Imran Hosein

Overview

Sheikh Imran Nazar Hosein (born 1942) is a Trinidadian Islamic scholar specializing in Islamic eschatology, international monetary systems, and geopolitics. He is the most prominent contemporary voice connecting Islamic end-times prophecy to modern world events, particularly regarding Israel, the global financial system, and the coming of the Dajjāl (Antichrist).

His work forms the primary intellectual foundation for the "Three Stages" model and Islamic interpretations of Pax Judaica.

Core Teachings

1. Islamic Eschatology (Ilm al-Ākhir al-Zamān)

Hosein argues that we are living in the "end times" described in Islamic prophecy, and that understanding these prophecies is essential for Muslims to navigate modern events.

Background on Islamic eschatology:

Islamic eschatology is based on both Qur'anic passages and hadith (prophetic traditions).4 Key hadith collections containing eschatological material include:

• Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (the two most authoritative Sunni collections)5
• Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan al-Nasa'i, Sunan Ibn Majah (the "Four Sunans")6
• The Fitan wa Ashrat al-Sa'ah (Tribulations and Signs of the Hour) sections of these collections

Key concepts:

2. The Dajjāl System

Hosein teaches that Dajjāl is not merely a future individual but a system that has been operating for centuries:

"Dajjāl is a system of deception. The one-eyed symbol represents a worldview that can only see the material world, not the spiritual. This system has been building for centuries and will culminate in a single ruler who will claim to be the messiah."11

Classical hadith on Dajjāl:

The Dajjāl (literally "the deceiver") is described in numerous hadith. Key descriptions include:7

• He will appear between Syria and Iraq (Sahih Muslim 2937)
• He will be one-eyed, with the word "kafir" (disbeliever) written on his forehead
• He will perform apparent miracles to deceive people
• He will be killed by Isa (Jesus) at the gate of Ludd (Lydda, modern Israel)

Hosein's interpretation differs from classical scholars in viewing Dajjāl primarily as a system rather than only as an individual figure.

Characteristics of the Dajjāl system (per Hosein):

• Riba (usury/interest): The global banking system based on interest12
• Fiat currency: Paper money divorced from gold/silver
• Materialism: Reduction of reality to physical/measurable
• Deception: Media, propaganda, false narratives
• Jerusalem: Ultimate seat of power for Dajjāl

3. Gog and Magog (Ya'juj wa Ma'juj)

Hosein's most controversial teaching is his identification of Gog and Magog:

"Ya'juj and Ma'juj have already been released. They are not some future invasion—they are here, and they have been here for centuries. They created the modern world order."13

Qur'anic and hadith sources:

Gog and Magog appear in the Qur'an in two passages:8

• Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-99): The story of Dhul-Qarnayn building a barrier against them
• Surah Al-Anbiya (21:96-97): Their release as a sign of the approaching Hour

Classical commentators (mufassirun) such as Ibn Kathir (d. 1373) and al-Qurtubi (d. 1273) interpreted Ya'juj and Ma'juj as tribes to be released near the end of time.14

His interpretation:

• Gog and Magog were released during the decline of the Ottoman Empire
• They are identified with Western Christian and Zionist civilization
• They "consume" resources and dominate every generation they live in (Qur'an 21:96)
• Their release is connected to the return of Jews to Jerusalem

This interpretation is controversial and rejected by many traditional scholars who maintain the classical view of a future release.15

4. The Riba Economy

Central to Hosein's analysis is the prohibition of riba (usury/interest):

"The entire modern economic system is built on riba. This is not an accident—it is the foundation of Dajjāl's power. You cannot understand modern oppression without understanding interest-based banking."16

Islamic jurisprudence on riba:

The prohibition of riba is established in multiple Qur'anic verses and hadith:12

• Qur'an 2:275-279: "Allah has permitted trade and forbidden riba"
• Qur'an 3:130: "Do not consume riba, doubled and multiplied"
• Hadith: "The Prophet cursed the one who consumes riba, the one who pays it, the one who writes it down, and the witnesses to it" (Sahih Muslim 1598)

Key arguments:

• Interest-based money creation concentrates wealth
• Fiat currency allows infinite money printing
• This system enables perpetual debt slavery
• The solution: Return to gold and silver (as per Islamic law)17

Academic context: The relationship between Islamic finance principles and conventional economics is studied in academic literature, including work on the viability of gold-backed currencies.18

5. Three Stages of Modern History

Hosein's periodization of modern history:

Pax Britannica: British Empire establishes the framework

Pax Americana: American superpower continues the project

Pax Judaica: Final stage with Israel/Jerusalem as center

This framework echoes but reinterprets mainstream international relations scholarship on hegemonic transition theory.19

See: The Three Stages Model

Major Works

Books

All of Hosein's books are self-published through Masjid Jami'ah in Trinidad and available on his website.1

Lectures (Selection)

Available on YouTube (millions of cumulative views):

• "The Prohibition of Riba in the Qur'an and Sunnah"
• "Signs of the Last Day"
• "Gog and Magog in the Modern World"
• "The Strategic Importance of Jerusalem"
• "Russia and the End Times"

Key Predictions & Claims

Geopolitical Predictions

Hosein has made various predictions over the years:

Methodological Approach

Hosein's method involves:

Reading Qur'an and Hadith eschatological texts

Identifying "signs" in current events

Constructing narrative connecting prophecy to history

Making predictions about future developments

Academic analysis of eschatological interpretation:

Scholars of Islamic apocalypticism note that interpreting current events through prophetic texts has a long history in Islam, often intensifying during periods of crisis or political upheaval.424

Influence & Reception

Among Muslims

Supporters argue:

• He makes Islamic eschatology accessible and relevant
• He provides framework for understanding oppression
• He encourages return to gold/silver economy
• He predicted various geopolitical developments

Critics argue:

• His interpretations deviate from classical scholars15
• He relies too heavily on speculation
• His geopolitical analysis oversimplifies
• Some views approach conspiracy theory territory25

Among Non-Muslims

Hosein's work has found audience among:

• Conspiracy theory communities
• Anti-globalization activists
• Alternative economics advocates
• Interfaith eschatology researchers

Academic Reception

Mainstream Islamic scholars and academics have mixed views:

• Some appreciate his economic critique of riba26
• Many reject his Gog and Magog identification as unfounded15
• His eschatological timeline is considered speculative
• His methodology is seen as selective in hadith usage

David Cook, a leading academic scholar of Islamic apocalypticism, has documented the genre without endorsing specific interpretations.424

Controversies

Russia Stance

Hosein has expressed positive views about Russia and Putin as potential allies against Western hegemony. This has drawn criticism from those who see Russia as having its own imperial ambitions.27

Saudi Arabia Critique

His sharp criticism of Saudi Arabia and Wahhabism has made him unwelcome in Gulf states and controversial among Salafi Muslims.21 The Wahhabi movement originated with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703-1792) and has been extensively studied by scholars.28

Israel Analysis

His focus on Israel and Zionism leads some to accuse him of promoting antisemitic tropes, though he distinguishes between Judaism as religion and Zionism as political ideology.29

Interfaith Dialogue

He has engaged with Christian eschatologists and others, which some traditional Muslims view skeptically. Christian apocalypticism shares some figures (Antichrist, return of Jesus) but differs significantly in theological interpretation.30

Comparison with Other Scholars

Classical Islamic Eschatology

Classical scholars whose works form the foundation of Islamic eschatology include:14

• Ibn Kathir (d. 1373): Al-Nihaya fi al-Fitan wa al-Malahim (The End: Tribulations and Battles)
• Al-Qurtubi (d. 1273): Commentary on eschatological Qur'anic verses
• Al-Suyuti (d. 1505): Various works on signs of the Hour

Hosein draws on these sources but interprets them through contemporary geopolitical events in ways that depart from traditional readings.

Contemporary Scholars

Other contemporary Muslim scholars addressing eschatology include:

• Yusuf al-Qaradawi: More mainstream approach to Islamic jurisprudence31
• Hamza Yusuf: Traditional Sunni scholarship based in the United States32

These scholars generally take more conservative interpretive approaches than Hosein.

Quotes

"The Qur'an has told us that the Jews will return to the Holy Land. This is not conspiracy theory—this is Qur'an. The question is: why? And what comes next?"20

"When you see Jerusalem become the ruling state of the world, know that the return of Jesus is near."20

"The one-eyed Dajjāl represents a civilization that can only see with one eye—the material eye. It is blind to the spiritual."11

"We are living in the age of Dajjāl. The system is already here. The person will come at the end."11

"Muslims must learn to read the Qur'an eschatologically. This is not optional—it is survival."20

How to Engage With His Work

For Researchers

Primary sources: Read his books, especially "Jerusalem in the Qur'an"20

Compare: Cross-reference with classical tafsir (Qur'anic commentary)14

Context: Understand his Caribbean background and intellectual influences

Critique: Evaluate his hadith methodology and geopolitical claims

Academic context: Compare with academic studies of Islamic apocalypticism424

For General Readers

Watch lectures: Start with his shorter talks on YouTube

Note claims: Distinguish between scriptural interpretation and speculation

Check predictions: Has his analysis held up over time?

Consider critiques: Read responses from other scholars1525

Further Reading

• The Three Stages Model
• What is Pax Judaica?
• Eschatological Connections
• Key Figures: Professor Jiang

This profile presents Imran Hosein's teachings for educational purposes. His interpretations are contested within Islamic scholarship and the broader academy. Academic sources are provided for context and critical evaluation.