Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!samsung!crackers!m2c!wpi.WPI.EDU!zahle.wpi.edu!shari
From: azhar@cs.duke.edu (Salman Azhar)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.islam
Subject: Another perspective on signs of last day
Message-ID: <1991May14.112053.13330@wpi.WPI.EDU>
Date: 14 May 91 11:20:53 GMT
Sender: news@wpi.WPI.EDU (News)
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Lines: 44
Approved: shari@zahle.wpi.edu
Originator: shari@zahle.wpi.edu
Nntp-Posting-Host: zahle.wpi.edu


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