A conspiracy theory claiming that the world will end on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, has gone viral on social media, with some people taking extreme steps like selling their homes, quitting jobs, and giving away their belongings.

The belief comes from Joshua Mhlakela, a pastor from South Africa, who said the world would face “the rapture” on September 23 and 24. According to him, God will rescue Christians, with both the living and the dead rising into the air to meet Him, while nonbelievers will be left behind.

A small group of evangelical Christians believes this would mark the beginning of “tribulations” for those still on Earth. The dates also coincide with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Speaking on CENTTWINZ TV’s YouTube channel, Pastor Mhlakela claimed the rapture would happen with “such power” that the Earth would “shake.” He added: “The rapture is here upon us, whether you are ready or not ready.”

He said he saw this vision in a dream, describing: “I saw Jesus sitting on his throne, saying loud and clear, ‘I am coming soon.’ He said to me on the 23rd and 24th of September 2025, ‘I will come back to the Earth.’”

Reports suggest that some people who believe the prophecy have started giving up their possessions. Stand-up comedian Kevin Fredericks said, “They are selling their cars, clothes, some people are making post-rapture kits for the people who are left behind.”

One man, Tilahun Desalegn, even posted a video saying he sold his five-year-old car to prepare for the event. “She’s got to go. I won’t need her beyond September. I’m going home, to where my father in heaven is,” he said on TikTok.over timing

Fredericks also pointed out flaws in the claim, pointing out the issue of time zones. In a Reel, he said: “There are 24 time zones on Earth, 38 if you include the ones that have half-hour times. No man knows how you all know.”

Pastor Mhlakela further said in his video that he saw “powerful beings” chasing and eating those left behind. However, he admitted that these were dreams and provided no evidence.

The idea of the rapture is not accepted by most Christian groups. Some interpret Bible verses as references to it, but the text does not give a date or time. In fact, one verse reads: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”