Snowfall in Saudi city of Tabuk: Is this a sign of Doomsday?

Snowfall has been reported in the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia, with images of the picturesque scenes circulating widely on social media. Some individuals on social media are interpreting this unusual weather phenomenon as a potential sign of the apocalypse.

The Tabuk region experienced substantial snowfall, completely blanketing the Al-Lawz mountain with snow. Viral photos and videos capture the breathtaking transformation of the mountainous landscape.

Despite the common perception of Saudi Arabia as a hot and arid country, recent days have witnessed heavy rains in various areas, leading to a greener appearance in the desert and mountains. Tabuk residents and numerous citizens from surrounding areas flocked to the region to savor the pleasant weather.

Snowfall in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jabal Al Luz, Jabal Al Tahir, and Tabuk areas, is not unprecedented. The mountainous region, including Jabal Al Luz Al Dahr and Al Qan Mountains, attracts a significant number of tourists annually. It is reported that snowfall occurs for a span of 2 to 3 weeks each year in these regions.

While some social media users link the significant snowfall in Tabuk to an impending doomsday, attributing it to references in the Holy Quran or Hadith, there is no explicit mention of snowfall in these sacred texts. However, the Messenger of Allah did predict that, before the Day of Resurrection, the land of Arabia would turn green again.

سعودی عرب کے تبوک ریجن میں شدید برف باری
قیامت کی نشانی pic.twitter.com/Bt3oh9PP5o

— ☬K̷î̷ñ̷g̷Ç̷????b̷R̷â̷ ???? ▄︻デP̷a̷k̷ ̷A̷r̷m̷y̷══━一 (@mal1k007) December 30, 2023

Atiq Yusuf Zia, a columnist, noted in a column from November 2017 that Saudi Arabia and the Emirates were witnessing increased rainfall, resulting in floods in Makkah and Jeddah. Efforts, both through modern technology and natural weather patterns, were contributing to the greening of Saudi land. This transformation has led Saudi Arabia to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production.

It’s important to clarify that the snowfall in Tabuk is not considered a negative event; rather, it brings a message of prosperity to Saudi Arabia. The belief in the Day of Resurrection is a fundamental aspect of Islamic faith, and the Messenger of Allah’s (PBUH) prediction about the land of Arabia turning green again is seen as a sign leading up to that day. Seeking refuge from the signs of the Day of Judgment, especially the fitna of Dajjal, is emphasized, but there is no indication to view the snowfall negatively.