Are Diseases and Epidemics Signs of the Hour?

A question was posed to Sheikh Ahmad Waseem, Fatwa Secretary at Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, asking whether diseases and epidemics are among the signs of the Hour.

Sheikh Waseem clarified during a live broadcast on Dar al-Ifta’s official page that diseases by itself are not considered signs of the Hour. He also emphasized that instilling fear or intimidating people is not part of the signs of the Hour. Instead, the signs serve to strengthen the faith and certainty of believers in their religion when they witness such occurrences.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) informed us that one of the signs of the end times would be the widespread death among people, particularly sudden death. This could occur through earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, epidemics, hurricanes, and drowning, as well as through wars, battles, and widespread trials. Mankind is the primary corrupter on earth due to the inherent nature of oppression and ignorance. Most of the corruption on earth, leading to the death of humans, animals, and plants, is a result of human misconduct. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also mentioned that one of the signs of the Hour would be an increase in “al-harj,” which means killing. The rate of killing will reach a point where the killer will not know why they killed, nor will the one killed know why they were killed. People will pass by graves, wishing to be in the place of the deceased because of the overwhelming violence, the permissibility of shedding blood, and the confusion of circumstances, as described in the authentic hadiths.

As for death by epidemics, this is explicitly mentioned in the signs of the Hour in the hadith narrated by Awf ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him). He said: “I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) during the Battle of Tabuk, and he was in a tent made of leather. He said, ‘Count six things that will occur before the Hour: My death, the opening of Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem), a death that will strike you like the death of sheep, the spreading of wealth until a man is given 100 dinars and remains dissatisfied, a trial that will affect every Arab household, a truce between you and the Romans, who will betray you and come to you with eighty banners, under each banner will be twelve thousand.'” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

Dr. Ali Gomaa, the former Grand Mufti of Egypt and member of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar, explained that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) informed us of numerous truths about the Hour. He noted the magnificence of the Day of Judgment and the abundance of signs and events preceding it as preparation for its occurrence.

Dr. Gomaa stated on his official Facebook page that scholars have categorized the signs of the Hour into minor and major signs. Minor signs refer to phenomena that affect Islamic and global societies. These include greetings being exchanged only among acquaintances, a lack of concern for lawful sustenance, the proliferation of trade and marketplaces, and the embellishment of mosques with excessive pride in their decorations and furnishings. Another minor sign is longing to see the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) during widespread trials and the alienation of religion.

Dr. Gomaa elaborated that other signs include widespread miserliness, where individuals withhold wealth, knowledge, or expertise, and senseless killings without just cause. People may honor others out of fear of their harm rather than for their virtue and goodness. Additionally, there will be disobedience toward mothers, unjust obedience to wives, disobedience toward fathers, and unjustified loyalty to friends. Voices will be raised in mosques, corruption and bribery will increase, and leadership positions will be assigned to unqualified individuals.

He also highlighted the proliferation of writing and publications and noted that children would cause distress to their parents through disobedience and constant trouble. Rain may become a source of harm rather than mercy, and people will seek knowledge for material gain instead of religious purposes. Luxury and indulgence will dominate Islamic societies.

Dr. Gomaa noted that during these times, people will wish for death due to the prevalence of trials. A man may be praised for his external appearance while lacking genuine faith. Famines and blockades will affect regions such as Iraq and the Levant. Epidemics will result in mass casualties, similar to the plague of Amwas during Caliph Umar’s era. Global wars will erupt, Jerusalem will be liberated, and the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his passing will mark significant signs. People will also imitate Jews and Christians without discernment.

The signs frequently revolve around corruption, abandonment of religion, and the decline of reason and knowledge. Dr. Gomaa stated that among these signs are the birth of slave women to their mistresses, barefoot and destitute individuals competing to construct tall buildings, entrusting matters to unqualified individuals, widespread ignorance replacing knowledge, and an increase in murder. Intoxicants will be consumed under euphemistic names, immorality and indecency will prevail, and trust will be misplaced in unworthy individuals.

He further mentioned broader signs, including widespread earthquakes, sudden deaths, and the unity of nations against Muslims, likened to diners gathering around a dish. People will seek knowledge from unqualified individuals, and women dressed immodestly will appear as though they are clothed but still uncovered. Tyrannical figures will rise, oppressing others in public affairs.

This explanation underscores the recurring themes of corruption, ignorance, and the deviation from religion as indicators of the approaching Hour, urging believers to remain steadfast and vigilant in their faith.