Minor Portents of the Day of Judgement from Tafseer ibn Abi hatim

Abstract

To be a true believer in Islam, it is of significant importance to believe in the Day of Judgment. The concept of the Day of Judgment is the fundamental segment of a true believer. This research mainly focuses on a comparative analysis of minor signs of the hour. The study investigates this concept in the light of the Holy Qur’an, Ahadith of the Prophet (P.B.U.H), and the sayings of the Companions. The study then compares all these findings with the beliefs of philosophers, mystics, and theologians. Moreover, the study explores the beliefs of philosophers, mystics, and some theological sects, such as the Shiites, the Mu'tazila, and the Sunnis in their beliefs towards the minor signs of the hour. Therefore, the diverse nature of this comparative research makes the contribution more significant in the field of the Islamic faith. It has become clear through this research that the unseen is not known by empirical science, but rather its sources are the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith. The study validates that the interpretations of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) are most authentic and reliable, as these interpretations of beliefs have been directly extracted and practiced according to the true guidance of the Holy Qur’an, and Ahadith. The study also substantiates that the philosophers, mystics, theologians and other religious scholars of various sects adopted different methods and approaches to comprehend the concept of signs of the hour and the Day of Judgment, so, the authenticity of their beliefs is considered less credible. Finally, the research suggests to follow and practice the most authentic sources, i.e., Holy Qur'an, Ahadith, and sayings of Companions of Prophet (P.B.U.H).