Search
Close this search box.

Mahdi

Islam Explained

The Mahdi is a prophesied messianic figure in Islamic eschatology who is believed to appear before the end of the world to establish justice and peace on earth. The belief in the Mahdi is primarily held by Shia Muslims, although some Sunni Muslims also believe in his coming.


The Báb
The Shrine of the Bab in Haifa

The word Mahdi means “the guided one” in Arabic, and he is believed to be a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad’s family, specifically the Imam Hasan al-Askari. The Mahdi is believed to be chosen by God to lead the Muslim community and restore the rule of Islam.

His appearance is often associated with a series of events, including the arrival of the Dajjal, a false messiah, and the return of Jesus Christ. The Mahdi is said to appear during great chaos and conflict, and he will be accompanied by an army of true believers to establish a just and peaceful society.

Furthermore, the Mahdi is expected to rule for some time before the end of the world, and his rule is believed to be characterized by justice, equality, and prosperity. The Mahdi is also said to usher in the final judgment and the resurrection of the dead.

In Shia Islam, the belief in the Mahdi is central to the concept of Imamate, which is the belief in a line of divinely appointed leaders who are the rightful heirs to the Prophet Muhammad’s legacy. Shia Muslims believe that the Imamate was passed down from the Prophet Muhammad to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and continued through a line of twelve Imams, culminating in the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi.

While the belief in the Mahdi is not a central tenet of Sunni Islam, many Sunni Muslims also believe in his coming. However, the details of his appearance and rule vary among different groups.

The Mahdi in the Baháʼí Faith

While the concept of the Mahdi is not unique to the Baháʼí Faith, it is an integral part of Baháʼí theology. Baháʼís believe that he has already come in the person of the Báb, the forerunner of the Baháʼí Faith.

The Báb claimed to be the Mahdi and the promised one of all religions. He taught that the coming of the Mahdi represented the fulfillment of the prophecies of previous religions and the beginning of a new era of spiritual and social transformation.

The Baháʼí Gardens 
The-Bahai-Faith-the-Gardens-in-Haifa

The Baháʼí Faith teaches that the Mahdi’s mission was to unify all religions and create a global civilization based on justice, equality, and unity. Báb teachings emphasize the importance of individual spiritual transformation, the equality of men and women, the harmony of science and religion, and the elimination of prejudice and conflict.

In the Baháʼí Faith, he is not seen as a single individual but rather as a spiritual principle that can be manifested in any individual who strives to serve humanity and promote justice and unity.

In conclusion, the Mahdi is a central figure in Islamic eschatology and a messianic figure who is believed to appear before the end of time to bring justice and restore peace to the world. While the concept of the Mahdi is not unique to the Baháʼí Faith, it is an important part of Baháʼí theology, and Báb, the Bahá’u’lláh is believed to be the fulfillment of the Mahdi’s mission. The Baháʼí Faith teaches the importance of individual spiritual transformation, the unity of all religions, and the creation of a global civilization based on justice, equality, and harmony.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Simon Peter

RELATED POSTS

The Alpha and the Omega in Christianity

The term Alpha and Omega in Christianity comes from the phrase "I am Alpha and Omega" said by Jesus in the Gospel according to John

Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer, also called the Our Father, is a central Christian prayer which, according to the New Testament, Jesus taught as the way to pray: Pray then in this way … (Matthew ...

Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin

Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin is quite yet another amazing episode in the last hours of Jesus. I invite you to read all about in this ...

The Book of Genesis

The Book of Genesis is the book of beginnings. The Book of the origins of things the beginning of human culture and the people of ...

Jesus is Taken to the High Priest

So Jesus is taken to the High Priest, according to the Gospel of John Jesus was brought first before Annas. What was said there exactly?

The Last Hours of Jesus

This post is about the last hours of Jesus in Gethsemane, in other words, the beginning of the Passion of Christ in Jerusalem.

Holy Fire In Jerusalem

the Holy Fire in Jerusalem is celebrated by Orthodox Christians, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ and the triumph of light.

The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle, a sacred and mobile dwelling place, occupies a central role in the biblical narratives of the Israelites.

The Mikveh In Judaism

The mikveh (Jewish ritual baths) is used in Judaism for various purification purposes. It holds significant religious importance.

Flavius Descriptions of John the Baptist

Flavius Descriptions of John the Baptist are distinctly different from those in the New Testament. This post is all about this subject.

Need help?

Skip to content