The Arabs Competing in Lofty Buildings | Tall buildings prophecy
One of the remarkable prophecies of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the approach of the Day of Judgment is the sign of barefoot, naked shepherds competing in the construction of lofty buildings.
hadith about arabs building tall buildings
This prophecy is mentioned in the famous Hadith of Jibreel (Gabriel), narrated by ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) and recorded in Sahih Muslim. In this narration, when the angel Jibreel questioned the Prophet ﷺ about the signs of the Hour, the Prophet responded: “That you will see the barefoot, naked, destitute shepherds competing in the construction of tall buildings.”
This Hadith is classified as one of the Minor Signs of the Hour (Ashrāt al-Sāʿah al-Ṣughrā) (أشراط الساعة الصغرى), which are events that appear before the major, catastrophic signs of the end of time. The description given by the Prophet ﷺ is both vivid and astonishing: people who were once poor, deprived, and living in deserts as simple shepherds, would rise to become wealthy, powerful, and excessively ambitious in worldly matters.
A Historical Analysis: The Prophet’s ﷺ Prediction for the Arab Tribes
Historically, many Arab tribes lived in poverty and simplicity, relying mainly on herding animals for survival. They were ḥufāt ʿurāt rūʿāt ash-shāʾ (barefoot, unclothed, shepherds of sheep and camels), with little access to luxury. However, after the advent of Islam, the Muslim conquests, and especially with the discovery of oil in the modern era, these same desert-dwellers became some of the richest nations in the world. The rapid transformation from poverty to unimaginable wealth directly reflects the prophecy of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Competing in lofty buildings as a sign that people are attached to the dunya.
The Prophet ﷺ did not condemn construction itself, for Islam does not prohibit building houses, cities, or even tall structures when there is benefit. Rather, the warning is against arrogance (kibr), boasting (tafākhur), and showing off (riyāʾ) in such endeavors. Competing in skyscrapers and luxurious towers for the sake of pride is a sign that people are attached to the dunya (worldly life) and have forgotten the temporary nature of this existence. The Qur’an reminds us: “The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you until you visit the graves.” (Surah al-Takāthur 102:1-2).
In our contemporary world, this prophecy is clearly visible. Countries in the Arabian Peninsula, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, are engaged in a race to build the tallest skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and massive real estate projects. Towers like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai or the planned Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia are striking examples of this phenomenon. Each project aims to surpass the other, reflecting a form of competition that the Prophet ﷺ warned about more than fourteen centuries ago.
Signs of the Hour: A Reminder for Believers
Ultimately, this sign of the Hour should serve as a reminder (dhikrā) for believers. It shows the truthfulness of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whose words continue to manifest in reality. It also warns us not to be deceived by the glitter of the dunya, but instead to prepare for the Ākhirah (Hereafter) through faith, humility, and righteous deeds. While modern achievements in technology and architecture may be admirable, they must never lead us to arrogance or neglect of our true purpose in life.
As the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “This world is cursed and what is in it is cursed, except the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) and what is conducive to that, or one who has knowledge or who acquires knowledge.” (Hasan). Therefore, the believer must see beyond the race for lofty buildings, recognizing it as one of the clear signs that the Hour is drawing near
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