THE QUESTION OF THIS MATERIAL has already been noted in the introduction, and it would give the wrong impression to concentrate on the political and historical activities of the Muslim apocalyptist without noting in depth his moralistic activities as well. There are two primary vehicles that the Muslim apocalyptist uses to express himself on this subject. They are:

1. The “Journey to Heaven” apocalypse, which is taken from classical sources, and in Islam is usually attached to the Prophet's “night journey and ascension to heaven” (al-isrā ‘ wa-l-mi'rāj). This, though it has been studied extensively, has only recently been placed in its proper historical context as the lineal descendant of the Enoch apocalypses of the Second Temple Period. Usually the issue of the punishments that the Prophet sees when he is given his tour of heaven and hell is passed over as of lesser importance in studies on this issue. This is especially true since this tradition has also been used for the purposes of legitimizing certain key theological and ritual traits in Islam, which are generally felt to be more important, but this is not so for the purposes of placing Muslim apocalyptic in its context. Since the moral emphasis is. major theme in the Second Temple Period apocalypses, it should be understood that here too this should not be ignored. This is especially true in light of the fact that when listening to this material. he common people could be expected to note this aspect more than the deeper theological justifications of Muslim prayers (just to take one example) that are also to be found there. However, this type of apocalypse will not be examined here, since the material involves something quite different from the apocalyptic analyzed thus far, and belongs to another study. 2. The “Portents of the Hour” traditions, which generally follow the formula: “The Hour will not arrive until. (whatever activity, trait, theological bent, heresy or even person the apocalyptist wishes to condemn) appears.” In this manner, almost any activity can be grouped together with the terrible actions commonly believed to occur at the end of time. This is. roundabout way of preaching, but quite effective. Since messianic and apocalyptic movements have been and continue to be active throughout the history of Islam, this material could always be used to “prove” that the Hour was at hand.