another seem insignificant. Then a tribulation will come, and the believer will say, “This is it! This is it! … Whoever wishes to be kept far from the Fire and admitted into Paradise, let death come to him while he believes in Allah and the Last Day.”

Narrated by Muslim (1).

The hadiths concerning tribulations are exceedingly numerous. The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—warned his nation against tribulations, commanded them to seek refuge from them, and informed them that the later generations of this nation would be afflicted by immense trials and tribulations. Nothing can protect them except belief in Allah and the Last Day, adherence to the community of Muslims—namely, Ahl al-Sunnah, even if they are few—avoidance of tribulations, and seeking refuge from them. He—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Seek refuge in Allah from tribulations, both manifest and hidden.”

Muslim narrated it (2) from Zayd ibn Thābit—may Allah be pleased with him.

A—The Emergence of Tribulations from the East:

Most of the tribulations that arose among the Muslims originated in the East, from where Satan’s horn rises. This accords with what the Prophet of mercy—peace and blessings be upon him—foretold.

It is reported in the hadith from Ibn Umar—may Allah be pleased with him and his father—that he heard the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—say while facing east: “Take heed! Tribulation is here. Take heed! Tribulation is here—from where Satan’s horn rises” (3).