Role of Mahdi in Islam

[InvestigateTruth]

The Promised one of Islam, the Mahdi, is a messianic figure, which was promised to come according to many Hadithes.

In Islam theology, What is the role of Mehdi?
Why should there be a need for the Mahdi?
How to recognize Him?

 

[F0uad]

The Dir?

 

[InvestigateTruth]

The Dir?

I was going to put this in comparative Dir to discuss. But from my experience, this is a topic that most likely the RF staff would move to religious debates, so, I might as well put it in what RF requires it to be.

 

[F0uad]

If i am correct both have a different view on this so i see no point for discussion. Because Bahai is not considered as a Islamic school of though, sect or branch.

 

[InvestigateTruth]

If i am correct both have a different view on this so i see no point for discussion. Because Bahai is not considered as a Islamic school of though, sect or branch.

It seems to me that different sects and school of thoughts in Islam, have somewhat a different view about Mihdi. But they also share some beliefs about Him.

The belief in Mihdi, is mostly from hadithes, and each sect, accepts some Hadithes about Mihdi. However, all Moslems, believe in promissed Mihdi who would come to renew and correct Islam, is this correct?

 

[F0uad]

Not renew or correct, the idea is that he will be a just ruler and will bring the Ummah under one banner to fight the enemies. He is not considerd as a Messanic person but as a humanbeing without ''great-power'', the Messiah will have great powers.

I haven't fully read this: Identification of the Prophesized Imam Mahdi but i think it gives the general idea.

 

[InvestigateTruth]

Hadith from Sahih Bukhari. Narrated Abu Huraira:
"The people said,

"O Allah's Apostle! Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?" He replied, "Do you have any doubt in seeing the full moon on a clear (not cloudy) night?" They replied, "No, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "Do you have any doubt in seeing the sun when there are no clouds?" They replied in the negative. He said, "You will see Allah (your Lord) in the same way. On the Day of Resurrection, people will be gathered and He will order the people to follow what they used to worship. So some of them will follow the sun, some will follow the moon, and some will follow other deities; and only this nation (Muslims) will be left with its hypocrites. Allah will come to them and say, 'I am Your Lord.' They will say, 'We shall stay in this place till our Lord comes to us and when our Lord will come, we will recognize Him. Then Allah will come to them again and say, 'I am your Lord.' They will say, 'You are our Lord.' Allah will call them, and As-Sirat (a bridge) will be laid across Hell and I (Muhammad) shall be the first amongst the Apostles to cross it with my followers. Nobody except the Apostles will then be able to speak and they will be saying then, 'O Allah! Save us. O Allah Save us.'"-Sahih Bukhari 1:770
​

As we consider this Hadith, we might ask:

• 1- Who is this "Lord" who is going to appear TWICE among people?
  2- When this Hadith says "Allah will come to them again and say, 'I am your Lord.'" is this saying that the Unknowable Essence described in the Qur'an is going to descend into the realm of creation?
  3- Or is the term "Lord" (as used in this Hadith and many other Traditions) actually referring to something else?!
  
  

As we begin to explore these questions, please consider that this Hadith of Abu Huraira [Sahih Bukhari 1:770] is also consistent with prophecies found in the Jewish Scriptures:

"Behold I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord,
whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple..." -Malachi 3:1"Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." -Malachi 4:5
​

Both The Bab and Baha'u'llah have revealed many Tablets in which They have explained the meanings of various Qur'anic terminologies such as "the appearance of the Lord", "the Day of God", "the Day of Resurrection" and "the Sirat" (bridge). These commentaries explain that such terms are merely alternative expressions of the twin appearances of "Allah" (God) prophecy, the coming of "the Lord" in the Day of Resurrection prophecy, the appearance of the Mahdi prophecies, Malachi's promise of the return of Elijah (or the return of John the Baptist) prophecy and to the return of Christ prophecies. In other words, these terms, these expressions and these prophecies are all referring to the future appearance of the same two events.

Prophets, Messengers and Manifestations of God

“He ordereth all things. He maketh His signs clear, that ye may have firm faith in attaining the presence of your Lord.”
Qur’án 13:2.

 

[InvestigateTruth]

Abu Bashir says: When I asked Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, "O son of the Messenger of God! Who is the Mahdi (qa'im) of your clan (ahl al-bayt)?", he replied: "The Mahdi will conquer the world; at that time the world will be illuminated by the light of God, and everywere in which those other than God are worshipped will become places where God is worshiped; and even if the polytheists do not wish it, the only faith on that day will be the religion of God.[27]
​

Abu Bashir says: I heard Imam Muhammad al-Baqr say: "He said: When the Mahdi appears he will follow in the path of the Messenger of God. Only he [the Mahdi] can explain the works of the Messenger of God.[29]
​

The face of the Mahdi shall shine upon the surface of the Moon.[30]
​

 

[InvestigateTruth]

Not renew or correct, the idea is that he will be a just ruler and will bring the Ummah under one banner to fight the enemies. He is not considerd as a Messanic person but as a humanbeing without ''great-power'', the Messiah will have great powers.

I haven't fully read this: Identification of the Prophesized Imam Mahdi but i think it gives the general idea.

Prophet Muhammad said:
"...I hope that you would constitute half of the inhabitants of Paradise and I shall explain to you its (reason). The believers among the unbelievers would not be more than a white hair on (the body of a) black ox or a black hair on (the body of a) white ox."
- Sahih Muslim 1.427

"The Apostle of God said: `There will come a time for my people when there will remain nothing of the Qur'an except its outward form and nothing of Islam except its name and they will call themselves by this name even though they are the people furthest from it. The mosques will be full of people but they will be empty of right guidance. The religious leaders (Fuqaha) of that day will be the most evil religious leaders under the heavens; sedition and dissension will go out from them and to them will it return.'"
- Ibn Babuya, Thawab ul-A'mal
- Also, in Al-Bihar, by Al-Majlisi, Vol 13, Page 155
- Also, in Kanz Al-amal #766


in the “Prayer of Nudbih”: “Where is He Who is preserved to renew the ordinances and laws? Where is He Who hath the authority to transform the Faith and the followers thereof?” He hath, likewise, revealed in the Zíyárat: “Peace be upon the Truth made new.” Abú-‘Abdi’lláh, questioned concerning the character of the Mihdí, answered saying: “He will perform that which Mu[FONT=Times Ext Roman,Times Ext Roman]ḥ[/FONT]ammad, the Messenger of God, hath performed, and will demolish whatever hath been before Him even as the Messenger of God hath demolished the ways of those that preceded Him.”

Islamic prophecies
http://bci.org/prophecy-fulfilled/islam.htm

 

[InvestigateTruth]

Sadir al-Sayrafi says: I heard from Imam Abu Abdullah Ja'far al-Sadiq that: Our modest Imam, to whom this occultation belongs [the Mahdi], who is deprived of and denied his rights, will move among them and wander through their markets and walk where they walk, but they will not recognize him.[28]

 

[InvestigateTruth]

In the “Aválím,” an authoritative and well-known book, it is recorded: “A Youth from Baní-Háshim shall be made manifest, Who will reveal a new Book and promulgate a new law;” then follow these words: “Most of His enemies will be the divines.”

 

[InvestigateTruth]

it is related of [FONT=Times Ext Roman,Times Ext Roman]Ṣ[/FONT]ádiq, son of Mu[FONT=Times Ext Roman,Times Ext Roman]ḥ[/FONT]ammad, that he spoke the following: “There shall appear a Youth from Baní-Háshim, Who will bid the people plight fealty unto Him. His Book will be a new Book, unto which He shall summon the people to pledge their faith. Stern is His Revelation unto the Arab. If ye hear about Him, hasten unto Him.”

 

[Gaura Priya]

Did you know there is absolutely NO mention of Imam-Mahdi in the Qur'an? :O Or perhaps alot of Muslims and Baha'is seem to miss that?

It seems weak on how Baha'is will claim that all religions' rituals have been corrupted over time... and yet to establish Baha'u'llah's station and supremacy, utilise those same religious traditions' spiritual narratives as proof of evidential and prophesied advent.

I personally also can never believe in hadiths... they are difficult to historically determine, and if one were to come to the source of Islamic belief system and injunctions, the one thing unifying Muslims of all sects, schools, and stripes, is the Noble Qur'an itself.

 

[InvestigateTruth]

Did you know there is absolutely NO mention of Imam-Mahdi in the Qur'an? :O Or perhaps alot of Muslims and Baha'is seem to miss that?

It seems weak on how Baha'is will claim that all religions' rituals have been corrupted over time... and yet to establish Baha'u'llah's station and supremacy, utilise those same religious traditions' spiritual narratives as proof of evidential and prophesied advent.

I personally also can never believe in hadiths... they are difficult to historically determine, and if one were to come to the source of Islamic belief system and injunctions, the one thing unifying Muslims of all sects, schools, and stripes, is the Noble Qur'an itself.

The comming of the Promised Ones of God, has always been a Mystery of God.
Please note that, Jesus name was not Mentioned specifically in the Torah prophecies regarding the Messiah. But certain signs instead was given, for people to recognize Him.
Regarding Muhammad also, certain signs are given in the New Testament, to recognize Him. Muhammad Himself said, Jesus knew about Muhammad and told his people about Him.
Also, same goes with the Prophecies regarding the Mahdi. Muhammad told people about Him. But He is not mentioned in a clear way in the Quran, but certain signs are given.
This has been always the way of God, He gives signs, but leave it to Mankind to use their common sense to discover things.

There are many reasons, that the Messenger's name and coming of a new religion is not mentioned in the prophecies of the Books.
Firstly, if the name is mentioned, and comming of a new religion is mentioned, then many people can simply fit themsleves by their name, and decieve many. So, that's why, it is kept as a mystery, and a secrete.
Secondly, the revulations are also a test for people who truely make an effort to find the truth. If God makes it easy, then everyone believes, then how people are testes and how people make an effort?

Regrding Hadithes, I agree, we cannot fully rely on them. But please note that, there are just too many Hadithes about Him, narated from different sects of Muslems, so, It is just clear that Muhammad Prophecized Him.

Regarding the proof of Baha'i Faith, even, just lets say for the sake of argument, that in previous Books, His coming was not mentioned, His proof is Baha'u'llah Himself, and His knowledge. Please note that, this requires an independent, and unbiased investigation of truth, while, a person asks God and put's his trust in God.

 

[InvestigateTruth]

In “Arbá’in” it is recorded: “Out of Baní-Háshim there shall come forth a Youth Who shall reveal new laws. He shall summon the people unto Him, but none will heed His call. Most of His enemies will be the divines. His bidding they will not obey, but will protest saying: ‘This is contrary to that which hath been handed down unto us by the Imáms of the Faith.’”

 

[InvestigateTruth]

The Messenger of God said: "At the end of the time of my ummah, the Mahdi will appear. God will grant him rain, the earth will bring forth its fruits, he will give a lot of money, cattle will increase and the ummah will become great. He will rule for seven or eight years.[13]

"To every [Ummah] people is a term appointed: when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor (an hour) can they advance (it in anticipation)." Quran 7:34​

The Prophet said, “If my (Ummah) Community keeps on the right, it is going to enjoy an age of one day, and if it becomes corrupt, it will have an age of half a day.” [Al-Munawī cites it in Fayd al-Qadīr from Shaykh Muhyī al-Dīn Ibn ‘Arabī.]​

They shall say in a low voice, one to another, - "Ye tarried but ten [century] on earth."
We are most knowing with respect to that which they will say when the most veracious of them will say. "Ye have not tarried above a day." (20:104)

"And one day according to Allah’s estimation is 1,000 years according to yours. "(Quran 22:47)​

 

[InvestigateTruth]

“Lo! Ye are they, who are called to expend for the Cause of God: and some of you are niggards (stingy) but whoso is niggardly shall be
niggard only to his own loss, for God is the rich and ye are the poor: and if ye turn back, he will change you for another (Ummah) people, and they shall not be your like!” (Quran 47:40)​

Muhammad was asked who were the people He referred to as “another people”, who were to replace the Arabs? One of His famous followers, Salman Farsi, a Persian, was sitting near Him. Muhammad patted the legs of Salman and said: “He and his people” and He continued: “By the True One, in Whose hands is My life, if the Faith of God should be suspended in the Pleiades, surely men from Persia shall reach it.” (This tradition is accepted by Sunnis and Shiites and is included by Nasafi in his book, Vol 4, page 169, as well as by Muhammad Farid Vajdi, in his book, third edition, page 676)​

 

[InvestigateTruth]

Among the Traditions that is recorded in Bihar, regarding the Mahdi, was, He would have similarities with four Prophets, Moses, Jesus, Joseph, and Muhammad

The similarities with Muhammad was revealing a Book like Quran.

This is part of the Book, which is called Bayan:

"In the Name of God, the Most Exalted, the Most High.

VERILY I am God, no God is there but Me, and aught except Me is but My creation. Say, worship Me then, O ye, My creatures.
I have called Thee into being, have nurtured Thee, protected Thee, loved Thee, raised Thee up and have graciously chosen Thee to be the manifestation of Mine Own Self, that Thou mayest recite My verses as ordained by Me, and may summon whomsoever I have created unto My Religion which is none other than this glorious and exalted Path. ​

I have fashioned all created things for Thy sake, and I have, by virtue of My Will, set Thee sovereign Ruler over all mankind. Moreover, I have decreed that whoso embraceth My religion shall believe in My unity, and I have linked this belief with remembrance of Thee, and after Thee the remembrance of such as Thou hast, by My leave, caused to be the ‘Letters of the Living’, and of whatever hath been revealed from My religion in the Bayán. This, indeed, is what will enable the sincere among My servants to gain admittance into the celestial Paradise.

Verily, the sun is but a token from My presence so that the true believers among My servants may discern in its rising the dawning of every Dispensation.
In truth I have created Thee through Thyself, then at My Own behest I have fashioned all things through the creative power of Thy Word. We are All-Powerful. I have appointed Thee to be the Beginning and the End, the Seen and the Hidden. Verily We are the All-Knowing.
No one hath been or will ever be invested with prophethood other than Thee, nor hath any sacred Book been or will be revealed unto any one except Thee. Such is the decree ordained by Him Who is the All-Encompassing, the Best Beloved. ​

The Bayán is in truth Our conclusive proof for all created things, and all the peoples of the world are powerless before the revelation of its verses. It enshrineth the sum total of all the Scriptures, whether of the past or of the future, even as Thou art the Repository of all Our proofs in this Day. We cause whomsover We desire to be admitted into the gardens of our most holy, most sublime Paradise. Thus is divine revelation inaugurated in each Dispensation at Our behest. We are truly the supreme Ruler. Indeed no religion shall We ever inaugurate unless it be renewed in the days to come. This is a promise We solemnly have made. Verily We are supreme over all things... "

- Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p.74-75

 

[Debater Slayer]

***Staff Advisory***

Thread moved to the Comparative Religion forum.
​

 

[Yahya310]

Among the Traditions that is recorded in Bihar, regarding the Mahdi, was, He would have similarities with four Prophets, Moses, Jesus, Joseph, and Muhammad

The similarities with Muhammad was revealing a Book like Quran.

This is part of the Book, which is called Bayan:

"In the Name of God, the Most Exalted, the Most High.

VERILY I am God, no God is there but Me, and aught except Me is but My creation. Say, worship Me then, O ye, My creatures.
I have called Thee into being, have nurtured Thee, protected Thee, loved Thee, raised Thee up and have graciously chosen Thee to be the manifestation of Mine Own Self, that Thou mayest recite My verses as ordained by Me, and may summon whomsoever I have created unto My Religion which is none other than this glorious and exalted Path. ​

I have fashioned all created things for Thy sake, and I have, by virtue of My Will, set Thee sovereign Ruler over all mankind. Moreover, I have decreed that whoso embraceth My religion shall believe in My unity, and I have linked this belief with remembrance of Thee, and after Thee the remembrance of such as Thou hast, by My leave, caused to be the ‘Letters of the Living’, and of whatever hath been revealed from My religion in the Bayán. This, indeed, is what will enable the sincere among My servants to gain admittance into the celestial Paradise.

Verily, the sun is but a token from My presence so that the true believers among My servants may discern in its rising the dawning of every Dispensation.
In truth I have created Thee through Thyself, then at My Own behest I have fashioned all things through the creative power of Thy Word. We are All-Powerful. I have appointed Thee to be the Beginning and the End, the Seen and the Hidden. Verily We are the All-Knowing.
No one hath been or will ever be invested with prophethood other than Thee, nor hath any sacred Book been or will be revealed unto any one except Thee. Such is the decree ordained by Him Who is the All-Encompassing, the Best Beloved. ​

The Bayán is in truth Our conclusive proof for all created things, and all the peoples of the world are powerless before the revelation of its verses. It enshrineth the sum total of all the Scriptures, whether of the past or of the future, even as Thou art the Repository of all Our proofs in this Day. We cause whomsover We desire to be admitted into the gardens of our most holy, most sublime Paradise. Thus is divine revelation inaugurated in each Dispensation at Our behest. We are truly the supreme Ruler. Indeed no religion shall We ever inaugurate unless it be renewed in the days to come. This is a promise We solemnly have made. Verily We are supreme over all things... "

- Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p.74-75

The Mahdi is here today and his name is Ahmed Al Hassan.

Imam Ali a.s said when he was talking about the companions of the 12th Imam:"The first of them is from Basra and the last of them is from Ibdaal" Besharat Al-Islam p.148
A clear narration mentioned by the Prince of the believers pbuh in regards to the first companions of Imam Al Mahdi pbuh.This narration tells us that the first ones among the supporters of Imam Al Mahdi pbuh Muhammad son of Hassan a.s is someone that comes from Basra. And it has been understood by a substantial majority among the Shia scholars who have an endeavor in researching about Imam Al Mahdi's case that there are 313 commanders of Imam Al Mahdi pbut.
In this narration it makes us realize that when Imam Ali pbuh says that the first of them comes from Basra,it means that the first of them from Basra is the first to believe in Imam Al Mahdi a.s. Ahmad Al Hassan pbuh is someone who is from Basra who publicly preached and told the people that he is a man from Ahlulbayt whose the first believer and the messenger of Imam Al Mahdi Muhammad son of Hassan a.j.

Imam Ahmad AlHassan (a.s) who is the first of the 313 is from Basra and he is the true believers as mentioned in the Prophet's will.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:"… Then there will be twelve Mahdi's after them. then when Allah receiveth him, let him hand it over to his son, the first of the close ones, he has three names, one like mine and my Father's: Abdollah (Servant of God), Ahmad and the third name is The Mahdi (the guided) and he is the first Believer".." Gaibat AlToosi p.150

The Awaited Reformer has EMERGED

He is calling to unite under the Banner of pure and true Faith, Justice, and Equity; under the Banner of Allegiance to God (Allah). He is Imam Ahmad Al-Hassan who has been mentioned in the Will of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) the night before he died. He also has been mentioned in the hadiths of Ahlul Bayt (as). He is the messenger of Imam Al-Mahdi (as) who has been sent to all Muslims. He is the messenger of Prophet Jesus (as) to all Christians, and Prophet Elijah (Eliyahu/Elias) (as) to all Jews.