When we read the accounts of the prophets in the Qur’an, we see that an important divine law governs all ages. Those societies that reject the messenger Allah sent to them and fight against him are destroyed, while those who subject themselves to the messenger experience the material plenty and spiritual well being that true religion brings. In the period following these messengers, some societies then reject the true religion that was clearly communicated to them, and begin to associate partners with Allah. Discord and conflict ensue. In fact, they have contributed to their own disastrous end with their hands.

This law will surely be operative in the End Times. The Prophet (saas) reveals that the Hour will come after the death of ‘Isa (as) and at the end of the Golden Age:

	After him (the Prophet ‘Isa (as)) the day of Judgment will be but a matter of moments away. (Ahmad Diya’al-Din al-Kamushkhanawi, Ramuz al-Ahadith)

	The day of Judgment will come after him (the Prophet ‘Isa (as). (Ahmad Diya’al-Din al-Kamushkhanawi, Ramuz al-Ahadith)

Surely, the End Times and the Golden Age will be the periods in which a last warning will be given to humanity. A number of hadiths highlight that there will be no good left in the world after this period. So, we see that, shortly after ‘Isa (as)’s death, all the peoples of the world, spoiled by the material abundance of the Golden Age, will become wicked and reject true religion. We may state that it may be under such conditions that the Hour will come, but, of course, only Allah knows.

Surely, Allah is beyond time and space, whereas human beings are bound by them both. This evident reality means that the past, present and future are only one moment in Allah’s sight. In His sight, everything begins and ends in a moment. From the creation of the world to the Judgment, everything has been ordained by Allah, down to the smallest details. Every event, from the smallest to the greatest, has been recorded in the book called “Lawh Mahfuz” (Mother of the Book).

Every occurrence, in its every detail, along with its time and place, is contained within the destiny ordained by Allah. In the Qur’an, this fact is stated in these words: “Every communication has its time, and you will certainly come to know.” (Surat al-An’am: 67) This time is precisely predetermined such that “it cannot be delayed or advanced a single hour.”

Of course, the time when the signs of the Last Day and the End Times will come to pass is determined in Allah’s sight down to the last second. For centuries, believers who sincerely believe in Allah have observed the occurrence of the signs of the Last Day with great interest and anticipation, knowing that what they are observing is the operation of fate. They have carefully considered the signs in the Qur’an and in the hadiths, and have endeavored to prepare themselves for the disorder and anguish of the first period of the End Times. As well, they have earnestly desired to live in the blessed Golden Age.

The verses of the Qur’an and the hadiths examined throughout this book have clearly presented a number of facts regarding the promises of Allah. The period in which we live is one in which a large part of these signs of the Hour have come to pass. Today’s world is witnessing, for the first time in history, the evident fulfillment of these divine promises, one after the other. Surely, these are the most important developments since the time of the Prophet (saas). To view these divine signs dismissively, to neglect them or reject them is a great loss.

So, we can understand that the twentyfirst century marks the beginning of a totally new era in world history.

Allah’s promises are certainly true. No one can change His promises or prevent their fulfillment. As in every matter, the best and most beautiful words in this matter are stated in the Qur’an:

Say: “Praise be to Allah. He will show you His Signs and you will recognize them...” (Surat an-Naml: 93)