this study, a section establishing the probative authority of solitary reports, in response to those who deny their authority and claim that no point of creed can be founded upon them.

Furthermore, this study is a call to believe in Allah Most High and the Last Day, and to affirm what was reported by the truthful one whose truthfulness is attested, who does not speak from his own desire: “It is nothing but a revelation sent down.” May Allah bless him, his family, and his Companions, and grant them abundant peace.

It is also a call to prepare for what lies beyond death. The Hour has drawn near, and many of its signs have appeared. When the major signs appear, they will follow one another like beads slipping from a string when it breaks. When the sun rises from the west, the gate of repentance will be closed and deeds will be sealed. Thereafter, neither faith nor repentance will avail anyone, except one who had already believed or repented:

“The day some of your Lord’s signs come, no soul will benefit from believing if it had not believed before or had not earned some good through its faith (158).” [al-Anʿām: 158]

“On that Day, man will remember all that he strove for (35), and Hellfire will be displayed for all to see (36). As for the one who transgressed (37) and preferred the life of this world (38), Hellfire will indeed be his abode (39). But as for the one who feared standing before his Lord and restrained the soul from its desires (40), Paradise will indeed be his abode.” [al-Nāziʿāt: 35–41]

We ask Allah the Magnificent, Lord of the Magnificent Throne, to make us among those who are safe on the Day of the Greatest Terror and among those whom He will shade in His shade on the Day when there will be no shade but His.

• Research Plan:

This study comprises an introduction, a preamble, two parts, and a conclusion:

• The introduction discusses the importance of this subject and the study’s plan.