Hadith #7839

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The Hour [of reckoning] has shown its face and the sign [of its coming] is evident for the one who recognizes it.

This Hadith highlights the imminent arrival of the Day of Judgment and the signs that precede it. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (asfara) "أسْفَرَتِ" in the Hadith refers to the face of the Hour, indicating its manifestation and the beginning of its occurrence. The word (‘alamah) "عَلامَةُ" refers to the sign or indication of the Hour's approach. It is important to note that the Hour is a significant event in Islamic eschatology, representing the Day of Judgment when all beings will be held accountable for their actions.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has mentioned the signs of the Hour in the Quran to alert and remind the believers of its inevitability. One such verse is found in Surah Al-Hajj (22:1), where Allah says,

O people, fear your Lord. Indeed, the convulsion of the [final] Hour is a terrible thing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fearing Allah and being conscious of His commandments, as the Hour will be a momentous and awe-inspiring event.

Another verse that sheds light on the signs of the Hour is found in Surah Al-Qamar (54:1), where Allah says,

The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two].

This verse highlights one of the miraculous signs that will occur before the Day of Judgment, indicating the approaching end of the world. It serves as a reminder that the signs of the Hour are not mere allegories but tangible events that will unfold.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith implies that the signs of the Hour are evident for those who possess deep insight and understanding. It is not merely a physical manifestation but a spiritual awakening that enables one to recognize these signs. This recognition is not limited to a specific group but is open to all Muslims who strive to comprehend the deeper meanings of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Understanding the signs of the Hour is crucial for Muslims as it serves as a reminder of the transient nature of this world and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. Reflecting on these signs should motivate us to increase our devotion to Allah, seek forgiveness for our sins, and strive to live a righteous life. It should also instill a sense of urgency in spreading the message of Islam and inviting others to the path of guidance.

Moreover, recognizing the signs of the Hour should lead to a heightened sense of accountability and responsibility. It should encourage us to reflect upon our actions, rectify our behavior, and seek repentance for any wrongdoings. This awareness should drive us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives, knowing that we will be held accountable for our deeds on the Day of Judgment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the imminent arrival of the Day of Judgment and the signs that precede it. By recognizing these signs, Muslims are reminded of the importance of preparing for the Hereafter, seeking forgiveness, and striving to live a righteous life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand these signs and the ability to act upon them.