‘Rapture’ Predictions Spark Anxiety and Online Trend in US and Europe
A recent surge of viral videos concerning the prophetic event known as the “Rapture” has spread across social media, particularly TikTok, leading to a wave of anxiety and online discussion among millions of users in the United States and Europe.
The “Rapture” is a controversial concept among some conservative and evangelical Christians, who believe that true believers will be physically transported to Heaven, leaving non-believers behind to face a period of immense earthly tribulation.
According to reports from Independent Persian and Agence France-Presse (AFP), the new wave of online concern was fueled by a specific prediction from South African preacher Juswa Mahlangu, who claimed the event would occur on September 23 or 24, 2025.
The videos quickly gained traction among American and European users, acquiring an increased sense of urgency against the backdrop of current global tensions, including the war in Gaza, the conflict in Ukraine, and ongoing climate change concerns. Users have posted content ranging from serious spiritual preparations and calls for repentance to humorous spoofs of the supposed event.
Analysts suggest that the convergence of global crises and digital media platforms is amplifying these long-held apocalyptic beliefs. The New York Times noted that predictions of the Rapture have existed since the 19th century, with popular culture, such as the Left Behind book series, cementing the imagery in the public consciousness.
It should be mentioned that the “Rapture” and similar apocalyptic predictions found in European Christian teachings hold no place in the beliefs of Shia Islam. Shia jurists emphasize that the timing of end-of-days events depends solely on Divine will, and no ordinary human can precisely determine the date.
In the Shia tradition, Jesus Christ (Isa, peace be upon him), who is believed to be alive in the heavens, will return to Earth upon the blessed Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten this event). Jesus will assist the Imam and pray behind him, a foundational event that will reportedly lead to the guidance of many of the world’s Christians and the subsequent establishment of Divine law and justice worldwide.
