The Question: Prophet Jesus (PBUH), often referred to as the "Spirit of God," inquired of the Angel Gabriel (PBUH), who is known for delivering divine messages, about the exact time when the Day of Judgment would occur.

Gabriel's Profound Reaction: Gabriel (PBUH) upon being asked this question, experienced an intense reaction. He began to tremble so violently that he lost consciousness. This reaction highlights the immense weight and unknown nature of the Day of Judgment. It underscores that even a paramount angel, privy to many divine secrets, did not possess this specific information.

Gabriel's Answer: When Gabriel (PBUH) regained consciousness, he responded to Jesus (PBUH) by quoting a verse from the Quran (6:63, and similar verses like 16:77 and 27:65), which states: "And to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. And the Hour of Judgment does not come but suddenly."

"The one who has been inquired knows no more than the inquirer": This phrase, attributed to Gabriel, emphasizes that from Gabriel's perspective, both he (the one asked) and Jesus (the one asking) are equally uninformed about the precise timing. This is not to diminish their status, but to highlight that this knowledge is exclusively with Allah.

"To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth": This powerful statement reinforces the sovereignty of Allah. Since He is the Creator and Owner of all existence, the timing of any event within His creation, especially the culmination of it all, rests solely with His divine will and knowledge.

"The Day of Judgment will not come but unexpectedly": This part of the answer directly addresses the question about "when" by stating its nature – it will arrive suddenly and without prior warning. This is a recurring theme in Islamic texts, serving as a reminder for humanity to remain constantly prepared for their ultimate reckoning.

Key points:

Exclusive Knowledge of Allah: The Hadith firmly establishes that the exact time of the Hour of Judgment is among the ultimate secrets of the unseen (Ghaib) known only to Allah Almighty. Neither prophets nor angels possess this knowledge.

Humility and Awe: Gabriel's reaction of trembling and losing consciousness demonstrates the awe-inspiring and monumental nature of the Day of Judgment, and the profound respect even the highest of creation have for Allah's power and knowledge.

Call to Preparedness: The statement that the Hour will come "unexpectedly" is a direct call to believers to live their lives in a state of constant readiness for accountability, focusing on good deeds and adherence to divine commands.

Status of Prophets and Angels: While they are chosen and honored messengers of God, their knowledge is limited by divine decree, reinforcing the absolute supremacy of Allah's omniscience.

This hadith serves as a reminder of the divine mysteries and the importance of living a life of faith and preparedness, rather than concerning oneself with the precise timing of events that are solely within Allah's knowledge.