Brother Abdul Fattah is correct. This knowledge lies only with Allah subhaanahu wa ta'aala. And how truthful was our Rasool sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam when he mentioned these signs, some of which are occurring today right before our eyes!
These include:
- The spread of riba (usury/interest)
- The prevalence of musical instruments
- Widespread drinking of alcohol
- Shepherds competing in the construction of tall buildings
- A slave woman giving birth to her mistress
- Widespread killing
- Appearance of women who are clothed yet naked
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/78329/signs
It is indeed as you say only a matter of time before the major signs of the hour begin to appear. Each time a trial afflicts us, we will think that there cannot possibly be a trial worse than this, and then yet another trial will afflict us which is even worse than the previous one.
May Allah protect us and grant us and our progeny the strength to endure the afflictions that will appear before the end of time. Ameen.