawn near and the moon has split. (Surat al-Qamar: 1)
The word “split” used in this verse is the Arabic shaqqa, which in Arabic it has various meanings. In some commentaries on the Qur’an, the meaning “split” is preferred. But shaqqa in Arabic can also mean “ploughing” or “digging” the earth.
As an example of the first usage, we can refer to the 26th verse of Surat al-Abasa:
We pour down plentiful water, then split the earth into furrows. Then We make grain grow in it, and grapes and herbs and olives and dates. (Surah ‘Abasa: 25-29)
It can be clearly seen that the meaning of shaqqa here is not to “split.” It means to plough the earth in order to grow various plants.
If we went back to the year 1969, we would see one of the great wonders of the Qur’an. The experiments carried out on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969, may be hinting at the fulfilment of news given 1,400 years ago in Surat al-Qamar. On that date, American astronauts set foot on the moon. Digging at the lunar soil they carried out scientific experiments and collected samples of stones and soil. It is surely very interesting that these developments are in complete agreement with the statements in the verse.
The exploration of the moon is identified with the slogan: “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” This was an historic moment in space research; it was an event documented by cameras, and everyone from that time to this has witnessed it. As it is stated in the first verse of Surat al-Qamar, this great event may also be a sign of the Last Day. It may be a sign that the world is in the End Times before the Judgment. (Allah surely knows best)
Finally, let us point out that there is a very important warning following these verses. There is a reminder that these signs are an important opportunity for people to turn from error, and that those who do not heed these warnings will be disappointed when they will be brought back to life on that Day of Judgment which is described in the Qur'an as “something unspeakably terrible”:
The Hour has drawn near and the moon has split. If they see a Sign they turn away, saying “There is no end to this witchcraft!” They have denied the truth and followed their whims and desires, but everything has its time. News has come to them which contains a threat: consummate wisdom—but warnings are profitless. Turn away from them then. On the Day the Summoner summons them to something unspeakably terrible, they will emerge from their graves with downcast eyes, like swarming locusts, necks outstretched, eyes transfixed, rushing headlong to the Summoner. The disbelievers will say, “This is a pitiless day!” (Surat al-Qamar: 1-8)
-->>THE APPEARANCE OF THE 'DABBE' AS REVEALED IN THE QUR'AN IS ONE OF THE SIGNS OF JUDGMENT DAY
When the Word is justly carried out against them, We will produce a Beast from the earth which will speak to them. Truly mankind had no certainty about Our Signs. (Surat an-Naml: 82)
The concept of the "Dabbe" in Surat an-Naml 82 of the Qur'an refers to a period when 'that word falls on their heads.' In order to fully understand that verse and the word 'dabbe,' we first need to consider the way the expression 'that word' is employed in the Qur'an.
The Arabic equivalent of 'that word' is 'kavl,' used in the Qur'an in the sense of 'agreement and promise.' As well as those two meanings, the word can also be interpreted as view, belief, thought and creed.
In some verses, the word 'kavl' is used in the sense of believers' pleasing and praiseworthy speech and the words and encouragement they address to other people. For instance, in Surat al-Baqara, Allah reveals that "Correct and courteous words accompanied by forgiveness are better than sadaqa followed by insulting words" (Surat al-Baqara: 263) In another verse, He commands that a believer should "speak to them correctly and courteously" (Surat an-Nisa: 8) when addressing the poor and orphaned.
As well as having that meaning, the word 'kavl' is also used to directly to refer to the Qur'an itself. In many Qur'anic verses the wise words that Allah revealed to mankind by means of the Prophet Muhammad are actually described as 'words.' Here are some examples of this:
It (the Qur'an) is truly a Decisive Word. (Surat at-Tarik: 13)
Truly it (the Qur'an) is the speech of a noble Messenger. (Surat at-Takwir: 19)
Nor is it (the Qur'an) the word of an accursed Shaytan. (Surat at-Takwir: 25)
Do they not ponder these words (the Qur'an)? Has anything come to them that did not come to their ancestors the previous peoples? (Surat al-Muminun: 68)
This (the Qur'an) is the word of a noble Messenger. It is not the word of a poet -how little iman you have! Nor the word of a fortune-teller -how little heed you pay! (Surat al-Haqqa: 40-42)
As can be seen in the above verses, the word 'qavl' is sometimes used to describe the Qur'an - the word of Allah.
In the verse Surat as-Sajda: 13, the word 'qavl' refers to Allah's word or promise coming true:
Had We so willed We could have given guidance to everyone, but now My Words are shown to be true: that I shall fill up Hell entirely with jinn and human beings. (Surat as-Sajda: 13)
In the verse Surat as-Saffat 31, it is used to refer to destruction and suffering sent by Allah:
Our Lord's Word has been carried out against us, that we would taste it. (Surat as-Saffat: 31)
As we can see from these verses, Allah's promised word refers to the way hell is full of deniers and genies and that suffering reigns over men. When 'that word' comes about, those who deny Allah will find themselves facing the eternal torments of hell. Other verses in which 'word' is used to mean 'promise' read:
When We desire to destroy a city, We send a command to the affluent in it and they become deviant in it and the Word is justly carried out against it and We annihilate it completely. (Surat al-Isra: 16)
We revealed to him: 'Build the Ship under Our supervision and as We reveal. When Our command comes and water bubbles up from the earth, load into it a pair of every species, and your family - except for those among them against whom the word has already gone ahead. And do not address Me concerning those who do wrong. They shall be drowned. (Surat al-Muminun: 27)
Those against whom the Word has been justly carried out will say, 'Our Lord, those people we misled, we only misled them as we too were misled. We declare our innocence to You. It was not us they were worshipping!'(Surat al-Qasas: 63)
The Word has been justly carried out against most of them so they have no iman. (Surah Yasin: 7)
So that you may warn those who are truly alive and so that the Word may be carried out against the kafirun. (Surah Yasin: 70)
We have assigned close comrades to them who have made what is before them and behind them seem good to them.And the statement about the nations, both of jinn and men,who passed away before them has proved true of them as well. Certainly they were lost. (Surah Fussilat: 25)
Those are people of whom the statement about the nations, both of jinn and men, who passed away before them,has also proved true; truly they were the lost. (Surat al-Ahqaf: 18)
The Word will be carried out against them for the wrong they did and they will not speak. (Surat an-Naml: 85)
In these verses, Allah is promising unbelievers terrible destruction and endless torment. There is no escape, salvation or way out for anybody to whom that 'word' applies. They will suffer great torments, in this world and the next, and will never be able to escape from it, because that is Allah's promise and He never breaks His word.
It is clear from what we have seen so far that the endless torment promised by Allah awaits the Day of Judgment. On that day, the word of Allah will prevail over all those who deny Him, and they will suffer terrible destruction and torment.
The approach of the Day of Judgment will be heralded by a number of signs. One of these signs that will come about during the final times is the emergence of the 'Dabbe' referred to in Surat an-Naml.
-->>THE DABBE IN THE QUR'AN
The name 'Dabbe' means animal or creature, and comes from the word 'debbe.' 'Debbe' means walking with difficulty. It is used for animals and insects. It also used to refer to the effect of alcohol on the body and to such movement as the imperceptible spread of decay.
The word 'Dabbe' appears in a number of verses of the Qur'an, although Surat an-Naml: 82 is the only one that refers to this particular event that will happen in the final times. When we set out the features of the 'Dabbe' as it appears in this verse, the following picture emerges:
1. The Dabbe is a moving, living thing.
2. The Dabbe is the product of the earth.
3. The Dabbe is a thing or creature that speaks and gives a particular message, which is addressed to all of mankind.
According to the famous Qur'anic commentator Elmali Hamdi Yazir, although the word 'dabbe' is widely used to refer to living animals, its true dictionary meaning is 'having difficulty in walking.' That being the case, it can also be used to refer to automatic things such as trains, cars or bicycles.
When we look at this information about the 'Dabbe' as a whole, we see that the Dabbetül-Arz in question may also refer to the television, the product of modern technology. The fact that the word 'dabbe' is used as an indefinite or imprecise term, known as 'nekire' in Arabic, means that this is an unknowing creature.
Elmali Hamdi Yazir at this point states that: 'We can infer from the way that 'dabbe' is employed in this verse as a 'nekire' that this 'dabbe' is different to the other 'dabbes' with which we are familiar...'
Apart from Qur'anic commentators such as Elmali Hamdi Yazir, a number of lexicographers have also stated that the 'Dabbe' can also refer to all kinds of technical equipment that moves with difficulty. Indeed, the television is a piece of technical equipment that transmits movement and images of movement and permits a flow of knowledge by means of waves and signals.
More important, however, is the way that the 'Dabbe', one of the signs of the final times, 'talks to people'. This aspect of the television more than anything else fits the description in the verse. There are almost no countries, nations or societies in the world that television does not reach. Television is a product of advanced technology, and addresses every society in its own language.
Finally, another basic feature of the 'Dabbe' as revealed in the verse is that it is extracted or comes from the earth. All the component parts of the television (the glass screen, the metal workings etc.) are all made from the earth, or the chemical elements within it.
Another matter confirming our view that the 'Dabbe' actually refers to television is the way that the 'Dabbe' speaks to mankind. By its very nature, the television is a machine that can send a message to everyone at the same time.
In recent times, the true nature of the 'Dabbe' has been a matter for considerable debate, and some Muslim scholars have said that the 'Dabbe' could be a human being, given the way it issues warnings. We must remember, however, that even if human beings do undertake the task of 'warning people,' they still use the television to transmit their message around the world. That being the case, if we bear in mind the fact that the word 'Dabbe' is employed instead of 'person' or 'human being' this supports the idea that the verse may be referring to a piece of technical equipment such as a television and not to a person.
Another important point that reinforces the view that 'Dabbe' does not refer to a human being is this: What the 'Dabbe' referred to in the verse does is to tell people that they do not believe in Allah's verses. However, that is a warning that almost all Muslims issue under the appropriate circumstances. The fact that this feature is emphasized indicates that the 'Dabbe' in question is no ordinary person or living thing.
Most people know at least something about the Last Day. Almost everyone has heard one thing or another about the horror of the Hour. Nevertheless, most tend to have the same reaction to it as they do to other matters of vital importance, that is, they do not want to speak or even think about it. They try very hard not trying to think about the terror they will experience on the Last Day. They cannot bear the reminders of the Last Day found in a news report of a terrible accident or a film report about some disaster. They avoid thinking about the fact that that day will certainly come. They do not want to listen to others who talk about that great day, or to read authors’ works about it. These are some of the ways that people have developed in order to escape the dread of thinking about the Last Day.
Many do not seriously believe that the Hour is coming. We are presented with an example of this in a verse of Surat al-Kahf, about the wealthy owner of a rich vineyard:
I do not think the Hour will ever come. But if I should be sent back to my Lord, I will definitely get something better in return. (Surat al-Kahf: 36)
The above verse reveals the true mentality of someone who professes to believe in Allah but avoids thinking about the reality of the Last Day and puts forward claims contradicting some verses of the Qur'an. Another verse relates the doubt and uncertainty that engulfs disbelievers in regards to the time of the end.
When you were told, “Allah’s promise is true and so is the Hour, of which there is no doubt,” you said, “We have no idea what the Hour is. We have only been conjecturing. We are by no means certain.” (Surat al-Jathiya: 32)
Some people entirely deny that the Last Day is coming. Those who have this opinion are mentioned in the Qur’an as follows:
But instead, they deny the Hour; and We have prepared a Searing Blaze for those who deny the Hour. (Surat al-Furqan: 11)
The source that can guide us on the way and show us the truth is the Qur’an. When we look at what it says, we learn an obvious fact. Those who deceive themselves about the Last Day commit a grave error, because Allah reveals in the Qur’an that there can be no doubt that the Last Day is near.
And the Hour is coming without any doubt... (Surat al-Hajj: 7)
We did not create the heavens and earth and everything between them, except with truth. The Hour is certainly coming. (Surat al-Hijr: 85)
The Hour is coming—there is no doubt about it… (Surat al-Mu’min: 59)
There may be some who think that the message of the Qur’an concerning the Last Day was revealed more that 1400 years ago and that this is a long time compared to the length of a human life. But here, it is a question of the end of the world, the sun and the stars, in short, of the universe. When we consider that the universe is billions of years old, fourteen centuries is a very short period of time.
A great Islamic scholar of recent times, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, responded to a similar question in this way:
The Qur’an says, “The Hour has drawn nigh.” (Surat al-Qamar: 1) That is, Doomsday is near. It still not having come after a thousand or this many years does not injure its closeness. Because, Doomsday is the appointed hour of the world, and in relation to the life of the world one or two thousand years are like one or two minutes in relation to a year. The Hour of Doomsday is not only the appointed hour of mankind that it should be related to it and seen as distant. (Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, Risale-i Nur Collection, Words, Twenty-Fourth Word, Third Branch, Eighth Principle)
-->> THE QUR'AN STATES THAT THERE ARE SIGNS OF THE HOUR
The appointed time when the universe and every creature in it, from microorganisms to human beings, including stars and galaxies, will come to an end, is called the “Hour” in the Qur’an. This “Hour” refers to not just any hour; but is a word used specifically in the Qur’an to refer to that time when the world will come to an end.
First, it must be stated that it is clear from a number of verses of the Qur’an, that the subject of the inevitable end of the world has excited interest in every period of history. In certain verses, it is related that people had asked the Prophet Muhammad (saas) about when the end of the world would come:
They will ask you about the Hour: when is it due?… ( Surat al-A‘raf: 187)
They ask you about the Hour: “When will it come?” (Surat an-Nazi’at: 42)
Allah commanded the Prophet (saas) to answer this question in the following way: “… Knowledge of it rests with my Lord alone...” (Surat al-A‘raf: 187), meaning that only He knows the date of the Hour. From this verse we understand that knowledge about when the Hour will come is hidden from human beings.
There must be a divine reason why our Lord keeps the time of the Hour a secret. For example, it is good for all people, whatever century they live in, to be “… apprehensive about the Hour” (Surat al-Anbiya’: 49), and to consider the greatness and unbounded power of Allah. Before that day of horrible anguish overtakes them all of a sudden, they should understand that, apart from Allah, there is no place of refuge. If the time of the Hour were known, people living before the present era would not have felt compelled to think seriously about the end of the world; they would have been unmindful of the final events described in the Qur’an.
But, it must be pointed out that there are many verses that tell of the Hour, and when we examine them we encounter a great truth. The Qur’an does not indicate the time of the Hour, but it describes those events that will happen prior to it. One verse related that there are several signs of the Hour:
What are they awaiting but for the Hour to come upon them suddenly? Its Signs have already come. What good will their Reminder be to them when it does arrive? (Surah Muhammad: 18)
From this verse we learn that the Qur’an describes signs that announce the coming of the Last Day. In order to understand the signs of this “great announcement” we must reflect upon these verses. Otherwise, as the verse indicates, our thinking will be of no use when the Last Day is suddenly upon us.
-->> THE QUR'AN STATES THAT THE HOUR IS NEAR
Allah reveals in the Qur’an that there can be no doubt that the Last Day is near.
And the Hour is coming without any doubt ... (Surat al-Hajj: 7)
We did not create the heavens and earth and everything between them, except with truth. The Hour is certainly coming. (Surat al-Hijr: 85)
The Hour is coming—there is no doubt about it …(Surat al-Mu’min: 59)
There may be some who think that the message of the Qur’an concerning the Last Day was revealed more that 1400 years ago and that this is a long time compared to the length of a human life. But here, it is a question of the end of the world, the sun and the stars, in short, of the universe. When we consider that the universe is billions of years old, fourteen centuries is a very short period of time.
A great Islamic scholar of recent times, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, responded to a similar question in this way:
The Qur’an says, “The Hour has drawn nigh.” (Surat al-Qamar: 1) That is, Doomsday is near. It still not having come after a thousand or this many years does not injure its closeness. Because, Doomsday is the appointed hour of the world, and in relation to the life of the world one or two thousand years are like one or two minutes in relation to a year. The Hour of Doomsday is not only the appointed hour of mankind that it should be related to it and seen as distant. (Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, Risale-i Nur Collection, Words, Twenty-Fourth Word, Third Branch, Eighth Principle)
-->> IT IS ALLAH'S SUNNAH TO WARN COMMUNITIES BY SENDING A HOLY BOOK BEFORE THEY ARE DESTROYED
We have never destroyed a city without giving it prior warning as a reminder... (Surat ash-Shu‘ara’: 208-209)
Throughout history, Allah has sent a reminder to every society that has become corrupted, inviting it to follow the true path. Yet, those who persisted in their wickedness perished after having fulfilled the time allotted to them, and became an example for succeeding generations. When we consider this law of Allah, a number of important mysteries are revealed to us.
The Last Day is the final calamity to fall upon the world. The Qur’an is the last divine book sent to advise humanity, whose guide it will remain until the end of the world. In one of its verses, it says, “… It is simply a reminder to all beings." (Surat al-An'am: 90) Those who think that the Qur’an speaks only to one particular time or place are seriously mistaken, because the Qur’an is a general invitation to all “worlds.”
Since the time of the Prophet (saas), the truth of the Qur’an has been communicated to the entire world. Because of the incomparable technological developments in our present age, the commands of the Qur’an can be proclaimed to the whole of humanity. Today, science, education, communication and transportation are about to reach the final point of their development. Thanks to computer and Internet technology in particular, people in distant parts of the world can instantly share information and establish communications. The revolution in science and technology has united all the nations of the world; expressions like “globalization” and “world citizenship” have been added to our stock of vocabulary. In short, all the obstacles preventing the unity of people throughout the whole world are being quickly removed.
In the light of these facts, it can be easily said that in our “information age,” Allah has put all kinds of technological developments at our disposal. It is the responsibility of Muslims to make the best use of these possibilities that Allah has offered, and to invite people from all walks of life to accept the moral teaching of the Qur’an.
-->> ALLAH PROMISES NOT TO DESTROY ANY COMMUNITY WITHOUT FIRST SENDING THEM A MESSENGER
Your Lord would never destroy any cities without first sending to the chief of them a messenger to recite Our Signs to them. We would never destroy any cities unless their inhabitants were wrongdoers. (Surat al-Qasas: 59)
… We never punish until We have sent a messenger. (Surat al-Isra: 15)
We have never destroyed a city without giving it prior warning as a reminder. We were never unjust. (Surat ash-Shu'ara’: 208-209)
These verses show that Allah sends messengers to major cities to warn the people. These messengers announce Allah’s commands, but the disbelievers from the societies of every age have mocked them, accused them of being liars, frauds or madmen, and subjected them to every kind of slander. Allah destroys societies that continue to live in wickedness and immorality through some great disaster, at a time when they least expect it. The destruction of the people of Nuh, Lut, Ad, Thamud and others mentioned in the Qur’an are examples of this form of annihilation.
As it says in verse 40 of Surat al-Azhab, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) is the last Prophet. Muhammad (saas) is “…the Messenger of Allah and the Final Seal of the Prophets…” (Surat al-Azhab: 40) In other words, through the mediation of the Prophet Muhammad (saas), the series of Allah’s revelations to humanity have been completed. In spite of this, the responsibility for communicating and reminding people of the Qur’an delivered by the Prophet (saas) lies with every Muslim until the end of the world.
-->> THE SUPREMACY OF THE MORALITY OF ISLAM IN THE WORLD
Allah announces that those who serve him purely, without associating any of His creatures as divinities besides Him, and do good works to win his favor, will be endowed with power and authority.
Allah has promised those of you who believe and do right actions that He will make them successors in the land as He made those before them successors, and will firmly establish for them their religion with which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear, security. “They worship Me, not associating anything with Me.” Any who are disbelievers after that, such people are deviators. (Surat an-Nur: 55)
In a number of verses, it also says that it is a divine law that those servants who are faithful and live the true religion in their hearts will be made the inheritors of the world:
We wrote down in the Psalms, after the Reminder came: “It is My righteous servants who will inherit the earth." (Surat al-Anbiya’: 105)
We will leave you the land to live in after them. That is the reward of those who fear My station and fear My threat. (Surah Ibrahim: 14)
We destroyed generations before you when they did wrong. Their messengers brought them the Clear Signs, but they were never going to believe. That is how We repay evildoers. Then We made you their successors on the earth so We might observe how you would act. (Surah Yunus: 13-14)
Musa said to his people, “Seek help in Allah and be steadfast. The earth belongs to Allah. He bequeathes it to any of His servants He wills. The successful outcome is for those who do their duty.” They said, “We suffered harm before you came to us and after you came to us.” He said, “It may well be that your Lord is going to destroy your enemy and make you the successors in the land so that He can see how you behave.” (Surat al-A‘raf: 128-129)
Allah has written, “I will be victorious, I and and My messengers.” Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (Surat al-Mujadala: 21)
Together with the good news announced in the verses above, Allah has made a very important promise to believers. He reveals in the Qur’an that the religion of Islam was sent to humanity to be superior to all religions.
They desire to extinguish Allah’s Light with their mouths. But Allah refuses to do other than perfect His Light, even though the disbelievers detest it. It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the True Religion to exalt it over every other religion, even though the idolators detest it. (Surat at-Tawba: 32-33)
They desire to extinguish Allah’s Light with their mouths but Allah will perfect His Light, though the disbelievers hate it. It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the True Religion to exalt it over every other religion, though the idolaters hate it. (Surat as-Saff: 8-9)
There is no doubt that Allah will keep His promises. The high morality that will conquer perverse philosophies, distorted ideologies and false religious understanding is Islamic morality. The verses quoted above stress that the disbelievers and pagans cannot prevent this from happening.
This period, in which Islamic morality will be established, will be in every way a time of love, self-sacrifice, generosity, honesty, social justice, security and personal well-being. This period has been called the Golden Age because of its similarity to depictions of Paradise, but, so far, such an age has never yet existed. This blessed age will precede the Last Day; and is now awaiting that time in which Allah has determined it will come.
-->> ‘ISA (AS)’S RETURN TO EARTH
Allah did not allow the disbelievers to kill ‘Isa (as), but took him up into His own presence, and announced the good news to humanity that he will come back again one day. The Qur’an provides information about ‘Isa (as)’s return in several instances:
- The Qur’an says that ‘Isa’s (as) return to Earth is a sign of the Last Day:
He (‘Isa) is a Sign of the Hour. Have no doubt about it. But follow me. This is a straight path. (Surat az-Zukhruf: 61)
We know that ‘Isa (as) lived six centuries before the Qur’an was revealed. Therefore, this verse must refer, not to his first life, but to his coming again during the End Times. Both the Christian and the Islamic world are eagerly awaiting ‘Isa (as)’s second coming. This blessed guest’s honored presence on the earth will be the important sign of the Last Day.
- One verse says that the disbelievers who set a trap to kill ‘Isa (as) did not succeed;
(And We cursed them) for their saying, “We killed the Messiah, ‘Isa son of Maryam, Messenger of Allah." They did not kill him and they did not crucify him but it was made to seem so to them. Those who argue about him are in doubt about it. They have no real knowledge of it, just conjecture. But they certainly did not kill him. (Surat an-Nisa’: 157)
Another verse says that ‘Isa (as) did not die, but was taken from the human sphere into the presence of Allah.
Allah raised him up to Himself. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surat an-Nisa’: 158)
In the 55th verse of Surah Al ‘Imran, we learn that Allah will place the people who follow ‘Isa (as) above those who disbelieve until the Day of Rising. It is an historical fact that, 2000 years ago, ‘Isa (as)’s disciples had no political power. Christians who lived between that period and our own have believed a number of false doctrines, the chief of which is the doctrine of the Trinity. Therefore, as is evident, that they will not be able to be referred to as followers of ‘Isa (as), because, as it says in several places in the Qur’an, those who believe in the Trinity have slipped into denial. In such a case, in the time before the Hour, the true followers of ‘Isa (as) will overcome the deniers and become the manifestation of the divine promise contained in Surah Al ‘Imran. Surely, this blessed group will be made known when ‘Isa (as) returns again to earth.
- Again, the Qur’an states that all the People of the Book will believe in ‘Isa (as) before he dies.
There is not one of the People of the Book who will not believe in him ('Isa) before he dies; and on the Day of Rising he will be a witness against them. (Surat an-Nisa’: 159)
We learn clearly from this verse that there are still three unfilled promises concerning ‘Isa (as). First, like every other human being, the Prophet ‘Isa (as) will die. Second, all the People of the Book will see him in bodily form and will obey him while he is alive. There is no doubt that these two predictions will be fulfilled when ‘Isa (as) comes again before the Last Day. The third prediction about ‘Isa's (as) bearing witness against the People of the Book will be fulfilled on the Last Day.
- Another verse in Surah Maryam discusses the death of ‘Isa (as).
Peace be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die and the day I am raised up again alive. (Surah Maryam: 33)
When we compare this verse with the 55th verse of Surah Al ‘Imran, we can recognize a very important fact. The verse in Surah Al ‘Imran speaks about ‘Isa (as)’s being raised to the presence of Allah. In this verse, no information is given as to whether ‘Isa (as) died or not. But in the 33rd verse of Surah Maryam, ‘Isa (as)’s death is referred to. This second death is possible only if ‘Isa (as) came to earth again and died after living here for some time. (Allah surely knows best)
- Another verse that alludes to ‘Isa (as)’s return to earth reads:
He will teach him ('Isa) the Book and Wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel. (Surah Al ‘Imran: 48)
To understand the reference to the “Book” mentioned in this verse, we must look at other verses in the Qur’an that are relevant to this subject: if the Book is stated in one verse together with the Torah and the Gospel, then it must mean the Qur’an. The third verse of Surah Al ‘Imran serves as such an example:
Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. He has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what has there before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel, previously, as guidance for mankind, and He has sent down the Furqan (the Criterion of judgement between right and wrong). (Surah Al ‘Imran: 2-4)
In that case, the book referred to in verse 48, that ‘Isa (as) is to learn, can only be the Qur’an. We know that ‘Isa (as) knew the Torah and the Gospel during his lifetime, that is, approximately 2000 years ago. Clearly, it will be the Qur’an that he will learn when he comes to earth again.
- What verse 59 of Surah Al ‘Imran offers is very interesting: “The likeness of ‘Isa in Allah’s sight is the same as Adam…” In this verse we can see there must be a number of similarities between the two prophets. As we know, both Adam and ‘Isa (as) had no father, but we may draw a further similarity from the above verse, between Adam’s descending to earth from Paradise and ‘Isa (as)’s descent from Allah’s presence in the End Times.
- Further evidence of the second coming of ‘Isa (as) can be found in the use of the word wakahlan in Surah Maida, 110 and Surah Al ‘Imran 46. In these verses, we are revealed these commands:
Remember when Allah said, “‘Isa, son of Maryam, remember My blessing to you and to your mother when I reinforced you with the Purest Spirit so that you could speak to people in the cradle and when you were fully grown (wakahlan) …” (Surat al-Ma’ida: 110)
He will speak to people in the cradle, and also when fully grown (wakahlan), and will be one of the righteous. (Surah Al 'Imran: 46)
This word occurs only in these two verses and only in reference to ‘Isa (as). The word is used to describe ‘Isa (as)’s more mature age. The word refers to the age between 30 and 50, that is, to the end of youth and the beginning of old age. Islamic scholars are agreed in translating this word to refer to a period after the age of 35.
Islamic scholars rely on a tradition related by Ibn Abbas to the effect that ‘Isa (as) was raised to the presence of Allah when he was young, that is, at the beginning of his 30’s, and that when he comes to earth again, he will have 40 years left to live. ‘Isa (as) will progress into his old age after he has returned to earth, so this verse may be said to be a proof of ‘Isa (as)’s second coming to earth. (Faslu'l-Makal fi Ref'i Isa Hayyen ve Nuzulihi ve Katlihi'd-Deccal, p. 20)
It will be beneficial to remind the reader here of a very important matter: Allah sent the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to humanity as the last prophet. Allah revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (saas), and holds all people responsible for obeying the Qur’an until the Day of Judgment. ‘Isa (as) will miraculously return to the world in the End Times but, as the Prophet (saas) has said, he will not bring a new religion. The true religion that the Prophet (saas) taught to humanity is Islam, to which ‘Isa (as) will be subject when he comes to the earth again.
(Please visit the section "Jesus' will return to Earth in the End Times" of this site for other proofs on Jesus' return to earth in the End Times, our Prophet's sayings and the explanations of Islamic scholars.)
-->> THE SPLITTING OF THE MOON
The 54th Surah of the Qur’an is called “Surat al-Qamar.” In English qamar means moon. In several instances, this Surah tells about the destruction that befell the people of Nuh, Ad, Thamud, Lut and Pharaoh, because they rejected the warnings of the prophets. At the same time, there is a very important message stated in the first verse, concerning the Last Day.
The Hour has drawn near and the moon has split. (Surat al-Qamar: 1)
The word “split” used in this verse is the Arabic shaqqa, which in Arabic it has various meanings. In some commentaries on the Qur’an, the meaning “split” is preferred. But shaqqa in Arabic can also mean “ploughing” or “digging” the earth.
As an example of the first usage, we can refer to the 26th verse of Surat al-Abasa:
We pour down plentiful water, then split the earth into furrows. Then We make grain grow in it, and grapes and herbs and olives and dates. (Surah ‘Abasa: 25-29)
It can be clearly seen that the meaning of shaqqa here is not to “split.” It means to plough the earth in order to grow various plants.
If we went back to the year 1969, we would see one of the great wonders of the Qur’an. The experiments carried out on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969, may be hinting at the fulfilment of news given 1,400 years ago in Surat al-Qamar. On that date, American astronauts set foot on the moon. Digging at the lunar soil they carried out scientific experiments and collected samples of stones and soil. It is surely very interesting that these developments are in complete agreement with the statements in the verse.
The exploration of the moon is identified with the slogan: “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” This was an historic moment in space research; it was an event documented by cameras, and everyone from that time to this has witnessed it. As it is stated in the first verse of Surat al-Qamar, this great event may also be a sign of the Last Day. It may be a sign that the world is in the End Times before the Judgment. (Allah surely knows best)
Finally, let us point out that there is a very important warning following these verses. There is a reminder that these signs are an important opportunity for people to turn from error, and that those who do not heed these warnings will be disappointed when they will be brought back to life on that Day of Judgment which is described in the Qur'an as “something unspeakably terrible”:
The Hour has drawn near and the moon has split. If they see a Sign they turn away, saying “There is no end to this witchcraft!” They have denied the truth and followed their whims and desires, but everything has its time. News has come to them which contains a threat: consummate wisdom—but warnings are profitless. Turn away from them then. On the Day the Summoner summons them to something unspeakably terrible, they will emerge from their graves with downcast eyes, like swarming locusts, necks outstretched, eyes transfixed, rushing headlong to the Summoner. The disbelievers will say, “This is a pitiless day!” (Surat al-Qamar: 1-8)
-->>THE APPEARANCE OF THE 'DABBE' AS REVEALED IN THE QUR'AN IS ONE OF THE SIGNS OF JUDGMENT DAY
When the Word is justly carried out against them, We will produce a Beast from the earth which will speak to them. Truly mankind had no certainty about Our Signs. (Surat an-Naml: 82)
The concept of the "Dabbe" in Surat an-Naml 82 of the Qur'an refers to a period when 'that word falls on their heads.' In order to fully understand that verse and the word 'dabbe,' we first need to consider the way the expression 'that word' is employed in the Qur'an.
The Arabic equivalent of 'that word' is 'kavl,' used in the Qur'an in the sense of 'agreement and promise.' As well as those two meanings, the word can also be interpreted as view, belief, thought and creed.
In some verses, the word 'kavl' is used in the sense of believers' pleasing and praiseworthy speech and the words and encouragement they address to other people. For instance, in Surat al-Baqara, Allah reveals that "Correct and courteous words accompanied by forgiveness are better than sadaqa followed by insulting words" (Surat al-Baqara: 263) In another verse, He commands that a believer should "speak to them correctly and courteously" (Surat an-Nisa: 8) when addressing the poor and orphaned.
As well as having that meaning, the word 'kavl' is also used to directly to refer to the Qur'an itself. In many Qur'anic verses the wise words that Allah revealed to mankind by means of the Prophet Muhammad are actually described as 'words.' Here are some examples of this:
It (the Qur'an) is truly a Decisive Word. (Surat at-Tarik: 13)
Truly it (the Qur'an) is the speech of a noble Messenger. (Surat at-Takwir: 19)
Nor is it (the Qur'an) the word of an accursed Shaytan. (Surat at-Takwir: 25)
Do they not ponder these words (the Qur'an)? Has anything come to them that did not come to their ancestors the previous peoples? (Surat al-Muminun: 68)
This (the Qur'an) is the word of a noble Messenger. It is not the word of a poet -how little iman you have! Nor the word of a fortune-teller -how little heed you pay! (Surat al-Haqqa: 40-42)
As can be seen in the above verses, the word 'qavl' is sometimes used to describe the Qur'an - the word of Allah.
In the verse Surat as-Sajda: 13, the word 'qavl' refers to Allah's word or promise coming true:
Had We so willed We could have given guidance to everyone, but now My Words are shown to be true: that I shall fill up Hell entirely with jinn and human beings. (Surat as-Sajda: 13)
In the verse Surat as-Saffat 31, it is used to refer to destruction and suffering sent by Allah:
Our Lord's Word has been carried out against us, that we would taste it. (Surat as-Saffat: 31)
As we can see from these verses, Allah's promised word refers to the way hell is full of deniers and genies and that suffering reigns over men. When 'that word' comes about, those who deny Allah will find themselves facing the eternal torments of hell. Other verses in which 'word' is used to mean 'promise' read:
When We desire to destroy a city, We send a command to the affluent in it and they become deviant in it and the Word is justly carried out against it and We annihilate it completely. (Surat al-Isra: 16)
We revealed to him: 'Build the Ship under Our supervision and as We reveal. When Our command comes and water bubbles up from the earth, load into it a pair of every species, and your family - except for those among them against whom the word has already gone ahead. And do not address Me concerning those who do wrong. They shall be drowned. (Surat al-Muminun: 27)
Those against whom the Word has been justly carried out will say, 'Our Lord, those people we misled, we only misled them as we too were misled. We declare our innocence to You. It was not us they were worshipping!'(Surat al-Qasas: 63)
The Word has been justly carried out against most of them so they have no iman. (Surah Yasin: 7)
So that you may warn those who are truly alive and so that the Word may be carried out against the kafirun. (Surah Yasin: 70)
We have assigned close comrades to them who have made what is before them and behind them seem good to them.And the statement about the nations, both of jinn and men,who passed away before them has proved true of them as well. Certainly they were lost. (Surah Fussilat: 25)
Those are people of whom the statement about the nations, both of jinn and men, who passed away before them,has also proved true; truly they were the lost. (Surat al-Ahqaf: 18)
The Word will be carried out against them for the wrong they did and they will not speak. (Surat an-Naml: 85)
In these verses, Allah is promising unbelievers terrible destruction and endless torment. There is no escape, salvation or way out for anybody to whom that 'word' applies. They will suffer great torments, in this world and the next, and will never be able to escape from it, because that is Allah's promise and He never breaks His word.
It is clear from what we have seen so far that the endless torment promised by Allah awaits the Day of Judgment. On that day, the word of Allah will prevail over all those who deny Him, and they will suffer terrible destruction and torment.
The approach of the Day of Judgment will be heralded by a number of signs. One of these signs that will come about during the final times is the emergence of the 'Dabbe' referred to in Surat an-Naml.
-->>THE DABBE IN THE QUR'AN
The name 'Dabbe' means animal or creature, and comes from the word 'debbe.' 'Debbe' means walking with difficulty. It is used for animals and insects. It also used to refer to the effect of alcohol on the body and to such movement as the imperceptible spread of decay.
The word 'Dabbe' appears in a number of verses of the Qur'an, although Surat an-Naml: 82 is the only one that refers to this particular event that will happen in the final times. When we set out the features of the 'Dabbe' as it appears in this verse, the following picture emerges:
1. The Dabbe is a moving, living thing.
2. The Dabbe is the product of the earth.
3. The Dabbe is a thing or creature that speaks and gives a particular message, which is addressed to all of mankind.
According to the famous Qur'anic commentator Elmali Hamdi Yazir, although the word 'dabbe' is widely used to refer to living animals, its true dictionary meaning is 'having difficulty in walking.' That being the case, it can also be used to refer to automatic things such as trains, cars or bicycles.
When we look at this information about the 'Dabbe' as a whole, we see that the Dabbetül-Arz in question may also refer to the television, the product of modern technology. The fact that the word 'dabbe' is used as an indefinite or imprecise term, known as 'nekire' in Arabic, means that this is an unknowing creature.
Elmali Hamdi Yazir at this point states that: 'We can infer from the way that 'dabbe' is employed in this verse as a 'nekire' that this 'dabbe' is different to the other 'dabbes' with which we are familiar...'
Apart from Qur'anic commentators such as Elmali Hamdi Yazir, a number of lexicographers have also stated that the 'Dabbe' can also refer to all kinds of technical equipment that moves with difficulty. Indeed, the television is a piece of technical equipment that transmits movement and images of movement and permits a flow of knowledge by means of waves and signals.
More important, however, is the way that the 'Dabbe', one of the signs of the final times, 'talks to people'. This aspect of the television more than anything else fits the description in the verse. There are almost no countries, nations or societies in the world that television does not reach. Television is a product of advanced technology, and addresses every society in its own language.
Finally, another basic feature of the 'Dabbe' as revealed in the verse is that it is extracted or comes from the earth. All the component parts of the television (the glass screen, the metal workings etc.) are all made from the earth, or the chemical elements within it.
Another matter confirming our view that the 'Dabbe' actually refers to television is the way that the 'Dabbe' speaks to mankind. By its very nature, the television is a machine that can send a message to everyone at the same time.
In recent times, the true nature of the 'Dabbe' has been a matter for considerable debate, and some Muslim scholars have said that the 'Dabbe' could be a human being, given the way it issues warnings. We must remember, however, that even if human beings do undertake the task of 'warning people,' they still use the television to transmit their message around the world. That being the case, if we bear in mind the fact that the word 'Dabbe' is employed instead of 'person' or 'human being' this supports the idea that the verse may be referring to a piece of technical equipment such as a television and not to a person.
Another important point that reinforces the view that 'Dabbe' does not refer to a human being is this: What the 'Dabbe' referred to in the verse does is to tell people that they do not believe in Allah's verses. However, that is a warning that almost all Muslims issue under the appropriate circumstances. The fact that this feature is emphasized indicates that the 'Dabbe' in question is no ordinary person or living thing.
