Eclipse in Ramadan and Imam Mahdi

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 18 Shawwal 1423, 23 December 2002


Q.) I have recently heard reports that the time of appearance of either Imam Mahdi or Dajjal will be approximately when there is a solar and lunar eclipse during a short space of time. Also that it will be when Ramadan will be more or less in the month of October. Having done research it was found that the next time such a cosmic event will take place is in November 2003. The month of Ramadan will fall in October in that year also. Can you enlighten me with any other knowledge that you may have on the appearance of either Imam Mehdi or Dajjal and whether the facts stated above are accurate. [Ashraf ]

A.) We have not come across any narration in which lunar or solar eclipse will occur when Ramadan falls in October.

Nevertheless, the Hadith in which it is recorded that Imaam Mahdi will appear when lunar and solar eclipse will occur in the month of Ramadhan is not of a sound nature. It is regarded weak according to some Muhadditheen. Even if we had to accept the Hadith, there is no guarantee that it refers to 2003. It can also refer to sometime in the future.

No one can put a specific date on the coming of Imaam Mahdi. All we can say is that since many of the signs that have been foretold of his coming are apparent today, for example, rampant vice, his time has certainly drawn closer. Yet, no one can put a date to it. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Further Reading:
Signs of Qiyamah and the Arrival of the Maseeh