It is narrated from Sayyiduna Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: "Beware of tribulations! Let no one stand up to confront them, for by Allah, whoever stands up to them, they will sweep him away just as a flood sweeps away dung (or a heap of rubbish). These tribulations are ambiguous when they approach, so much so that the ignorant person cries out: 'This resembles (the truth)', and when they depart they make the reality clear. So when you see them, crouch in your houses, break your swords, cut your bowstrings, and cover your faces." This hadith has a sahih (authentic) chain, but the two Shaykhs (Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it.

It is narrated from Sa'id bin al-Musayyib (may Allah have mercy on him) that he said: "The first tribulation (the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him)) broke out and it left none of those who had taken part in Badr. Then the second tribulation (the incident of al-Harrah) took place and it left none of those who had taken part in al-Hudaybiyah (alive). And my opinion is that if a third tribulation breaks out, it will end in a state where no strength or understanding will remain among the people."

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Amr bin al-Hamiq (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Soon there will be a tribulation in which the safest of people (or he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: the best of people) will be the army of the West." (The narrator says:) It is for this reason that I came to Egypt. This hadith has a sahih (authentic) chain, but the two Shaykhs (Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it.