azhar@cs.duke.edu (Salman Azhar) (05/14/91)
The following question has promtped a diversified discussion: >Do Moslems believe the Last Day will come suddenly and without warning, >or will there be signs and portents giving warning in advance? For example, lateef@eemips.tamu.edu (Afroz Lateef) replies: > Yes! We beleive that there are some indications before the coming of > the last day. > The coming of Kana Dajjal, a one eyed being, and his playing the > The coming of Isa (Jesus) Alaisalam, before the end of the world > (for 40 yrs). > Surah " Kahf." Wherein there is a reference to Zulqarnain > and how he blocked the way of the people 'yajuj and majuj' > from attacking onto this side of the hills. When I was around nine years old, I had an interesting discussion with my maternal grandfather about the signs of Qiyamat. He satisfied all my impertinent attempts to "intellectualize religion" by a simple statement: "Salman, the signs leading to last day are provided to remind us of the hereafter (eternal life) in the process of our daily endeavors." I have found his advice valuable whenever I am exposed to debates about signs of last day etc. Whenever I read the first three verses of S. 99 (The convulsion), I can't help but imagine a scenario that I want to share with all of you. An english translation of the ayyats reads as follows: 1. When earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion. 2. And earth throws up her burdens (from within). 3. And human cries (distressed): "What is the matter with it?" Now, here is what I want you to imagine: Location = Big City, USA Scene = A drugged/drunk guy carrying a "music box~ on his shoulder. Event = The "last" day. Remark = "Hey dude, what's happenin'?" Salman [sharing his perspective] Azhar