This means that a place is swallowed up in the earth and disappears into it, as is described in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):
“So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place” [al-Qasas 28:81]. Among the major signs of the Hour will be three such events, as described in the hadeeth of Hudhayfah ibn Usayd (may Allaah be pleased with him), according to which the Messenger of Allaah صَلىَّ اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمْ said:
“The Hour will not begin until you see ten signs (including) three events where the earth swallows up, one in the East, one in the West, and one in the Arabian Peninsula.” (Reported by Muslim, 18/27).
These events, like other major signs of the Hour, have not happened yet. Although other instances of places being swallowed up by the earth have occurred at various times and in various places, they did not cover so wide an area as to include both East and West. Haafiz Ibn Hajar رَحِمَهُ الله said:”There have been instances of places being swallowed up by the ear, but it could be that what is meant by the three events referred to is events that are worse than anything yet seen, which could be more intense and cover a larger area.” (Fath al-Baari, 13/84).
***Landslide in Arabian Peninsula may be linked to the Army which will be sent after Mehdi عَلَيْهِ ا لسَّلَام and will be swallowed as mentioned in Hadith.
