The Universe is ever-expanding, according to scientific theories. However, when the mass of the universe has reached a sufficient level, this expansion will come to an end due to gravity, resulting in a fierce heat and contraction known as the 'Big Crunch'. This will lead to the end of all forms of life as we know them. Renata Kallosh and Andrei Linde, professors of physics from Stanford University, have stated that this collapse will be like being inside a black hole, and that dark energy may be the cause of the universe becoming unstable and eventually collapsing. This scientific theory is also mentioned in the Qur'an, where it states that the heavens will be folded up in His right hand. (Allah knows best).