The emergence of Gog and Magog (Ya’juj and Ma’juj) is one of the most fascinating and pivotal events in Islamic eschatology. Described as a catastrophic force of unparalleled destruction, their appearance marks the approach of the Day of Judgment.
Rooted in the Quran and Hadith, the narrative of Gog and Magog illustrates the trials humanity will face, the unwavering faith of believers led by Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), and the ultimate triumph of divine will. This article delves into the signs of their arrival, their devastation, and the profound lessons they hold for Muslims and humanity at large.
The Emergence of Gog and Magog
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُتِحَتْ يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍۢ يَنسِلُونَ
Al Quran: Parah: 17, Surah: 21, Verse No: 96
Until the time when Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj (Gog & Magog) will be released, and they will be coming down from every height
According to Islam, the emergence of Gog and Magog (Ya’juj and Ma’juj) will occur after the Muslims retreat to Mount Tur (Mount Sinai). Gog and Magog will be so numerous that their first group will drink the waters of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee), which measures about ten miles, and dry it up entirely. When the subsequent group arrives, they will remark that there was once water in this place.
Their Mischief and Destruction
After wreaking havoc and destruction across the earth, they will declare, “We have killed the inhabitants of the earth; now let us target those in the heavens!” Saying this, they will shoot their arrows toward the sky. By the divine will, their arrows will return blood-stained, leading them to believe they have triumphed against celestial beings.
During this time, Prophet Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) and his followers will be besieged on the mountain. Provisions will become so scarce that the head of a cow will be as valuable as one hundred gold coins are today. Prophet Jesus and his companions will pray to Allah for relief. In response, Allah will create a specific type of worm or parasite that will infest the necks of Gog and Magog, causing them all to perish instantly.
Clearing the Earth of Their Corpses
Once Gog and Magog are eliminated, Prophet Jesus and his followers will descend from the mountain and find the earth covered with their corpses, emitting a foul stench. The stench and sheer number of bodies will render the land uninhabitable. Prophet Jesus and his companions will again supplicate to Allah, who will send large birds to carry the corpses to a location known only to Him. Their bows, arrows, and quivers will be used by Muslims as firewood for seven years.
Abundance and Prosperity Post-Gog and Magog
Afterward, Allah will send rain that will cleanse the earth and restore it to a state of purity. The earth will be commanded to bring forth its fruits and blessings abundantly. The skies will be ordered to pour forth their blessings. In this blessed time:
- A single pomegranate will suffice for an entire group of people.
- Its peel will provide shade for ten individuals.
- Milk will be so blessed that:
- A camel’s milk will suffice for a large group.
- A cow’s milk will suffice for a whole tribe.
- A goat’s milk will suffice for an entire family.
The Appearance of the Smoke
A dense smoke will appear, enveloping the earth and darkening the skies from horizon to horizon. This will be another major sign of the approaching Day of Judgment.
فَٱرْتَقِبْ يَوْمَ تَأْتِى ٱلسَّمَآءُ بِدُخَانٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ يَغْشَى ٱلنَّاسَ ۖ هَـٰذَا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۭ
Al Quran: Parah: 25, Surah: 44, Verse No: 10-11
So, you keep waiting for that day when the sky will bring forth a visible smoke. Which will smother the people; this is painful punishment.
The Emergence of the Beast
A unique creature, Dabbat al-Ardh, will emerge. It will carry the staff of Moses (Musa, peace be upon him) and the ring of Solomon (Sulaiman, peace be upon him). Using these, the beast will:
- Mark the foreheads of Muslims with a radiant sign using the staff.
- Mark the foreheads of disbelievers with a dark, harsh mark using the ring.
۞ وَإِذَا وَقَعَ ٱلْقَوْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ أَخْرَجْنَا لَهُمْ دَآبَّةًۭ مِّنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمْ أَنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ كَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ
Al Quran: Parah: 20, Surah: 27, Verse No: 82
And when the Word (i.e., the promise of punishment) will fall upon them, We shall bring forth for them a creature from the Earth that will speak to the people, because the people did not used to believe in Our verses.
From that point onward, the distinction between believer and disbeliever will be absolute and unchanging.
Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The Beast will emerge carrying the ring of Solomon, son of David, and the staff of Moses, son of Imran (peace be upon them both). It will use the staff to brighten the face of the believer and the ring to mark the nose of the disbeliever. Until the people of gatherings will recognize one another, and one will say: ‘O believer!’ and another will say: ‘O disbeliever!'”
— Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Tribulations, Chapter on the Beast of the Earth, Hadith 4066, Volume 4, Pages 393-394.
No disbeliever will be able to accept faith, and no believer will renounce their faith.
The Sun Rising from the West
Another major sign will be the sun rising from the west. With its appearance, the doors of repentance will close permanently, and accepting Islam at that time will hold no validity.
Narrated by Safwan bin Assal (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Indeed, there is a door towards the west whose width is seventy years’ journey. This door remains open for repentance until the sun rises from its direction. When it rises from the west, no soul will benefit from its faith if it had not believed before or earned any good through its faith.”
— Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Tribulations, Chapter on the Rising of the Sun from the West, Hadith 4070, Volume 4, Page 396.
The Passing of Prophet Jesus and the End of Believers
After the passing of the Prophet Jesus, a cool and fragrant wind will blow, passing beneath the armpits of believers.
“While they are in that state, Allah will send a pleasant wind that will take them beneath their armpits and seize the soul of every believer and Muslim. Only the wicked people will remain, who will engage in shameless acts like donkeys, and upon them the Hour will be established.”
— Sahih Muslim, Book of Tribulations and Signs of the Hour, Chapter on Mention of the Dajjal, Hadith 7373, Page 1570.
This wind will cause the souls of all believers to be taken gently, leaving only disbelievers on the earth. Among these disbelievers, the Day of Judgment will eventually be established.
The Final Years Before Judgment
Following the demise of all believers, forty years will pass without any offspring being born and no one will be aged less than 40 years. Humanity will consist solely of disbelievers. There will be no one left to say “Allah”.
Narrated by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The Hour will not be established until it is no longer said on the earth: ‘Allah, Allah.'”
— Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, Chapter on the Disappearance of Faith at the End of Times, Hadith 234, Page 88.
People will be preoccupied with their daily lives—plastering walls, eating meals, and engaging in routine tasks—when suddenly, the trumpet (Sur) will be blown by the Angel Israfil.
The First Blow of the Trumpet
The sound of the trumpet will begin faintly and gradually grow louder, causing everyone to listen intently. Its crescendo will lead to universal destruction:
- The heavens, earth, mountains, and everything within will perish.
- Even the trumpet and Angel Israfil will cease to exist.
The Day of Judgment: The Resurrection
Only Allah, the Eternal and Almighty, will remain. He will declare: لِّمَنِ ٱلْمُلْكُ ٱلْيَوْمَ ۖ
Al Quran: Parah: 24, Surah: 40, Verse No: 16
“To whom does the dominion belong today?
Where are the tyrants and the arrogant?”
With no one to respond, Allah will answer Himself: لِلَّهِ ٱلْوَٰحِدِ ٱلْقَهَّارِ
Al Quran: Parah: 24, Surah: 40, Verse No: 16
“It belongs solely to Allah, the One, the Dominant on all.”
When Allah wills, He will resurrect Israfil and recreate the trumpet. Upon the second blowing of the trumpet, all creatures—humans, jinn, and animals—will be resurrected.
The Appearance of Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) will be the first to emerge from his grave. He will rise, holding Abu Bakr Siddiq in his right hand and Umar ibn al-Khattab in his left hand. They will lead the Muslims buried in the sacred grounds of Mecca and Medina to the Plain of Resurrection (Maidan-e-Hashr).
Beliefs Regarding the Day of Judgment
- The Day of Judgment is a certainty, and denying it constitutes disbelief (Kufr).
وَأَنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ ءَاتِيَةٌۭ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهَا
Al Quran: Parah: 17, Surah: 22, Verse No: 7
And because the Last Day is going to come; there is no doubt in it
- The resurrection will involve both the body and the soul. Denying the bodily resurrection or asserting that only the soul will rise also constitutes disbelief (Kufr).
- Each soul will be resurrected with the body it inhabited in this world.
قَدْ عَلِمْنَا مَا تَنقُصُ ٱلْأَرْضُ مِنْهُمْ ۖ وَعِندَنَا كِتَـٰبٌ حَفِيظٌۢ
Al Quran: Parah: 26, Surah: 50, Verse No: 4
We know whatever the Earth reduces from them (i.e., from their bodies in the grave), and with Us is a Book that records (everything).
Belief: Resurrection and Reassembling of the Body
It is a fundamental Islamic belief that even if the body’s parts become scattered after death or consumed by animals, Allah will gather all the parts and resurrect the person on the Day of Judgment. On that day, people will rise from their graves naked, barefoot, and uncircumcised. Some will walk on foot, while others will have means of transportation:
- Some will ride alone.
- Others will share a mount—two, three, four, or ten people per animal.
- Disbelievers will be dragged on their faces to the Plain of Resurrection. Angels will drag some, while others will be gathered by fire.
The Plain of Resurrection
The Plain of Resurrection will be established in the land of Sham (Syria). The ground will be perfectly level, so much so that if a mustard seed were to fall on one edge, it would be visible from the other. On that day:
- The earth will be made of copper.
يَوْمَ تُبَدَّلُ ٱلْأَرْضُ غَيْرَ ٱلْأَرْضِ
Al Quran: Parah: 13, Surah: 14, Verse No: 48
On the Day when the Earth will be changed to other than this Earth
- The sun will be as close as one mile from the head of the people.
The narrator of the hadith expressed uncertainty about whether mile refers to a small applicator used for kohl (eyeliner) or the actual distance. Even if it is the latter, it is an unimaginably short distance compared to the sun’s current position, which is a journey of 4,000 years. Despite its current distance, even a direct overhead sun can make venturing outside unbearable. Imagine the intensity when the sun is a mile away, with its full glare directed downward! The ground will be made of copper, further magnifying the heat. Such unbearable conditions are beyond comprehension. May Allah protect us from such torment.
Boiling Heat and Sweat
The intense heat will cause brains to boil, and sweat will pour out in immense quantities. It will seep into the earth up to seventy yards deep. Once the earth can absorb no more, the sweat will rise, reaching different levels based on the deeds of individuals:
- For some, it will reach their ankles.
- For others, it will rise to their knees, waists, chests, or throats.
- For disbelievers, it will rise above their faces. They will choke and struggle as if drowning in it.
Amid this heat, the thirst will be unimaginable. Tongues will dry up and become like thorns; some tongues will hang out of their mouths. Hearts will feel as though they are boiling and rising to their throats. Every individual will be subjected to suffering proportionate to their sins.
Punishment for Specific Sins
- Withholding Zakat: Wealth hoarded without paying Zakat will be heated in the fire and used to brand the foreheads, sides, and backs of those who failed to pay it.
وَٱلَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ ٱلذَّهَبَ وَٱلْفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَهَا فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍۢ يَوْمَ يُحْمَىٰ عَلَيْهَا فِى نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ فَتُكْوَىٰ بِهَا جِبَاهُهُمْ وَجُنُوبُهُمْ وَظُهُورُهُمْ ۖ هَـٰذَا مَا كَنَزْتُمْ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا۟ مَا كُنتُمْ تَكْنِزُونَ
Al Quran: Parah: 10, Surah: 9, Verse No: 34-35
And those who pile up gold and silver and do not spend in the Way of Allah; give them glad tidings of a painful punishment. The Day when it (gold and silver) will be heated up in the Fire of Hell; then their foreheads, and their sides, and their backs will be branded with it. ‘Here is what you accumulated for yourselves; therefore, taste now the flavour of your accumulation.
- Neglecting Zakat on Animals: The animals they withheld will trample and gore them repeatedly. Once the animals pass over them, they will return and continue until the reckoning is complete.
Despair and Isolation
Despite these immense hardships, no one will help another. Brothers will flee from brothers, parents from children, and spouses and offspring will abandon each other.
يَوْمَ يَفِرُّ ٱلْمَرْءُ مِنْ أَخِيهِ وَأُمِّهِۦ وَأَبِيهِ وَصَـٰحِبَتِهِۦ وَبَنِيهِ لِكُلِّ ٱمْرِئٍۢ مِّنْهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍۢ شَأْنٌۭ يُغْنِيهِ
Al Quran: Parah: 30, Surah: 80, Verse No: 34-37
On that Day, man will flee from his (own) brother. And (from his) mother and father. And from (his) wife and sons. On that Day, each one has just one worry which is sufficient for him (of not caring about others).
Everyone will be preoccupied with their own suffering. No one will have the capacity to assist another.
Sorting of the Damned
Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) will be instructed by Allah, “O Adam! Separate the group destined for Hell.” He will ask, “How many?” Allah will reply, “Nine hundred and ninety-nine from every thousand.”
At that moment:
- Children will turn old out of fear.
- Pregnant women will miscarry.
- People will appear intoxicated, though they are not, as Allah’s punishment will be overwhelming.
The Length of the Day of Judgment
The single Day of Judgment will last fifty thousand years.
فِى يَوْمٍۢ كَانَ مِقْدَارُهُۥ خَمْسِينَ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍۢ
Al Quran: Parah: 29, Surah: 70, Verse No: 4
on a Day the duration of which is fifty thousand years (according to the worldly calculation of time).
Even after half of it passes, people will still be in the same state of suffering and confusion. They will decide to seek intercession to be relieved from this torment.
Seeking Intercession
The people will consult one another and decide to approach Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), the father of humanity. They will say:
- “You are our father. Allah created you with His own hands, breathed spirit into you, ordered the angels to prostrate to you, and placed you in Paradise. Please intercede for us before Allah to relieve us from this torment.”
Prophet Adam will respond:
- “This is not my position. Today, I am concerned for myself. Allah is angrier today than He has ever been and will ever be. Go to someone else.”
Approaching Other Prophets
- Prophet Nuh (Noah): The people will go to Prophet Nuh, the first messenger sent to earth. He will also decline, saying he is not qualified and is concerned about himself.
- Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham): Prophet Nuh will direct them to Prophet Ibrahim, the friend of Allah. However, he too will express his inability to intercede.
- Prophet Musa (Moses): Prophet Ibrahim will send them to Prophet Musa, who will also decline and direct them further.
- Prophet Isa (Jesus): Prophet Musa will direct them to Prophet Isa, who will similarly decline, saying he is not the one for this task.
The Final Hope: Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
Prophet Isa will then direct the people to the final prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him), saying:
- “He is the one under whose hand victory lies. Today, he is fearless. He is the leader of all humanity and the seal of the prophets.”
The people will then come to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), crying and pleading for intercession. They will say:
- “O Muhammad, O Messenger of Allah! Allah has given you the highest rank and opened the door of intercession for you. Please intercede for us!”
Prophet Muhammad will respond:
- “I am for this. I am the one for whom you have been searching.”
He will proceed to the Throne of Allah, prostrate, and glorify Allah with praises never uttered. Allah will say:
- “O Muhammad! Raise your head. Speak, and you will be heard. Ask, and it will be granted. Intercede and your intercession will be accepted.”
“I will seek permission to intercede with my Lord, and permission will be granted to me. He will inspire me with words of praise with which I will glorify Him—words that I do not know now. I will praise Him with those words and then fall prostrate before Him. It will be said: ‘O Muhammad, raise your head, speak, and you will be heard; ask, and you will be given; intercede, and your intercession will be accepted.'”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Tawhid, Chapter on Allah’s Speech on the Day of Resurrection with the Prophets and Others, Hadith 7510, Volume 4, Page 577.
And in another narration:
— Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, Chapter on the Lowest Rank of Those in Paradise, Hadith 322 (193), Page 122.
“It will be said: ‘O Muhammad, raise your head, speak, and you will be heard; ask, and you will be given; intercede, and your intercession will be accepted.'”
The Prophet’s Intercession
The Prophet will intercede, and the process of judgment and relief will begin. Even those with the smallest amount of faith, as little as a mustard seed, will be removed from Hell through his intercession. Those who believed in their hearts, even without performing righteous deeds, will also be saved.
General Intercession
- All prophets will intercede for their respective communities.
- Righteous individuals—saints, martyrs, scholars, memorizers of the Quran, and those who performed Hajj—will intercede for their loved ones.
- Even deceased minor children will intercede for their parents.
- Scholars will intercede for those who assisted them, even for minor acts like providing water for ablution or other small services.
In this manner, through intercession, countless individuals will be saved from Hell, highlighting the immense mercy of Allah and the honored position of the intercessors.
FAQs Section
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Gog and Magog in Islam?
Gog and Magog (Ya’juj and Ma’juj) are a destructive and numerous people as mentioned in Islamic eschatology. They will emerge near the end of the world, wreaking havoc on Earth.
What is the significance of Lake Tiberias in the story of Gog and Magog?
The first group of Gog and Magog will drink the waters of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee), drying it up completely. Later groups will comment on its absence, signifying their immense number.
How will Gog and Magog meet their end?
Allah will create a parasite or worm that will infest their necks, causing them all to perish simultaneously.
What will happen to the corpses of Gog and Magog?
Their bodies will cover the Earth, emitting a foul stench. Allah will send birds to carry their corpses to a location known only to Him.
What role does Prophet Jesus play during the emergence of Gog and Magog?
Prophet Jesus and his followers will retreat to Mount Tur (Sinai) and pray for deliverance. Their prayers will result in Allah sending the means to destroy Gog and Magog.
What is the smoke mentioned as a sign of the Day of Judgment?
A dense smoke will envelop the earth, darkening the skies as a major sign of the approaching Day of Judgment.
What is Dabbat al-Ardh?
Dabbat al-Ardh is a unique creature that will emerge with the staff of Moses and the ring of Solomon (Peace Be Upon Them). It will mark the foreheads of believers and disbelievers, making their identities open to all.
What is the significance of the sun rising from the west?
The sun rising from the west signifies the closing of the doors of repentance. After this event, accepting faith will no longer be valid.
How will the Day of Judgment be established?
The Day of Judgment will be initiated by the blowing of the trumpet by Angel Israfil. This will cause universal destruction.
What happens when the trumpet is blown?
The first blow of the trumpet will cause the destruction of the heavens, earth, and all living beings. The second blow will resurrect all creatures for judgment.
Where will the Plain of Resurrection be established?
The Plain of Resurrection will be established in the land of Sham (Syria). The ground will be perfectly level.
What will the conditions on the Plain of Resurrection be like?
The ground will be made of copper, the sun will be extremely close, and people will suffer from intense heat and thirst.
What determines the level of sweat a person will experience?
The level of sweat will depend on the deeds of individuals. Some will only have sweat up to their ankles, while others will choke as it rises above their faces.
Will anyone help others during the Day of Judgment?
No, everyone will be preoccupied with their own suffering. Parents, siblings, and children will abandon one another.
What is intercession, and who will perform it?
Intercession is pleading for relief or mercy. Prophets, martyrs, saints, and even righteous individuals will intercede for others on the Day of Judgment.
What is the role of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in intercession?
Prophet Muhammad will be the final hope for intercession. He will glorify Allah and plead for the relief of humanity, and his intercession will be accepted.
Can intercession save people from Hell?
Yes, even those with the smallest amount of faith will be saved through intercession.
Will righteous individuals also intercede for others?
Yes, scholars, martyrs, and pious individuals will intercede for their families and others who supported them.
What will happen after Gog and Magog are destroyed?
The earth will be cleansed with rain, and abundant blessings will follow. Crops will grow profusely, and livestock will provide ample milk.
What is an example of the blessings during this time?
A single pomegranate will suffice for a group of people, and its peel will provide shade for ten individuals.
How will people be resurrected?
People will be resurrected with their original bodies, regardless of how they were scattered or consumed after death.
What will people look like upon resurrection?
People will rise naked, barefoot, and uncircumcised.
Will everyone have the same means of transportation?
No, some will walk, while others will share mounts. Disbelievers will be dragged on their faces.
What punishment awaits those who withheld Zakat?
Their wealth will be heated in Hellfire and used to brand their foreheads, sides, and backs.
What happens to those who neglected Zakat on animals?
The animals they neglected will trample and gore them repeatedly on the Day of Judgment.
How long will the Day of Judgment last?
The single Day of Judgment will last fifty thousand years.
What will happen to sinners during this time?
Sinners will suffer immense heat, thirst, and isolation based on their sins.
What happens to believers before the Day of Judgment?
A cool and fragrant wind will take the souls of all believers, leaving only disbelievers on Earth.
How long will disbelievers live before the trumpet is blown?
Forty years will pass without offspring being born, and all humans will be disbelievers and aged atleast 40 years.
Is denying the resurrection considered disbelief?
Yes, denying bodily resurrection or claiming only the soul will rise is considered disbelief (Kufr) in Islam.
What happens to scattered body parts during resurrection?
Allah will gather all body parts, no matter where they are, and resurrect the person entirely.
Why do the prophets decline intercession?
Each prophet will express concern for themselves due to the overwhelming anger of Allah on that day.
Why is Prophet Muhammad the final hope for intercession?
Prophet Muhammad was given the highest rank and the privilege of intercession for humanity.
What is the ultimate purpose of these signs and events?
These signs and events remind believers of the reality of the Day of Judgment, encouraging them to prepare through faith and good deeds.
How can one prepare for the Day of Judgment?
Belief in Allah, fulfilling obligations like prayer and Zakat, and seeking forgiveness are essential for preparation.
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