Mūsā ... explicitly speaks of scarcity, stating: ‘Because men will be few and women many’ (1). Apparently, this is a sign in and of itself, not the result of any other cause. Rather, Allah will decree that, toward the end of time, fewer males will be born and more females will be born. The inclusion of the increasing number of women among the signs is fitting alongside the prevalence of ignorance and the removal of knowledge.” (2)

I say: This does not rule out its occurring through what al-Hāfiz Ibn Hajar mentioned or through other causes that result in men becoming scarce and women numerous, such as the outbreak of tribulations that lead to fighting. A narration in Sahīh Muslim indicates that the abundance of women and scarcity of men will result from men passing away while women remain; and what most often takes men away is extensive fighting. Muslim’s wording records the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying: “Men will pass away and women will remain, until fifty women have only one caretaker.” (3)

The number fifty is not intended literally here, for the hadith of Abū Mūsā (may Allah be pleased with him) states: “A man will be seen followed by forty women seeking his protection.” (4) Thus, this is a figurative way of expressing a large number (5). Allah knows best.

44—The Increasing Frequency of Sudden Death: