At that time, the Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) will appear.

At that time, the Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) will appear.”[^4] ‘Ata’ ibn Yasar said: “Among the signs of the Day of Resurrection is that rain will shower but grain will not grow.”[^5] Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ) said: “…At the time when Hadrat Qa’im and his companions rise up, water on earth will be unobtainable, and the believers will groan and passionately pray to God to send down water so that they can drink.”[^6] Drying up of Lakes and Rivers The Noble Prophet (S) said: “From the effect of the drying up of the Nile River, cities in Egypt will be destroyed.”[^7] Irtat said: “At that time, the Euphrates, rivers and fountains will dry up.”[^8] It has also been reported: “The water of Lake Tabaristan will dry up; the date-palms will not bear fruit; and the Za‘r Fountain in Sham will cease to flow.”[^9] Similarly, it has also been reported: “…Rivers will dry up, and inflation and famine will last for three years.”[^10] The Prevalence of Inflation, Starvation, Poverty, and Trade Recessions A man asked the Prophet (S): “O Messenger of Allah!

When will the Day of Resurrection be?” He (S) said: “The one asked (the Prophet himself) is as unaware as the questioner on this matter, but (the approach of) the Day of Resurrection has some signs one of which is the convergence of markets.” He asked: “What is meant by the ‘convergence of markets’?” He (S) answered: “The recession of markets and trade, and the lack of growth of plants and crops notwithstanding the rain.”[^11] The Commander of the Faithful ( ‘a ) said to ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas: “Trade and transactions will increase, but only small profits will be earned by the people and after that extreme famine will break out.”[^12] Muhammad ibn Muslim said: I heard Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ) saying: “Before the advent of Hadrat Qa’im ( ‘atfs ), God will send signs for the believers.” I said: “May God make me your ransom!