❖ Explanation of the Ḥadīth Phrase “Ẓuhūr al-Qalam” ❖
Answered by: Fadīlat al-Shaykh Saʿīd Mujtabā Saʿīdī Ḥafiẓahullāh & Fadīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir Ḥafiẓahullāh
What is meant by the phrase “Ẓuhūr al-Qalam” as mentioned in the ḥadīth?
In the context of the ḥadīth, the term "Ẓuhūr al-Qalam" (ظُهُورُ القَلَمِ) refers to the widespread appearance and abundance of writing—that is, a time will come when books, authorship, and written material will become increasingly common.
And Allah knows best.
➤ The general availability of pens and paper, and the overwhelming presence of books and writings everywhere, is counted among the signs of the approaching Hour (Qiyāmah).
➤ However, it has also been clarified that many of these books and writings will be of poor quality, filled with non-beneficial content, while genuine, scholarly works will be rare.
This reflects a time of information overload with less true knowledge and insight—a scenario that aligns with several eschatological narrations.
➤ It is among the minor signs of Qiyāmah.
➤ Despite the volume of writing, quality and authenticity will diminish.
➤ A cautionary sign to value true, beneficial knowledge over sheer quantity.
Answered by: Fadīlat al-Shaykh Saʿīd Mujtabā Saʿīdī Ḥafiẓahullāh & Fadīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir Ḥafiẓahullāh
❀ Question:
What is meant by the phrase “Ẓuhūr al-Qalam” as mentioned in the ḥadīth?
✔ Answer:
In the context of the ḥadīth, the term "Ẓuhūr al-Qalam" (ظُهُورُ القَلَمِ) refers to the widespread appearance and abundance of writing—that is, a time will come when books, authorship, and written material will become increasingly common.
And Allah knows best.
✿ Further Clarification:
➤ The general availability of pens and paper, and the overwhelming presence of books and writings everywhere, is counted among the signs of the approaching Hour (Qiyāmah).
➤ However, it has also been clarified that many of these books and writings will be of poor quality, filled with non-beneficial content, while genuine, scholarly works will be rare.
This reflects a time of information overload with less true knowledge and insight—a scenario that aligns with several eschatological narrations.
✔ Summary:
➤ “Ẓuhūr al-Qalam” = Proliferation of writings and publications.➤ It is among the minor signs of Qiyāmah.
➤ Despite the volume of writing, quality and authenticity will diminish.
➤ A cautionary sign to value true, beneficial knowledge over sheer quantity.
