The Rising of the Sun from the West: A Major Sign of the Day of Judgment in Islam

This article explores the Islamic belief that the rising of the sun from the west is a major sign of the Day of Judgment.
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In Islamic eschatology, the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah) is a cornerstone of belief, forming one of the six pillars of faith. Muslims hold that this world is temporary and will eventually come to an end, after which every soul will be held accountable for its deeds. Among the many signs foretold in the Qur'an and Hadith that indicate the nearness of the Hour, one of the most significant and awe-inspiring events is the rising of the sun from the west.
This phenomenon represents a dramatic shift in the natural order established by Allah and serves as a powerful reminder of His ultimate authority over the universe. It is not merely a celestial event but a pivotal spiritual warning, signaling the closing of the doors of repentance and marking the final stages of life as we know it.

Qur'anic Allusions to the Rising of the Sun from the West

While the Qur'an does not explicitly state that the sun will rise from the west, several verses allude to extraordinary signs that will occur before the Day of Judgment. One such verse is:
"The day when some of the signs of your Lord will come, no soul will benefit from its faith as long as it had not believed before or had not earned through its faith some good."
(Surah Al-An'am, 6:158)
Scholars of Islam interpret “the signs of your Lord” to include major eschatological events, with the rising of the sun from the west being one of the most definitive signs.

Authentic Hadiths on the Sun Rising from the West

The Hadith literature provides detailed descriptions of this event, leaving no ambiguity about its occurrence. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The Hour will not come until the sun rises from the west. When it rises and people see it, they will all believe, but that will be the time when faith will not benefit a soul that did not believe before or derive any good from its faith.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith emphasizes that when the sun rises from the west, it will be a decisive sign that leaves no room for doubt about the reality of Allah and the Day of Judgment. However, at that point, accepting Islam or repenting for past sins will no longer be accepted.

In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ explained the closure of repentance:
“Allah will accept the repentance of His servant until the sun rises from the west.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan at-Tirmidhi)
These narrations highlight the urgency of turning to Allah in repentance and living a life of righteousness before this monumental event occurs.
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Symbolism of the Sun Rising from the West

The sun rising from the west is not just a physical phenomenon; it is deeply symbolic of Allah’s power to alter the natural order as a sign to humanity. This event serves multiple purposes:
  • A Display of Divine Power: It reminds humanity that Allah is in complete control of the universe and that nothing is beyond His ability.
  • A Warning to the Heedless: It is a wake-up call for those who have ignored the messages of Allah, urging them to recognize the truth before it is too late.
  • The Closure of Repentance: After this event, the opportunity for repentance and faith will be taken away, signifying the end of Allah’s immense mercy toward the heedless.

The Connection Between Faith and Timing

One of the most profound lessons from this sign is the importance of sincere faith and timely action. Faith derived from witnessing extraordinary events, such as the sun rising from the west, will not be genuine, as it will be driven by compulsion rather than conviction. Allah’s mercy and acceptance are open to those who choose to believe and repent when the signs of the unseen are still hidden.

This principle aligns with Allah’s statement in the Qur'an:

 "Indeed, those who have disbelieved – if they should have all that is in the earth and the like of it with it to ransom themselves from the punishment of the Day of Resurrection, it will not be accepted from them..."
(Surah Az-Zumar, 39:47)

Scientific Understanding

Some have speculated about scientific explanations for this phenomenon, such as a possible reversal of the Earth’s rotation. While such theories may intrigue the curious, believers understand that this event is ultimately a divine miracle that transcends human comprehension.

The emphasis in Islam is not on deciphering the mechanics of such events but on reflecting on their spiritual implications. They are meant to inspire humility, repentance, and a renewed commitment to worship Allah.

The Urgency of Repentance and Good Deeds

The sun rising from the west serves as a stark reminder of the finite nature of this world and the urgency of repentance. It calls upon Muslims to engage in righteous deeds, uphold the principles of Islam, and continuously seek Allah’s forgiveness.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught:
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death.”
(Musnad Ahmad)
This Hadith encapsulates the urgency of making the most of one’s opportunities to draw closer to Allah before it is too late.

The rising of the sun from the west is a monumental event that marks the nearing of the Day of Judgment. It signifies Allah’s supreme authority, serves as a warning to humanity, and reminds us of the transient nature of this life.

As believers, it is our responsibility to prepare for this event by strengthening our faith, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and performing good deeds. The time to act is now—before the doors of repentance close forever.May Allah guide us to be among those who recognize the truth and act upon it before the Hour arrives. Ameen.

What is the significance of the sun rising from the west in Islamic eschatology?

In Islamic teachings, the rising of the sun from the west is one of the major signs of the impending Day of Judgment. This event, mentioned in Hadith literature, signifies the conclusion of the opportunity for repentance. According to these narrations, once the sun rises from the west, the door of repentance will be closed permanently, marking a definitive shift towards the fulfillment of the divine decree.

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