The Shepherd, the Wolf, and the Signs of the Last Days

It is said that a shepherd was tending to a flock of sheep belonging to Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him). One day, a wolf approached him and said:

"Give me one sheep!"

The shepherd replied, astonished:

"These sheep belong to Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him). I am merely their caretaker!"

The wolf said:

"Then go and ask Prophet Solomon whether he permits me to take one sheep."

The shepherd responded:

"I'm afraid that if I leave, you might attack the flock."

The wolf laughed and said:

"Until you return, I myself will guard the sheep. May Allah forbid that I betray this trust—but if I do betray it, may I become one of the people of the last nation near the end of time!" (meaning he cursed himself to become like today's Muslims, which, sadly, is a lamentable state).

Hearing this, the shepherd set off.

*The Three Mysterious Signs Along the Way*

As he walked, the shepherd witnessed three strange and astonishing scenes:

1️⃣ *The First Sign:* He saw a cow drinking milk from its own calf! Amazed, he thought: "SubhanAllah! I have never seen such a sight before. What could this possibly mean?"

2️⃣ *The Second Sign:* Moving further, he saw people wearing tattered, ragged clothes, yet their hands were filled with bags full of gold! The shepherd thought: "This is truly strange—they possess gold, yet still appear destitute!"

3️⃣ *The Third Sign:* A little further on, he came across a flowing spring. Overcome by thirst, he approached it, but was immediately repelled by a foul stench. The water smelled so terrible that he stepped back in shock and exclaimed: "How strange! Flowing water, yet so filthy and rotten?"

*Prophet Solomon’s Wise Interpretations*

Eventually, the shepherd reached Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) and conveyed the wolf’s request. Prophet Solomon said:

"Very well. I permit him to choose and eat one sheep."

The shepherd said:

"I will carry out your command, but along the way I witnessed three strange things. I wish to understand their meanings."

✦ *Explanation of the First Sign:*

"This is a sign of the Last Days. Mothers will involve their daughters in moral corruption so that they themselves may benefit from it."

✦ *Explanation of the Second Sign:*

"These are robbers and thieves. Wealth earned unlawfully loses all blessing. In the Last Days, unlawful income will become widespread, contentment will vanish, and blessings will be lifted."

✦ *Explanation of the Third Sign:*

"These are the so-called religious people of the Last Days. From a distance, their appearance will seem pious and devout, but when you draw near to learn from them, you will find they are deeply immersed in worldly desires and passions."

Hearing this, the shepherd cried out with deep emotion:

"I seek refuge in Allah from the trials of such a time!"

*The Wolf’s Astonishing Honesty*

When the shepherd returned, he found that the wolf had indeed been faithfully guarding the flock.

He said:

"Prophet Solomon has granted you permission to choose and eat one sheep."

The wolf looked over the flock and selected a weak, sickly sheep.

The shepherd asked in astonishment:

"Why did you choose this particular sheep?"

The wolf replied:

"Because this one was heedless of the praise and remembrance of its Lord! Whoever is negligent of remembering their Creator is in great trial."