Before and After the Last Hour

Description:

This book by Ibn Kathir addresses the portents of the Last Hour and the trials humanity will face before it. It is a translation of al-Fitan wal-Malahim, the final volume of al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya.

The standard of this book can be judged by the name of the author, who is a renowned authority. Allah had gifted him with great ability and knowledge. He was a prolific writer, and his books gained immense circulation during his lifetime and continue to benefit people today. He was also an esteemed exegete.

All major signs of Qiyamah are described in this book. Authentic Ahadith, as well as verses from the Qur'an, are cited, and Ibn Kathir explains them in vivid language. It includes the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) predictions of future events, such as the Roman and Persian battles, the trial faced by Uthman Ibn Affan, Umm Haram’s martyrdom in a sea battle, the fire in Madinah, the survival of a faithful group until the Last Hour, some evils of the final days, the rising of the sun in the west, and the Day of Resurrection itself.

Following this, Ibn Kathir describes the resurrection, the reckoning, and the punishment and reward of the creatures. He quotes the Prophet (S.A.W.) about the fate of those who commit various sins, ranging from association with Allah to misappropriating another’s property. He also mentions those who will go free without punishment and those who will stumble on the narrow bridge, the sirat. There is also an account of those who will enter Paradise last of all. He informs us that everyone—believer or disbeliever, pious or wicked—will pass over Hell. Ibn Kathir also narrates personal experiences of those who feared Hell and of the intercession. He enlightens us about the blessings in Paradise and the kinds of punishments in Hell.