“the two Sahihs,” it is narrated from Abū Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said to Gabriel when he asked him when the Hour would commence: “But I shall tell you of its signs … (among which he mentioned:) when the herders of livestock (1) vie with one another in constructing buildings, that is one of its signs.” (2)
According to a narration by Muslim: “And when you see the barefoot, naked, destitute shepherds of sheep vying with one another in constructing buildings.” (3)
In a narration by Imam Ahmad from Ibn Abbās, he said: “O Messenger of Allah! Who are the keepers of sheep—the barefoot, hungry, and destitute?” He replied: “The Arabs.” (4)
Al-Bukhārī narrated from Abū Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said:
(1) *Al-bahm*: the *bā’* bears a *fathah*, while the *hā’* is vowelless. It is the plural of *bahmah*, meaning young sheep and goats, whether male or female. It is also said to refer specifically to young sheep.
See Ibn al-Athīr, *al-Nihāyah* (1/168), and al-Nawawī’s *Commentary on Sahīh Muslim* (1/163).
(2) *Sahīh al-Bukhārī*, Book of Faith, chapter “Gabriel’s Questioning of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) concerning *īmān* (faith), Islam, *ihsān* (spiritual excellence), and Knowledge of the Hour” (1/114, with *Fath al-Bārī*); and *Sahīh Muslim*, Book of Faith, chapter “An Explanation of Īmān, Islam, and Ihsān” (1/161–164).
(3) *Sahīh Muslim*, Book of Faith, chapter “An Explanation of Īmān, Islam, and Ihsān” (1/158, with al-Nawawī’s commentary).
(4) *Musnad Ahmad* (4/332–334), hadith no. 2926, with Ahmad Shākir’s commentary. He said: “Its chain of transmission is sound.”
Al-Haythamī said: “Ahmad and al-Bazzār narrated it with similar wording … and Ahmad’s chain includes Shahr ibn Hawshab.” *Majma al-Zawā’id* (1/38–39).
Al-Albānī said: “This chain is acceptable as corroborating evidence.” See *Silsilat al-Ahādīth al-Sahīhah* (3/332), hadith no. 1345.