have passed, are only like what remains of this day compared with what has already elapsed of it” (1).

This indicates that “what remains in comparison with what has passed is but a little. Yet none but Allah Most High knows the extent of what has passed, and no specific determination of it has been transmitted with an authentic chain from the infallible Prophet such that it could be relied upon to ascertain the proportion of what remains. Nevertheless, it is exceedingly little in comparison with the past” (2).

Nothing expresses the nearness of the Hour more emphatically than his words, peace and blessings be upon him: “The Hour and I were sent together; indeed, it almost preceded me” (3).

This indicates how exceedingly close the Hour was to his being sent, peace and blessings be upon him—to the point that he feared it might precede him, so great was its proximity.