Al-Nawawī explained the meaning of the land of Arabia returning to meadows and rivers as follows: “It means—and Allah knows best—that its people will abandon it and turn away from it, leaving it neglected, neither cultivated nor irrigated from its waters. This will be due to the scarcity of men, the frequency of wars, the accumulation of tribulations, the nearness of the Hour, diminished hopes, and the lack of time or concern for such matters” (1).

It appears to me that al-Nawawī’s interpretation of this hadith—may Allah have mercy on him—is open to question. The land of Arabia is arid, with scarce water and little vegetation. Most of its water comes from wells and rainfall. If it were abandoned and its inhabitants became preoccupied with other matters, its crops would die, and it would not return to being meadows and rivers.

The apparent meaning of the hadith is that water will become abundant throughout the lands of Arabia until rivers flow there, causing vegetation to grow and transforming the land into meadows, gardens, and forests.

This is supported by the fact that, in the present age, many springs have appeared and gushed forth like rivers, and extensive cultivation has developed around them. What the Truthful One (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) foretold will surely come to pass. Muʿādh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that, during the expedition to Tabūk, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Allah willing, tomorrow you will reach the spring of Tabūk. You will not reach it until the day is well advanced. Whoever among you arrives there must not touch any of its water until I come.” We reached it and found that two men had arrived before us. The spring was no wider than a sandal strap (2), trickling (3) with a little water. He said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then asked them: