Mahdi
Mahdi
The Mahdi (Arabic: ٱلْمَهْدِيّ, romanized: al-Mahdī, lit. 'the Guided') is a messianic figure prominent in Islamic eschatology. This figure is believed to be a deliverer who will restore justice and equity on Earth, reviving the true religion before the end of the world. The concept of the Mahdi is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran but holds significant importance in Shia Islam. Although some traditions regarding the Mahdi are found in the Hadith, these are absent from the most revered collections of al-Bukhari and Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.
Historical Context
The earliest recorded use of the Mahdi doctrine is associated with al-Mukhtar ibn Abi Ubayd al-Thaqafi's revolt in 686 CE. Al-Mukhtar aligned himself with Muhammad ibn al-Hanifiyyah, a son of Ali ibn Abi Talib, even after al-Hanifiyyah's death. This paved the way for the belief in the Mahdi's occultation (ghaybah), a state of being hidden from the world, promising his eventual return to defeat his enemies.
The Mahdi in Shia Islam
In Twelver Shia, the Mahdi is identified as Muhammad al-Mahdi, the son of Hasan al-Askari, who is believed to be in occultation since the 9th century. Twelver Shia Muslims await his reappearance as the final Imam who will lead the world towards righteousness.
Mahdi Army
The Mahdi Army, or Jaysh al-Mahdi, was established by Muqtada al-Sadr as a nationalist and Shia Islamist insurgent group in Iraq. This group played a significant role during the conflict following the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Other Notable Figures
Several figures in history have been associated with or claimed the title of Mahdi, such as:
- Sadiq al-Mahdi: A prominent Sudanese politician and religious leader who was the Prime Minister of Sudan.
- Mikal Deen Mahdi: An American convicted spree killer, unrelated to the religious figure but sharing the same name.
Signs of the Mahdi's Appearance
Islamic eschatology describes numerous signs that would precede the Mahdi's arrival, varying across different sects. These signs are believed to indicate the impending arrival of the Mahdi to restore balance and justice on Earth.