Signs of the Hour in Islam: Gog and Magog and Other Signs

    The wisdom behind learning about the signs that precede the Hour is to inform people about them, awaken them from negligence, and encourage them to take precautions through repentance and renewed devotion to Allah. This knowledge helps people prepare for the Hereafter rather than being caught off guard and finding themselves unable to make up for their shortcomings. You can also read Part 1 and Part 2 of our series on Signs of the Hour in Islam.

The Prophet ﷺ was asked about what a person had prepared for the Hereafter, and he said:

مَا أَعْدَدْتَ لَهَا؟

“What have you prepared for it?”

Therefore, before continuing to explore the remaining signs of the Hour, we should honestly reflect on our deeds and prepare ourselves to meet Allah.

Gog and Magog (Ya’juj and Ma’juj)

Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) are two groups among the descendants of Adam. As mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf, Dhul-Qarnayn built a barrier to prevent them from reaching the people. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“They said, ‘O Dhul-Qarnayn, indeed Gog and Magog are [great] corrupters in the land. So may we assign for you an expenditure that you might make between us and them a barrier?’” (Qur’an 18:94).

You can read the verse in Surah Al-Kahf (18:94).

According to Islamic teachings, Ya’juj and Ma’juj will emerge when Allah wills. Their emergence will bring widespread destruction and hardship. The Prophetic narrations describe their great numbers and the devastation they will cause. Allah will ultimately destroy them, bringing an end to their corruption.

The Sun Rising from the West

One of the major signs of the Hour is the sun rising from the west. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from the west. When it rises and the people see it, they will all believe. But that will be the time when belief will be of no benefit to those who did not believe before, or those who did not do some good through their faith.” (See Qur’an 6:158.)

The Prophet ﷺ also described how suddenly the Hour will come. People will be busy with their daily activities, and some will not even have time to complete what they are doing. A person spreading out a garment will not be able to finish the transaction or fold it up. Another will be carrying milk from his she-camel but will not be able to drink it. Someone preparing a water trough for his livestock will not be able to fill it, and a person who has raised food to his mouth will not be able to eat it.

This narration is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

The Beast of the Earth

Another major sign of the Hour is the emergence of the Beast of the Earth. Allah mentions this sign in the Qur’an, in Surah An-Naml (27:82), where He tells us that a creature will emerge from the earth and speak to people.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Hasten to do good deeds before six things appear: the rising of the sun from the west, the smoke, the Dajjal, the Beast, the death of one of you, or general turmoil.”

This hadith reminds Muslims not to delay good deeds or repentance, because the future is unknown and the signs of the Hour will come at times known only to Allah.

You can read the verse about the Beast in Surah An-Naml (27:82).

Preparing for the Hour

Finally, we ask Allah to enlighten our hearts and minds, guide us to seek beneficial Islamic knowledge, and help us act upon what we learn. O Allah, grant us a good ending to our lives and make us among those who meet You with sincere faith and righteous deeds.

To read the full series on the signs of the Hour, please visit:

• Article One: Signs of the Hour
• Article Two: Signs of the Hour
• Article Three: Signs of the Hour