بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ – In the name of God, the Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
There are dozens of unmistakable signs indicating the impending Reappearance of the Hujjah/Proof (A.J) of Allah (S.W.T) on earth. These signs can be categorized into two distinct groups: the minor signs and the major signs. Among the major signs, there are precisely five definitive signs that are GUARANTEED to occur. These five signs will ALL transpire very close to the reappearance of the 12th Imam (A.J), and it is our hope and belief that we will witness this momentous event, inshallah! The anticipation surrounding these signs serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant and prepared for the significant spiritual transformations that lie ahead.
The first of the five significant signs that we are going to elaborate on in detail is the emergence of the tyrant who will exert his oppressive rule over the Muslim community right before the anticipated return of the Holy Imam (A.J). This pivotal figure is expected to rise, bringing about profound changes and challenges for the faithful, setting the stage for the momentous events that will lead to the Imam’s return.
THE RISING OF THE SUFYANI
Many narrations in both Sunni & Shia literatures speak of the uprising (or the revolt) of a person called “The Sufyani“. Many scholars interpret the Sufyani as a symbol of oppression, embodying the struggles that believers will face in times of trial and tribulation. This Sufyani figure will spread chaos & corruption all over the Islamic world, and will wreak havoc in the areas of Al-Sham (specifically Aleppo, Homs, Damascus, Palestine & Jordan), as well as in Iraq. As his influence grows, he will pave the way for conflict and strife, leading many to question their faith and loyalty. The Sufyani will eventually rule all of Syria & its neighboring border areas, and will eventually send his army towards both Iraq, and the Holy city of Mecca. Despite his initial charm and promises of prosperity, his reign will mark the beginning of a darker chapter in Islamic history. The Holy Imams of the Ahlulbayt(A.S) have said that this menace will come out with open hands, pretending to be nothing more than a “helper” for all the Muslims, but in reality his true agenda will be hidden from the world.
These narrations serve as both a warning and a guide, preparing the followers of the Ahlulbayt(A.S) for the trials & challenges that lie ahead. Imam Ali(A.S) gets into details about the events that will unfold right before the “uprising” of the Sufyani in the following hadith:
(This narration serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and steadfast in one’s beliefs.)
Ali bin Ahmad narrated from Obaydillah bin Musa from Muhammad bin Musa from Ahmad bin Abu Ahmad, who was known as Abu Ja’far al-Warraq, from Issma’eel bin Ayyash from Muhajir bin Hakeem from al-Mugheera bin Sa’eed that Abu Ja’far al-Baqir (as) had said:
“Amirul Mo’mineen (as) said: “When the two spears (two armies) disagree in Sham, it will not come to an end except with a sign of Allah.”
He was asked: “What is it, O Amirul Mo’mineen (as)?”
He said: “It is an earthquake in Sham, by which more than one hundred thousands of people will perish. Allah will make it as mercy to the believers and torment upon the disbelievers. When that occurs, you will see the riders of the gray horses with the yellow banners coming from the west until they stop at Sham. There will be great terror and red death. Then you will see a sinking of one of the villages of Damascus called Harasta. Then the son of the livers-eater will come out of the dry valley to sit on the minbar of Damascus. After that you expect the appearance of al-Mahdi (aj)
Furthermore, the Imam also speaks about the short amount of time the Sufyani will rule for, before the Holy 12th Imam(A.J) reappears!
Ali bin Ahmad narrated from Obaydillah bin Musa al-Alawi from Abdullah bin Muhammad from Muhammad bin Khalid from al-Hasan bin al-Mubarak from Abu Iss’haq al-Hamadani from al-Harith al-Hamadani that Amirul Mo’mineen (as) had said:
“Al-Mahdi (aj) will come from the east but before that as-Sufyani will rise in Sham. He (as-Sufyani) will rule for nine months only. All the people of Sham will submit to him except a very few believers, who will still keep to the truth and whom Allah preserves from following him. He will move towards Medina with a great army but when they reach the desert of Medina, Allah will make the desert sink with them. It is the saying of Allah in His holy Book, ‘And could you see when they shall become terrified, but (then) there shall be no escape and they shall be seized upon from a near place.’
