The Euphrates River and the receding mountain of gold
The receding mountain of gold in the Euphrates River is one of the minor signs of the Hour
Show key points
- The Euphrates River is a significant geographical and historical river, originating in Turkey and flowing through Syria and Iraq before merging with the Tigris to form the Shatt al-Arab.
- According to Islamic prophecy, the receding of the Euphrates River leading to the emergence of a mountain of gold is considered one of the minor signs of the Hour.
- The sacred status of the Euphrates is emphasized in hadiths, where it is mentioned as one of the rivers of Paradise alongside the Nile, Sihan, and Jihan.
- ADVERTISEMENT
- Although the river's water levels have noticeably decreased in recent times, largely due to dam constructions in Turkey and Syria, the foretold mountain of gold has not yet emerged.
- It is believed that the discovery of the gold will prompt severe conflict among people, to the extent that only a few will survive such a violent confrontation.
- The fertile marshes formed by the Euphrates and Tigris rivers are deeply rooted in history and cultural heritage, reflecting lifestyles dating back to the Sumerian civilization.
- Increasing speculation about the fulfillment of this prophetic sign stems from environmental changes, yet religious scholars stress that the actual event foretold has not occurred.
The Euphrates River is inseparable from the idea of Iraq — and rightly so, since Mesopotamia is the land of the Tigris and the Euphrates. Recently, however, rumors have spread about the appearance of a mountain of gold in the Euphrates, a sign of the Hour that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) mentioned.
Before discussing the Euphrates and the Prophet's prophecy about the receding waters and a mountain of gold rising from its depths, it is necessary to know the river's source, course, mouth and distinguishing features. We will address these points in the following lines.
Recommend
Place and course of the Euphrates River
The Euphrates is one of the longest rivers in the Near East, about 2,781 km long. It rises in the Taurus Mountains in Turkey from two small headwaters in northeastern Anatolia and flows westward. It is joined by tributaries as it crosses Syria, entering Syrian territory near the city of Jarabulus and receiving smaller rivers such as the Balikh and the Khabur; it ends its Syrian course near the city of Al-Bukamal. The river then enters Iraq at the border town of Al-Qa'im in Anbar province and passes through Mesopotamian cities including Babylon, Karbala, Najaf, Diwaniyah, Muthanna and Dhi Qar, where the marshes form. Finally it unites with the Tigris to form the Shatt al-Arab, which empties into the Arabian Gulf.
What are marshes?
The marshes are a fertile area created by the Tigris and Euphrates, known for their fresh water and rich soils. Inhabitants of the marshes say that the landscape and the local way of life — from how they build homes to the tools and fishing methods they use — have remained essentially unchanged for thousands of years, passed down from father to son since the time of the Sumerians.
The Euphrates River and the mountain of gold are among the signs of the approaching Hour
The Euphrates is mentioned more than once in the Prophet's hadiths. It is said to be one of the rivers of Paradise; in Sahih Muslim the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said: "Sihan, Jihan, the Euphrates and the Nile are all rivers of Paradise."
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The Hour will not arise until the Euphrates uncovers a mountain of gold; people will be killed over it, and every one hundred and ninety-nine will be killed."
In another hadith the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The Euphrates is about to reveal a treasure of gold. Whoever goes to it will not take anything from it."
Did the mountain of gold appear and the Euphrates recede?
Although many people have recently claimed that one of the signs of the Resurrection has appeared — that the Euphrates' waters have receded, exposing a treasure or mountain of gold — the truth is that while the river's water level has indeed fallen at times, the gold the Prophet spoke of has not appeared. The emergence of such a vast quantity of gold would lead people to fight and annihilate one another so that only one out of every hundred people remained.
But what made people think that this sign appeared and why did the Euphrates begin to recede?
One reason is the dams built along the river. In Syria there are three dams on the Euphrates: the Euphrates (Tabqa) Dam, the Al-Thawra (Revolution) Dam and the Tishreen Dam. Turkey has also constructed several large dams, including the Atatürk Dam. The river's flow is therefore reduced behind these dams, especially during periods of lower rainfall, such as summer.
The Euphrates River. History and Perpetual Present
The Euphrates is one of God's gifts to humanity, not least because it is said to be among the rivers of Paradise. Even if we do not know the hadith's precise meaning, this association gives the river a special sanctity and status among other bodies of water.
Beyond witnessing the rise of civilizations along its banks — from the Assyrians to the Babylonians — the Euphrates' beauty also lies in its distinctive natural landscape and fresh water. It continues to fascinate anyone who sees or visits it.