fornication. In both cases, the slave woman is then validly sold and passes from hand to hand until her son or daughter purchases her. This is therefore of the same kind as the preceding interpretation.

4 – Disobedience toward parents will become widespread among children, so that a child treats his mother as a master treats his slave woman—insulting her, beating her, and making her serve him. He is therefore figuratively called “her master.” Alternatively, “master” may literally mean one who nurtures and cares for another.

Ibn Hajar then said: “In my view, this is the strongest interpretation because of its broad applicability and because the context indicates that what is meant is an extraordinary state of affairs which also signifies the corruption of conditions. In essence, it indicates that the Hour will draw near when matters are reversed, such that the one who was raised becomes the one who raises, and the lowly becomes exalted. This accords with his explanation, under the other sign, that the barefoot are the kings of the earth.” (1)

5 – There is also a fifth view, held by the hadith master Ibn Kathīr—may Allah have mercy on him—who said: “At the end of time, slave women will be the ones singled out for honor and deference. Thus, a slave woman will be the consort of a prominent man rather than any of the free women. This is why it was coupled with the statement: ‘And that you see the barefoot, naked, destitute people competing to build ever taller buildings.’” (2)

22 – The Prevalence of Killing:

Abū Hurayra—may Allah be pleased with him—reported that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “The Hour will not come until harj becomes widespread.” They asked, “What is harj, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied: “Killing, killing.”