Are there signs of the End of Times in the Quran?

The question of whether there are signs of the End of Times in the Quran can be answered with a resounding "Yes." The Holy Quran clearly and in detail speaks about the occurrence of the End of Times, or "the Hour" (Al-Sa'ah), and refers to various aspects of it, including the signs preceding its advent, the immense cosmic transformations at its time, and its consequences for humanity. These signs are not only meant to warn people about the proximity of this great event but also to remind them of the absolute power of Allah and the reality of resurrection and accountability. One of the most prominent truths the Quran states about the End of Times is its absolute certainty. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that this "Hour" will undoubtedly come to pass, and no one but Allah knows its exact timing. This point is clearly expressed in several verses, such as Surah Al-A'raf, verse 187, which states: "They ask you about the Hour: when will it come to pass? Say, 'Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come to you except unexpectedly.' They ask you as if you are eager for it. Say, 'Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most of the people do not know.'" And also in Surah Luqman, verse 34, which says: "...And only Allah has knowledge of the Hour..." This lack of knowledge regarding the precise time holds great wisdom; it keeps people in a constant state of readiness and awareness of their deeds, instead of seeking a specific date and time that might lead to negligence. The primary goal is to encourage humanity towards piety, repentance, and self-improvement, rather than mere curiosity about the timing of the event. The Quran also points to "major signs" and immense cosmic and natural transformations that will occur before or at the threshold of the Day of Judgment. These signs are extremely dramatic and shocking, signifying the collapse of the current world order and the beginning of a new one. For instance, Surah At-Takwir beautifully and in detail describes some of these changes: "When the sun is wrapped up [in darkness], And when the stars fall, dispersing, And when the mountains are removed, And when the ten-month pregnant camels are neglected, And when the wild beasts are gathered, And when the seas are set ablaze..." (verses 1 to 6). These stunning descriptions portray a scene of awe and terror that will envelop the world, indicating that nothing in this universe is permanent except the Divine Essence. Similarly, Surah Al-Infitar refers to these cosmic changes: "When the sky is split apart, And when the stars fall, scattering, And when the seas are made to burst forth, And when the contents of the graves are scattered..." (verses 1 to 4). These verses emphasize the grandeur and suddenness of the end of the current world, aiming to awaken humanity from heedlessness and draw their attention to their inevitable destiny. Among other major signs mentioned in the Quran is the emergence of "Gog and Magog" (Yajuj and Majuj). In Surah Al-Anbiya, verses 96 and 97, it states: "Until when [the dam of] Gog and Magog has been opened and they will swarm down from every elevation. And [when] the true promise has approached; then suddenly the eyes of those who disbelieved will be staring [in horror]. [They will say], 'Oh, woe to us! We had been heedless of this; rather, we had been wrongdoers.'" These two groups of beings, for whom a barrier was built by Dhul-Qarnayn to prevent their corruption and mischief, will be released in the End of Times and will cause immense chaos on earth. This event is also one of the definite signs of the approaching Grand Hour, indicating the widespread chaos and unpredictable changes in the future. The Quran also refers to the blowing of the Trumpet (Sur) by an angel, which will have two stages: one for destruction and another for resurrection. In Surah Az-Zumar, verse 68, we read: "And the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead, except for whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown a second time, and suddenly they will be standing, looking on." These verses refer to the final stage before accountability, where all living beings will die and then be gathered for resurrection. In addition to major and cosmic signs, the Quran also alludes to more general and moral signs, which can be considered "minor signs," although not detailed as in Hadith traditions. For instance, the Quran refers to the spread of corruption, oppression, injustice, and deviation from the truth among people. While these issues have existed throughout history, their intensification and widespread prevalence can be a precursor and a sign of the approaching end. The Quran's emphasis is that humans should focus on reforming themselves and their societies rather than concentrating on the specific timing of the events, and learn lessons from nature's signs and the fate of previous nations. In summary, the Holy Quran, with a firm and warning tone, speaks about the certainty of the End of Times and its major signs. These signs include immense transformations in the cosmic structure, the emergence of Gog and Magog, and the two stages of the blowing of the Trumpet. The main purpose of these verses is to awaken humanity from heedlessness, invite them to piety, and prepare them for the Day of Judgment, as the knowledge of the exact time of the Hour rests solely with Allah, and Divine wisdom dictates that this time remain hidden from humanity to keep them steadfast on the path of truth and return to their Lord. These teachings are not meant to instill fear or despair, but rather to provide a strong motivation for improving both one's afterlife and worldly life.