Who is the Mahdi in Islam?

[Dawnofhope]

The Mahdi meaning "the guided one" is an eschatological redeemer of Islam who, according to some Islamic traditions, will appear and rule for five, seven, nine, or nineteen years (according to differing interpretations) before the Day of Judgement or the Day of Resurrection" and rid the world of evil.

There is no direct reference to the Mahdi in the Quran, only in the Hadiths (the reports and traditions of Muhammad’s teachings collected after his death). In most traditions, the Mahdi will arrive with Jesus to defeat ad-Dajjal or the false Messiah (Antichrist). Although the concept of a Mahdi is not an essential doctrine in Sunni it is popular among both Sunni and Shi’a Muslim. Both agree that he will rule over Muslims and establish justice; however, they differ extensively on his attributes and status.

Throughout history, various individuals have claimed to be the Mahdi. These have included Muhammad Jaunpuri, founder of the Mahdavia sect; the Bab (Siyyid Ali Muhammad), founder of Babis; and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad founder of the Ahmadiyya movement.

Shi'ites have alternate views on which descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad is the Madhi. Twelvers who form the majority of Shi'ites today, believe that Muhammad al Mahdi who is the son of the 11th Imam Al-Hasan al-Askari is in occultation (hidden) and is the awaited Mahdi.

Adapted
Mahdi - Wikipedia

So what are the characteristics and significance of the Mahdi in Islam? What I would like discussed in this thread is to hear from Muslims as to their expectations of the Promised Mahdi and why? What Hadiths do you consider or narrations from Imams? Are there any Quranic verses that make reference to the Mahdi? It would also be useful also to hear from those who believe their Founder fulfils criterion for the Mahdi (eg Baha'is and Ahmadiyyas),
Bahá'í Faith - Wikipedia
Ahmadiyya - Wikipedia

NB - Anyone who has something constructive to contribute is also welcome to post.

 

[Spirit of Light]

The Mahdi meaning "the guided one" is an eschatological redeemer of Islam who, according to some Islamic traditions, will appear and rule for five, seven, nine, or nineteen years (according to differing interpretations) before the Day of Judgement or the Day of Resurrection" and rid the world of evil.

There is no direct reference to the Mahdi in the Quran, only in the Hadiths (the reports and traditions of Muhammad’s teachings collected after his death). In most traditions, the Mahdi will arrive with Jesus to defeat ad-Dajjal or the false Messiah (Antichrist). Although the concept of a Mahdi is not an essential doctrine in Sunni it is popular among both Sunni and Shi’a Muslim. Both agree that he will rule over Muslims and establish justice; however, they differ extensively on his attributes and status.

Throughout history, various individuals have claimed to be the Mahdi. These have included Muhammad Jaunpuri, founder of the Mahdavia sect; the Bab (Siyyid Ali Muhammad), founder of Babis; and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad founder of the Ahmadiyya movement.

Shi'ites have alternate views on which descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad is the Madhi. Twelvers who form the majority of Shi'ites today, believe that Muhammad al Mahdi who is the son of the 11th Imam Al-Hasan al-Askari is in occultation (hidden) and is the awaited Mahdi.

Adapted
Mahdi - Wikipedia

So what are the characteristics and significance of the Mahdi in Islam? What I would like discussed in this thread is to hear from Muslims as to their expectations of the Promised Mahdi and why? What Hadiths do you consider or narrations from Imams? Are there any Quranic verses that make reference to the Mahdi? It would also be useful also to hear from those who believe their Founder fulfils criterion for the Mahdi (eg Baha'is and Ahmadiyyas),
Bahá'í Faith - Wikipedia
Ahmadiyya - Wikipedia

NB - Anyone who has something constructive to contribute is also welcome to post.

Mahdi is said to be same as Maitreya within the Buddhist teachings So if we look at it this way Mahdi will come later similar to what Maitreya will do (mahdi is a different name for Maitreya) But they could be two different beings too

But it seems like Mahdi will use force whereas Maitreya will never use force to deliver the teachings
http://www.cismor.jp/uploads-images...reya-Miroku-Saviors-in-Islam-and-Buddhism.pdf

 

[wizanda]

Mahdi is said to be same as Maitreya

Buddha was an Avatar of Vishnu, Maitreya is an Avatar, and Christ is an Avatar...

Imam Mahdi is the 'rightly guided one', so someone taught by the Divine: Muhammad was 'rightly guided' to understand some of the Bible prophecy to an enlightened level.

In my opinion.

 

[Spirit of Light]

Buddha was an Avatar of Vishnu, Maitreya is an Avatar, and Christ is an Avatar...

Imam Mahdi is the 'rightly guided one', so someone taught by the Divine: Muhammad was 'rightly guided' to understand some of the Bible prophecy to an enlightened level.

In my opinion.

Not to sidetrack this thread about Mahdi, But Buddha Sakyamuni is not an avatar of someone else, Buddha means enlighten being, not Avatar of someone else
To say Buddha Sakyamuni is an Avatar of a Hindu deity is not a true statement. Sakyamuni has nothing to do with Hinduism in regards to his teaching.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Mahdi is said to be same as Maitreya within the Buddhist teachings So if we look at it this way Mahdi will come later similar to what Maitreya will do (mahdi is a different name for Maitreya) But they could be two different beings too

But it seems like Mahdi will use force whereas Maitreya will never use force to deliver the teachings
http://www.cismor.jp/uploads-images...reya-Miroku-Saviors-in-Islam-and-Buddhism.pdf

Looks like an interesting paper. I’m certain there are parallels between the eschatological Teachings within both Islam and Buddhism about a redeemer. The process appears to be a decline in righteousness and as the true Dharma no longer being widely taught and practiced, confusion and injustice prevail. A new Educator comes such as the Maitreya Buddha or Mahdi and re-establishes order and justice in the world. As a demonstration of their outstanding qualities they endure great hardships at the hands of self interested rulers, priests and clergy.

I look forward to reading the paper.

 

[Spirit of Light]

Looks like an interesting paper. I’m certain there are parallels between the eschatological Teachings within both Islam and Buddhism about a redeemer. The process appears to be a decline in righteousness and as the true Dharma no longer being widely taught and practiced, confusion and injustice prevail. A new Educator comes such as the Maitreya Buddha or Mahdi and re-establishes order and justice in the world. As a demonstration of their outstanding qualities they endure great hardships at the hands of self interested rulers, priests and clergy.

I look forward to reading the paper.

Thank you And yes there seems to be a decline within all forms of religious practice, and it is common that there will be a new Buddha, Prophet or other deities who will arise on earth to give a new form of teaching.
I still hold that Buddha sakyamunis teaching is true, But I also know because of people who practice Buddhism will misunderstand and give "false" teaching that makes the true teaching forgotten, That is a risk in all spiritual practice when it is a long time since the master/teacher was here to teach.

 

[wizanda]

Not to sidetrack this thread about Mahdi, But Buddha Sakyamuni is not an avatar of someone else, Buddha means enlighten being, not Avatar of someone else

An Avatar means to have descended down here, and isn't a representation of someone; it is the Source of our reality communicating with us in different forms.

Vishnu means the Sustainer, so it is the Source creating a representation for us to understand it, and for it to teach the Dharma to mankind.

A Bodhisattva is as such always an aspect of Vishnu (Sustaining us) in some way; where they've 'chosen to incarnate down here' (Avatar) for the betterment of mankind.

This is crucial to understanding this original topic, as the Imam Mahdi is someone who was Guided to understand, an Avatar is born that way.

In my opinion.

 

[Spirit of Light]

An Avatar means to have descended down here, and isn't a representation of someone; it is the Source of our reality communicating with us in different forms.

Vishnu means the Sustainer, so it is the Source creating a representation for us to understand it, and for it to teach the Dharma to mankind.

A Bodhisattva is as such always an aspect of Vishnu (Sustaining us) in some way; where they've 'chosen to incarnate down here' (Avatar) for the betterment of mankind.

This is crucial to understanding this original topic, as the Imam Mahdi is someone who was Guided to understand, an Avatar is born that way.

In my opinion.

You using Hindu terms I am not familiar with. The reason i disagreed with your Avatar comment is that it is not used in Buddhism. Hinduism speaks of Buddha as an Avatar yes.
To me as a Buddhist Buddha means Enlighten being. But yes he had to cultivate body and mind to awaken to the enlightenment. And yes he did exist in a form of Nirvana before descending to earth to teach (but Gautama had to become enlighten (buddha) before he could teach fully)

 

[BSM1]

The Mahdi meaning "the guided one" is an eschatological redeemer of Islam who, according to some Islamic traditions, will appear and rule for five, seven, nine, or nineteen years (according to differing interpretations) before the Day of Judgement or the Day of Resurrection" and rid the world of evil.

There is no direct reference to the Mahdi in the Quran, only in the Hadiths (the reports and traditions of Muhammad’s teachings collected after his death). In most traditions, the Mahdi will arrive with Jesus to defeat ad-Dajjal or the false Messiah (Antichrist). Although the concept of a Mahdi is not an essential doctrine in Sunni it is popular among both Sunni and Shi’a Muslim. Both agree that he will rule over Muslims and establish justice; however, they differ extensively on his attributes and status.

Throughout history, various individuals have claimed to be the Mahdi. These have included Muhammad Jaunpuri, founder of the Mahdavia sect; the Bab (Siyyid Ali Muhammad), founder of Babis; and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad founder of the Ahmadiyya movement.

Shi'ites have alternate views on which descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad is the Madhi. Twelvers who form the majority of Shi'ites today, believe that Muhammad al Mahdi who is the son of the 11th Imam Al-Hasan al-Askari is in occultation (hidden) and is the awaited Mahdi.

Adapted
Mahdi - Wikipedia

So what are the characteristics and significance of the Mahdi in Islam? What I would like discussed in this thread is to hear from Muslims as to their expectations of the Promised Mahdi and why? What Hadiths do you consider or narrations from Imams? Are there any Quranic verses that make reference to the Mahdi? It would also be useful also to hear from those who believe their Founder fulfils criterion for the Mahdi (eg Baha'is and Ahmadiyyas),
Bahá'í Faith - Wikipedia
Ahmadiyya - Wikipedia

NB - Anyone who has something constructive to contribute is also welcome to post.

Are you familiar with the Al Madhi mentioned in the story of "The Twelfth Imam"?

 

[Limo]

The Mahdi meaning "the guided one" is an eschatological redeemer of Islam who, according to some Islamic traditions, will appear and rule for five, seven, nine, or nineteen years (according to differing interpretations) before the Day of Judgement or the Day of Resurrection" and rid the world of evil.

There is no direct reference to the Mahdi in the Quran, only in the Hadiths (the reports and traditions of Muhammad’s teachings collected after his death). In most traditions, the Mahdi will arrive with Jesus to defeat ad-Dajjal or the false Messiah (Antichrist). Although the concept of a Mahdi is not an essential doctrine in Sunni it is popular among both Sunni and Shi’a Muslim. Both agree that he will rule over Muslims and establish justice; however, they differ extensively on his attributes and status.

Throughout history, various individuals have claimed to be the Mahdi. These have included Muhammad Jaunpuri, founder of the Mahdavia sect; the Bab (Siyyid Ali Muhammad), founder of Babis; and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad founder of the Ahmadiyya movement.

Shi'ites have alternate views on which descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad is the Madhi. Twelvers who form the majority of Shi'ites today, believe that Muhammad al Mahdi who is the son of the 11th Imam Al-Hasan al-Askari is in occultation (hidden) and is the awaited Mahdi.

Adapted
Mahdi - Wikipedia

So what are the characteristics and significance of the Mahdi in Islam? What I would like discussed in this thread is to hear from Muslims as to their expectations of the Promised Mahdi and why? What Hadiths do you consider or narrations from Imams? Are there any Quranic verses that make reference to the Mahdi? It would also be useful also to hear from those who believe their Founder fulfils criterion for the Mahdi (eg Baha'is and Ahmadiyyas),
Bahá'í Faith - Wikipedia
Ahmadiyya - Wikipedia

NB - Anyone who has something constructive to contribute is also welcome to post.

For us sunni's Mahdi is a normal Moslem but leads Moslems in end of time wars ( what Jews and Christians call Armageddon) he'll be a fair and straight leader for Moslems.
By the way, Almasseh will be in Moslems Side.
That's all.
Regards

 

[j1i]

The Mahdi meaning "the guided one" is an eschatological redeemer of Islam who, according to some Islamic traditions, will appear and rule for five, seven, nine, or nineteen years (according to differing interpretations) before the Day of Judgement or the Day of Resurrection" and rid the world of evil.

There is no direct reference to the Mahdi in the Quran, only in the Hadiths (the reports and traditions of Muhammad’s teachings collected after his death). In most traditions, the Mahdi will arrive with Jesus to defeat ad-Dajjal or the false Messiah (Antichrist). Although the concept of a Mahdi is not an essential doctrine in Sunni it is popular among both Sunni and Shi’a Muslim. Both agree that he will rule over Muslims and establish justice; however, they differ extensively on his attributes and status.

Throughout history, various individuals have claimed to be the Mahdi. These have included Muhammad Jaunpuri, founder of the Mahdavia sect; the Bab (Siyyid Ali Muhammad), founder of Babis; and Mirza Ghulam Ahmad founder of the Ahmadiyya movement.

Shi'ites have alternate views on which descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad is the Madhi. Twelvers who form the majority of Shi'ites today, believe that Muhammad al Mahdi who is the son of the 11th Imam Al-Hasan al-Askari is in occultation (hidden) and is the awaited Mahdi.

Adapted
Mahdi - Wikipedia

So what are the characteristics and significance of the Mahdi in Islam? What I would like discussed in this thread is to hear from Muslims as to their expectations of the Promised Mahdi and why? What Hadiths do you consider or narrations from Imams? Are there any Quranic verses that make reference to the Mahdi? It would also be useful also to hear from those who believe their Founder fulfils criterion for the Mahdi (eg Baha'is and Ahmadiyyas),
Bahá'í Faith - Wikipedia
Ahmadiyya - Wikipedia

NB - Anyone who has something constructive to contribute is also welcome to post.

thanks dude for sharing this topic
The story of the Mahdi is unclear as a complete scenario like Jesus in Islamic culture
But he will be the most important figure for Jesus when he meets and prepares to conquer the world in order to correct the course of faith
Jesus will be a strong and non-negotiable figure
Either faith or fighting
Then Gog and Magog will go out, then the Mahdi and Jesus will hide in a cave in Mount Sinai for a period of time.
Because God will tell Jesus that Gog and Magog much stronger and must hide and not confront them.
At that moment there is a scenario that God will kill them all
The organisms will eat their bodies for seven years and will use the wood they have to light the fire for seven years
That period will be so happy that the snake will not bite and the lion will not prey
The fruits will be large blessed

Everyone wants to be the Mahdi because he thinks he will be closest to God
But in fact, measuring rewards with good deeds
You may find a poor cleaner who gets a balance equal to that of the prophets in value
The wheel of fortune is not limited to the prophets or the top leaders
Because of this fairness of the Lord in the standards people live hard and actively in doing good in order to obtain acceptance from God

I mean that every human being can be Mahdi in seeking knowledge and doing pioneering and good humanitarian work

Education and spreading the knowledge of Allah is one of the noble goals
This is what the pure prophets of Moses, Noah, Jesus, Muhammad, and others were doing

 

[Dawnofhope]

Are you familiar with the Al Madhi mentioned in the story of "The Twelfth Imam"?

If you mean the occultation of the 12th Imam in Shi’a Islam, yes.

The Occultation (Arabic: غيبة‎ ghayba) in Shia Islamrefers to a belief that the messianic figure, or Mahdi, who in Shi'i thought is an infallible male descendant of the founder of Islam, Muhammad, was born but disappeared, and will one day return and fill the world with justice and peace. Some Shia, such as the Nizari, do not believe in the idea of the Occultation.

The groups that do believe in it differ on the succession of the Imamate, and therefore which individual is in Occultation. The Hidden Imam is still considered to be the "Imam of the Time", to hold authority over the community, and to guide and protect individuals and the Shi'i community.

Occultation (Islam) - Wikipedia

 

[Dawnofhope]

For us sunni's Mahdi is a normal Moslem but leads Moslems in end of time wars ( what Jews and Christians call Armageddon) he'll be a fair and straight leader for Moslems.
By the way, Almasseh will be in Moslems Side.
That's all.
Regards

What if the Muslims reject the Mahdi as the Quarysh rejected Muhammad?

 

[Dawnofhope]

@Link

Perhaps you would like to discuss the Mahdi here. I see you started a thread in the Shi’a DIR with no responses to date.

 

[Dawnofhope]

thanks dude for sharing this topic
The story of the Mahdi is unclear as a complete scenario like Jesus in Islamic culture
But he will be the most important figure for Jesus when he meets and prepares to conquer the world in order to correct the course of faith
Jesus will be a strong and non-negotiable figure
Either faith or fighting
Then Gog and Magog will go out, then the Mahdi and Jesus will hide in a cave in Mount Sinai for a period of time.
Because God will tell Jesus that Gog and Magog much stronger and must hide and not confront them.
At that moment there is a scenario that God will kill them all
The organisms will eat their bodies for seven years and will use the wood they have to light the fire for seven years
That period will be so happy that the snake will not bite and the lion will not prey
The fruits will be large blessed

Everyone wants to be the Mahdi because he thinks he will be closest to God
But in fact, measuring rewards with good deeds
You may find a poor cleaner who gets a balance equal to that of the prophets in value
The wheel of fortune is not limited to the prophets or the top leaders
Because of this fairness of the Lord in the standards people live hard and actively in doing good in order to obtain acceptance from God

I mean that every human being can be Mahdi in seeking knowledge and doing pioneering and good humanitarian work

Education and spreading the knowledge of Allah is one of the noble goals
This is what the pure prophets of Moses, Noah, Jesus, Muhammad, and others were doing

Thanks for your posts. I really appreciate the presence of my Muslim brothers on RF, especially to discuss key topics such as the Mahdi.

Do you think a Mahdi is simply a Muslim who does good works? I know you don’t believe that. I understand that He will be one who along with Christ will redeem Islam. Do you think Islam is fine as it currently exists in the world or is in need of reform?

 

[BSM1]

If you mean the occultation of the 12th Imam in Shi’a Islam, yes.

The Occultation (Arabic: غيبة‎ ghayba) in Shia Islamrefers to a belief that the messianic figure, or Mahdi, who in Shi'i thought is an

infallible male descendant of the founder of Islam, Muhammad, was born but disappeared, and will one day return and fill the world with justice and peace. Some Shia, such as the Nizari, do not believe in the idea of the Occultation.

The groups that do believe in it differ on the succession of the Imamate, and therefore which individual is in Occultation. The Hidden Imam is still considered to be the "Imam of the Time", to hold authority over the community, and to guide and protect individuals and the Shi'i community.

Occultation (Islam) - Wikipedia

There is an ancient story concerning "The Hidden Monk". If you're familiar with the story you should look it up.

 

[Dawnofhope]

There is an ancient story concerning "The Hidden Monk". If you're familiar with the story you should look it up.

I'm not. Do you have a link?

 

[BSM1]

I'm not. Do you have a link?

Here's one story:
Twelfth Imam / Hidden Imam

The story I heard was that the 5 year old Imam was placed in a dry well when the shrine was attacked. When the intruders got to the well it was empty. The significance of the return of Al Mahdi (The Twelfth Imam) was that the world had to be in flames so Al Mahdi can save it. This is the thinking even today of many of the fanatics in Iran; they see war, especially nuclear war, as a requirement for Al Mahdi's hastened return.

 

[Limo]

What if the Muslims reject the Mahdi as the Quarysh rejected Muhammad?

Elmahdi is not a prophet to accept or reject.
He's a very normal Moslem like anybody.
He's just a good leader at a specific time..

 

[Dawnofhope]

Here's one story:
Twelfth Imam / Hidden Imam

The story I heard was that the 5 year old Imam was placed in a dry well when the shrine was attacked. When the intruders got to the well it was empty. The significance of the return of Al Mahdi (The Twelfth Imam) was that the world had to be in flames so Al Mahdi can save it. This is the thinking even today of many of the fanatics in Iran; they see war, especially nuclear war, as a requirement for Al Mahdi's hastened return.

Interesting perspective on Iranian expectations of the Al Mahdi.

Who Is the 12th Imam?