A detailed study on the nature of Muslim apocalyptic material in Islam, both Sunni and Shi'i. Taking a transcultural perspective by also discussing Christian and Jewish apocalyptic traditions, it offers in eight studies and three appendices a typology of apocalypses and many new insights into the matter. For instance, historical apocalypses as well as apocalyptic figures, like the Dajjal, the Sufyani and the Mahdi are discussed. Moreover, apocalyptic hadith literature, in particular Nu'aym b. Hammad's (d. 844) Kitab al-Fitan, and apocalyptic material in tafsir works are presented. The author argues for a comprehensive understanding of this important feature of the Islamic religious tradition. ... a reference tool and a starting point for students in their study of early Islam (Sajjad Rizvi)