Thus, markets have drawn closer together in three respects:

First: news of price increases and decreases in them travels swiftly.

Second: travel from one market to another is swift, even when the distance is very great.

Third: their prices are close to one another, and the people of one market follow those of another in raising and lowering prices. And Allah knows best” (1).

25 – The Emergence of Polytheism in This Nation:

This is one of the signs that has already appeared and is continuing to increase. Polytheism has arisen in this nation; some of its tribes have joined the polytheists and worshipped idols. They have built shrines over graves and worshipped them apart from Allah, visiting them to seek blessings, kiss them, and venerate them. They have presented offerings vowed to them and held festivals in their honor. Many of these shrines are comparable to al-Lāt, al-Uzzā, and Manāt—or are associated with even graver polytheism.

Abū Dāwūd and al-Tirmidhī narrated from Thawbān—may Allah be pleased with him—who said that the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said: “Once the sword is unleashed upon my nation, it will not be lifted from it until the Day of Resurrection. The Hour will not be established until tribes from my nation join the polytheists and tribes from my nation worship idols” (2).