When we speak of the "last days" we talk about a few basic ideas:
-a time when every person will be resurrected from the dead
-a judgement day when each person's eternal destiny will be decided by their deeds
-final destination will either be a permanent state of bliss/contentment or a permanent state of punishment
In the Psalms, such as Psalm 22 or Psalm 37, it is a more personal statement, assuring oneself of the justice of the cosmos through the will of God.
In Isaiah, the Gospels and in Revelation it is spoken of a warning for followers of God to act faithfully and justly.
In Daniel and in Paul's writings, it is a statement of comfort to those who suffer under persecution.
It is left to Muhammad and the later Christian writers to make the obvious step of using these eschatalogical events to warn unbelievers of their coming demise unless they repent. Admittedly, it is not far from what John the Baptist does, but even John is speaking to those within the folds of Judaism. It is interesting that Muhammad uses the ideas of resurrection and judgment and eternal destiny to convince pagans of their demise unless they repent.
In Sura 101, Muhammad speaks generally of the day of judgment, explaining what it is and the eternal destiny that awaits both the good and the evil. It is more like a teaching poem, but still delivering the emotional impact of the final day.
In Sura 75, Muhammad is confronted by those who claim that the resurrection of the dead, and thus the judgment day, is impossible. The Sura's only proof is the omnipotence of God-- that God can do whatever He wishes. Today, the resurrection of the dead shouldn't be doubted on the level of ability since it has been shown that one can clone any cellular creature. The only real question is why would one want to resurrect the dead. And the answer given here is simply: justice.
At the end of the life of each person, we can see that it is rare for a person to get what they deserve. Those who have done evil to many often live according to their own terms. Those who have done good often get only punishment and suffering in return. The resurrection and judgment is an opportunity for pure justice to exist. It is like karma, except instead of continually being stuck in an unjust universe, there is a final break and justice-- true justice-- finally comes to all.
The Quran and the Bible recognize that unless true justice prevails, those who make excuses to do evil will continue to do so. Only with true and perfect justice-- even a justice that only happens in an unknown future-- can evil be kept at bay.
Finally in Sura 104, all the pieces come together and a message to those who do evil is given, like any good fire and brimstone preacher. It is spoken to those who slander God through their actions: specifically those who pile up wealth as if that would give them eternal security. Rather, those who think that this life is all there is, and acts accordingly, will end up burning forever in punishment.
Right belief can lead to right action and right action to bliss, if only we are willing to wait for it.
Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
(It will be said:) "Depart ye to that which ye used to reject as false!
"Depart ye to a Shadow (of smoke ascending) in three columns,
"(Which yields) no shade of coolness, and is of no use against the fierce Blaze.
"Indeed it throws about sparks (huge) as Forts,
Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
That will be a Day when they shall not be able to speak.
Nor will it be open to them to put forth pleas.
Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
That will be a Day of Sorting out! We shall gather you together and those before (you)!
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