posted on Sep, 25 2007 @ 07:01 PM
Additional Signs
Scholars replaced by ignorant leaders
They themselves are misguided and they misguide others
Cites that leaders of various mosques are businessmen, doctors, lawyers and political leaders but not true scholars of Islam. The author also cites
the internet and message boards, where "anyone" can claim knowledge without truly being a student of Islam.
The Koran will be opened
There will be trials in which large amounts of money will be collected, and the Quran will be opened to the point that it will be read by both the
believer and unbeliever, the woman and the man, the young and old.
The Koran is now widely available in various languages, books and even the internet. Many people, Muslim and non muslim all have access and have read
the Koran, and according to the author of the book, we're doing it without in depth knowledge or understanding of its contents and context.
Sex
Clothed but naked
The author cites that even in conservative Muslim countries, the influence of western clothing styles can be seen. The too tight pants, revealing
tops, etc, depicts in his opinion the clothed but naked aspect that the prophet spoke of.
Open Sexual Relations
Not to be taken literally as having sex in the streets, but not saying that isn't happening either, the author feels the expressions of love in
public are offensive and becoming more and more commonplace even in the arab world. Also the discussion of topics regarding sex or sexual nature
would fall under this category (kind of reminds me of how Ahmadinejad dismisses homosexuality in Iran).
Greetings now only reserved to acquaintances
Verily with the Hour there will be: greetings offered only to acquaintances; an increase in trading and business to the extent that the wife will
help her husband in working for money; the cutting of family relations; the bearing of false witness; the concealment of truth; and the pre-eminence
of the pen
Traditionally every Muslim is to greet his fellow Muslims with "as salaam alekum" regardless of stature or position in the community. However the
author cites that with Muslims no longer being identifiable (clothing, hairstyles, headscarfs, prayer caps)no one randomly greets his fellow muslim
brother or sister, instead greetings are only reserved for acquaintances.
Businesses are flourishing and in everyone's strive to put food on the table, wives (traditionally don't work) are now joining the workforce and
helping support the family. With wives working, the family structure of traditional Islam is also at jeopardy. "Cutting of family relations" can
be explained that traditional roles of the family are no longer the same, sons no longer stay with their parents nor do daughters. As soon as
adulthood is reached, the family relations are cut as each go on to pursue their own lives. "Cutting of family relations" can also be interpreted
as the prominence of birth control being used in modern society including the Arab world.
"Pre-eminence of the Pen" is being interpreted as appearance of widespread knowledge. The pen a tool for writing has been substituted with a
keyboard, making even easier to spread words and information. With the onset of the internet, knowledge and information is now accessible to millions
of people, easy to record and download.
[edit on 9-25-2007 by worldwatcher]