you would follow them.” (1)

Al-Nawawī said: “The references to a handspan, a cubit, and a lizard’s hole illustrate the extent to which they would conform to them. What is meant is conformity in sins and transgressions, not in disbelief. This is an evident miracle of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), for what he foretold has indeed come to pass.” (2)

Moreover, trials are beyond counting. The trial posed by women, the trial posed by wealth, the love of sensual pleasures, and the love of power, supremacy, and leadership are all trials that may destroy a person and sweep him into the depths of ruin. We ask Allah for well-being and safety.

7 — The Appearance of Claimants to Prophethood:

Among the signs that have already appeared is the emergence of liars who claim prophethood. They number close to thirty. Some of them appeared during the Prophet’s lifetime and the era of the Companions, and they continue to appear.

The number specified in the hadiths does not refer indiscriminately to everyone who has claimed prophethood, for such people are too numerous to count. Rather, it refers to those who gained power, attracted many followers, and became widely known among the people. (3)

In the two Sahih collections, Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “The Hour will not come until lying impostors, numbering close to thirty, arise, each claiming to be the Messenger of Allah.” (4)