Ad Deen Al Islam

The mention of the Day of Judgment is very common in many religious circles. It is usually described as the end of the world, and various clear signs of this ending are said to be recorded in religious scriptures. Many religions believe that before the end of the world, there will be a great war between good and evil, resulting in massive destruction. There will be famine, drastic changes in the world’s climate, solar and lunar eclipses, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, ultimately leading to the destruction of humanity.

Such predictions are frequently discussed in religious gatherings. Along with these, other famous beliefs include the arrival of a prophet, avatar, or imam who will appear when chaos and evil spread everywhere, to eliminate corruption and restore justice. Media also uses such stories for popularity and sensationalism.

We have been hearing such tales since childhood. As a Muslim, I firmly believe that every living being must one day die, and everything in this world will perish except its Creator. A day will come when every soul will be resurrected after death and will stand before its Lord.

This is the true meaning of the Day of Judgment — resurrection after death. On that Day, every soul will be held accountable for its deeds. Those with good deeds will be successful and enjoy eternal peace, while those with evil deeds will face destruction.

Sadly, our focus has shifted toward mythical stories planted in our minds by the enemies of Allah’s religion, such as:

• The rule of Dajjal
  
• The return of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him)
  
• The arrival of Imam Mahdi
  

According to popular belief, all three will appear one after another as major signs of the Day of Judgment.

So many narrations exist regarding them that they are beyond counting. But what is even more unfortunate is the absence of critical thinking among people.

The Qur’an clearly states that Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) has passed away. In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:116), Allah will question Jesus on the Day of Judgment. Jesus will respond that he only conveyed what Allah commanded him. This clearly proves that he came only once into this world. Otherwise, he would have said that he returned a second time.

Thus, the Qur’an clearly rejects the belief in the physical return of Jesus. Yet people continue to wait for his return. They verbally accept Muhammad ﷺ as the final Messenger, but still anticipate Jesus’ return — arguing that since the Jewish nation did not accept him, he must return to complete his mission.

But then one must ask: the Jews and Christians of that era also rejected Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who was sent for all mankind. Does that mean he too should return? Is it justice that later generations should be punished for the sins of their ancestors? This is not Allah’s law.

The Qur’an also makes it clear that belief accepted at the final moment of death will not be accepted. Once Allah has declared that all final judgments will occur on the Day of Judgment, then why would Jesus return?

Similarly, stories about Dajjal claim he is imprisoned on a distant island and will appear before the end of time, ruling the world. Then Imam Mahdi, who has supposedly been in hiding for centuries, will appear to defeat him. To protect themselves from Dajjal’s trial, many Muslims recite Surah Al-Kahf every Friday.

If we reflect logically, Dajjal is considered a follower of Satan — and Satan has existed since the time of Adam (peace be upon him). The Qur’an clearly states that Satan and his followers are the enemies of mankind and will continue to mislead humanity until the Day of Judgment (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:15–18). Allah has repeatedly warned us to stay alert and guard ourselves from Satan throughout our lives.

Our true struggle, therefore, is not with a future Dajjal, but with Satan’s constant deception. We must remain vigilant throughout our lives so that we are not ashamed when we stand before Allah.

Unfortunately, we have entangled ourselves in these fabricated narratives. If we think rationally, it becomes clear: whenever the world ends, our personal world ends the moment we die. After that, we will be resurrected and presented before our Lord for accountability. That moment deserves our real concern.

The Qur’an clearly informs us that the only certain event is resurrection after death. No one knows when the world will end — not prophets, not angels, not scholars. Even if all the so-called signs appear, no one can declare the exact day or time.

Because the knowledge of the Hour belongs only and solely to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.