What is meant here by the first of the signs is the sun rising from the west. As for the signs that occur before it rises, the hadiths indicate that repentance and faith will be accepted at that time.

Ibn Jarīr al-Tabarī also narrated from Abd Allah ibn Masūd, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: “Repentance remains open so long as the sun has not risen from the west.” (1).

Imam Muslim narrated from Abū Mūsā, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Indeed, Allah extends His hand by night so that the one who sinned by day may repent, and He extends His hand by day so that the one who sinned by night may repent—until the sun rises from the west.” (2).

Thus, he, peace and blessings be upon him, made the sun’s rising from the west the point at which repentance ceases to be accepted.

Ibn Hajar cited many hadiths and reports indicating that the door of repentance will remain closed until the Day of Resurrection. He then said: “These reports corroborate one another and concur that when the sun rises from the west, the door of repentance will be closed and will never be opened thereafter. This is not confined to the day on which it rises; rather, it will continue until the Day of Resurrection.” (3).

As for the evidence cited by al-Qurtubī, the response is as follows: