and when the unclothed and barefoot become leaders of the people, that is one of its signs” (1).
Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Among the signs of the Hour is that an ignoble man, the son of an ignoble man, will hold sway over the world. The best of people that day will be a believer between two noble ones” (2).
It is stated in al-Sahīh: “When authority is entrusted to those unfit for it, await the Hour” (3).
Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Among the signs of the Hour is … that the lowly will rise above the eminent.” He then asked, “Is that how you heard it from my beloved, O Abdullah ibn Masūd?” He replied, “Yes, by the Lord of the Kaaba.” We asked, “Who are the lowly?” He replied, “The dregs of men and people from obscure households, who will be elevated above the righteous among them. The eminent are members of virtuous households” (4).
Imam Ahmad narrated from Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: