Prophetic Warning about rapid passing of time and moral degeneration

In our  present times, many people are of the opinion that time is passing much too rapidly. And if we look around us, we will see the events unfolding exactly as forewarned by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ more than 1400 years ago. We share one such hadith, narrated by Abu Huraira, that reflects prophetic insights into the conditions that would prevail as the Day of Judgment approaches. This hadith describes a series of signs that are relevant to the modern era, and it offers a profound reflection on the social and moral decline that would characterize the end times. 

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 78 Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab) /  كتاب  الأدب / Chapter 39:  Good character, generosity, and miserliness / بَابُ حُسْنِ الْخُلُقِ، وَالسَّخَاءِ، وَمَا يُكْرَهُ مِنَ الْبُخْلِ‏ ) as Hadith 6037, given herein under:

Narrated by Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Time will pass rapidly, good deeds will decrease, and miserliness will be thrown (in the hearts of the people), and the Harj (will increase)." They asked, "What is the Harj?" He replied, "(It is) killing (murdering), (it is) murdering (killing).

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي حُمَيْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ يَتَقَارَبُ الزَّمَانُ وَيَنْقُصُ الْعَمَلُ، وَيُلْقَى الشُّحُّ وَيَكْثُرُ الْهَرْجُ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالُوا وَمَا الْهَرْجُ قَالَ ‏"‏ الْقَتْلُ، الْقَتْلُ ‏"‏‏.‏

Let us examine the above referred Hadith in context with our present times:

1. Time Will Pass Rapidly:

In today’s world, the perception that time is passing quickly is a common feeling among many people. The fast pace of life, fueled by technological advancements, instant communication, and the demands of modern living, often makes days, weeks, and years seem to fly by. This feeling of time passing rapidly can also be attributed to the overwhelming busyness of life, where individuals are often preoccupied with worldly matters, leaving little room for reflection or spiritual pursuits.

2. Good Deeds Will Decrease:

Despite the increasing awareness of global issues and access to information, the overall engagement in good deeds and acts of worship has diminished in many communities. People are often distracted by worldly desires, materialism, and the pursuit of personal success. The prevalence of sin and immoral behavior, coupled with a decline in religious observance, reflects a decrease in virtuous actions, kindness, and charitable works.

The emphasis on self-gratification and a loss of community spirit has contributed to this decline in good deeds. Even when people do engage in good deeds, the sincerity (ikhlas) behind these actions may be lacking, as acts are sometimes performed for recognition or social media validation rather than for the sake of Allah.

3. Miserliness Will Be Thrown in the Hearts of the People:

The hadith's reference to miserliness indicates a growing selfishness and reluctance to share wealth or resources. In contemporary society, despite widespread wealth and economic progress, there is often an increase in greed, hoarding, and a lack of generosity. Many people prioritize their own needs and desires over the welfare of others, even when they have the means to help.

Economic inequality, a heightened focus on individualism, and the desire for more wealth have led to a decrease in charity and communal support. The emphasis on acquiring and protecting personal wealth often outweighs the duty to assist the less fortunate.

4. Harj (Killing) Will Increase:

The term "Harj" in the hadith refers to senseless killing and widespread violence. In today’s world, this is alarmingly relevant, as we witness an increase in conflicts, wars, terrorism, mass shootings, and other forms of violence. The value of human life seems diminished, and the frequency of killings has increased significantly, often without just cause or in the pursuit of power, revenge, or misguided ideologies.

The rise of violent crime, domestic violence, gang-related killings, and other forms of murder highlight how this prophecy is unfolding in current times. Modern media, social, political, and economic pressures can exacerbate feelings of anger, hatred, and resentment, leading to more frequent and senseless acts of violence.

Broader Lessons and Reflections

• Moral Decline: This hadith highlights a general moral decline, where time is wasted, good deeds are neglected, and violence becomes normalized. The increasing distance from spiritual values and ethical behavior indicates a need for a return to faith and conscious living.
• The Importance of Repentance and Good Deeds: Despite the difficulties of the times, this hadith serves as a reminder for believers to strive against these negative trends. It encourages Muslims to engage in good deeds, to be generous, and to actively work towards peace and reconciliation.
• The Role of Faith: Maintaining faith and adherence to Islamic principles is crucial in such times. The hadith serves as a warning and a guide for Muslims to hold steadfastly to their religious values, avoid contributing to the decline, and be proactive in performing good deeds.

The hadith about the rapid passage of time, the decrease in good deeds, the rise of miserliness, and the increase in senseless killing offers a sobering reflection on the state of the world today. It calls for awareness, self-reflection, and a renewed commitment to living a life that aligns with the teachings of Islam. It is a call to resist these negative trends by fostering faith, kindness, generosity, and a commitment to peace in our communities.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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Posted in: Bokhari 6037,Hadith: Specific Subject-Cautions,Moral Dgeneration,Prophetic Prophecies,Time