The Three Great Earthly Collapses (Khusuf) in Islamic Eschatology
Introduction
Among the profound prophecies
of Islamic eschatology are the terrifying natural disasters that will shake the
very foundations of the earth before the Day of Judgment. One of the most
striking among them is the occurrence of three great earthly collapses (known
in Arabic as Khusuf): one in the East, one in the West, and one in the
Arabian Peninsula. These cataclysmic events are not merely geological phenomena
but are deeply tied to the spiritual and moral state of humanity. They serve as
reminders that the natural world is subject to the will of its Creator and that
the end of time will not arrive without signs that are both terrifying and
awe-inspiring.
The Prophecy of the Three Khusuf
In several authentic Hadiths,
the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ listed the three great earth collapses as among the major signs
of the Last Hour.
- A
collapse in the East
- A
collapse in the West
- A collapse in the Arabian Peninsula
These are mentioned alongside
other significant events such as the appearance of the Antichrist (Dajjal), the
descent of Jesus (‘Isa), and the rising of the sun from the west. The three
Khusuf are clear markers that humanity has entered the final stage of history.
Possible Interpretations
Scholars and thinkers
throughout history have reflected on what these collapses may signify.
- Literal
Earthquakes and Landslides
- Many scholars understand
them as literal massive geological events, such as earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, or landslides that will swallow vast areas of land.
- The fact that they are
prophesied for three distinct regions indicates that these are
extraordinary, divinely-ordained signs rather than ordinary natural
disasters.
- Symbolic
Meanings
- Some interpreters
highlight that these collapses symbolize the fall of civilizations,
powers, or systems of injustice in the East, West, and Arabia.
- The ground collapsing
beneath people can be seen as a metaphor for the collapse of false pride,
arrogance, and rebellion against God.
The Spiritual Lessons of the Khusuf
The three great earth
collapses are not just terrifying predictions; they are lessons for believers
today:
- Reminder of Human Fragility: No matter how advanced humanity becomes, the
ground beneath our feet can change in an instant.
- Urgency of Repentance: Just as the Khusuf will strike suddenly, death
and the Hour can come without warning. Believers are urged to prepare
before it is too late.
- Universal Message:
Because the collapses occur in three different regions of the world, they
highlight that no nation or civilization is beyond the reach of divine
decree.
Comparison with Modern Disasters
In modern times, people often
witness earthquakes, tsunamis, or volcanic eruptions and wonder if they are
linked to the end-time prophecies. While Islam teaches that natural disasters
are reminders of God’s power, the three Khusuf are unique, extraordinary events
that will occur as part of the major signs of the Last Hour. They cannot be equated with ordinary
geological activity.
The Place of Khusuf Among the Major Signs
Islamic tradition divides the
signs of the Hour into minor and major. The three Khusuf are considered major signs because:
- They will be universally recognized.
- They will occur close to other decisive signs
such as the Dajjal and the rising of the sun from the west.
- They signal that humanity has crossed the
threshold into the final countdown of earthly existence.
Conclusion
The prophecy of the three
great earthly collapses in Islamic eschatology is both awe-inspiring and deeply
sobering. These events—occurring in the East, the West, and Arabia—remind
humanity of the fragility of earthly life and the inevitability of divine
decree. They emphasize that natural laws are entirely under the control of the
Creator, and when the Hour approaches, the earth itself will testify to that
reality.
