its shortening, as described in the hadith: ‘The Hour will not be established until a year becomes like a month.’ On this basis, the shortening may be either literal or figurative.

As for literal shortening, it has not yet appeared. It may be one of the things that will occur near the establishment of the Hour.

As for figurative shortening, it has been evident for some time. Those possessed of religious knowledge recognize it, as do discerning people experienced in worldly affairs. They find themselves unable to accomplish as much work as they once did; they complain of this without knowing its cause. Perhaps this is due to the weakening of faith brought about by the emergence, in many forms, of practices contrary to the Sharia. The gravest of these concerns food and sustenance, which involve what is plainly unlawful and what is doubtful to an unmistakable degree. Indeed, many people exercise no caution at all: whenever they are able to acquire something, they rush to seize it without concern.

In reality, blessing in time, provision, and crops comes only through strong faith, obeying what has been commanded, and avoiding what has been forbidden. Evidence for this is the statement of Allah Most High: ‘Had the people of the towns believed and been mindful of Allah, We would certainly have opened up for them blessings from heaven and earth’ [The Heights: 96]” (1).