This article is about the Shia Imam. For the Abbasid Caliph, see Al-Mahdi.

Muhammad al-Mahdi (born 868) (Arabic:محمد المهدى) is the twelfth and final Shi'a Imam. He is the person believed by Shi'as to be the Mahdi; a figure considered by both Sunnis and Shias to be the ultimate saviour of humankind. Shi'as and Sunnis differ on the identity of the Mahdi, with Shi'as believing that he was born in 868 and has been hidden by God (referred to as occultation) to later emerge to fulfill his mission. Sunnis believe that he is yet to be born. Both divisions however, believe that he will bring absolute peace and justice throughout the world by establishing Islam as the global religion. As such, the personality and account of Muhammad al-Mahdi in this article is one that is believed only by Shi'as. For a general overview of the Mahdi as accepted by the various divisions in Islam, see Mahdi. Muhammad ibn Mansur al-Mahdi (ruled 775–785), was the third Abbasid Caliph. ... Events 11 May: Printing of The Diamond Sutra, the oldest dated printed book. ... Arabic (; , less formally, ) is the largest member of the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family (classification: South Central Semitic) and is closely related to Hebrew and Aramaic. ... The Shia Imam is considered by the Shia sect of Islam to be the rightful successor to Muhammad, and is similar to the Caliph in Sunni Islam only with regards to the aspect of political leadership. ... Shia Islam ( Arabic شيعى follower; English has traditionally used Shiite or Shiite) is the second largest Islamic denomination; some 20-25% of all Muslims are said to follow a Shia tradition. ... The Mahdi (Arabic: مهدي, also transliterated as: Mehdi or Mihdi; translated as: Guided One), in Islamic eschatology, is the prophesied redeemer of Islam, who will change the world into a perfect Islamic society before Yaum al-Qiyamah (literally Day of the Resurrection). The exact nature of the Mahdi differs between Sunni... Sunni Islam (Arabic سنّة) is the largest denomination of Islam. ... Events 11 May: Printing of The Diamond Sutra, the oldest dated printed book. ... In this July, 1997 still frame captured from video, the bright star Aldebaran has just reappeared on the dark limb of the waning crescent moon in this predawn occultation. ... The Mahdi (Arabic: مهدي, also transliterated as: Mehdi or Mihdi; translated as: Guided One), in Islamic eschatology, is the prophesied redeemer of Islam, who will change the world into a perfect Islamic society before Yaum al-Qiyamah (literally Day of the Resurrection). The exact nature of the Mahdi differs between Sunni...

Birth and family life

Shi'as believe that the Mahdi was born in 869 as Muhammad ibn Hasan ibn Ali. His mother, Narjis (Melika), was a Byzantine princess she pretended to be a slave to travel from her kingdom to the Arabs Land, whilst his father, Hasan al-Askari, is believed to have been the eleventh and penultimate Shi'a Imam. Shi'as believe that his birth was kept a secret due to the persecution that the Shi'a were facing during this time at the hands of Al-Mu'tamid, the Abbasid Caliph. Events Western Emperor Louis II allies with eastern Emperor Basil I against the Saracens. ... Byzantine Empire (Greek: Βασιλεία Ῥωμαίων) is the term conventionally used since the 19th century to describe the Greek-speaking Roman Empire during the Middle Ages, centered at its capital in Constantinople. ... Imam Hasan al-Askari (December 6, 846 - January 1, 874), was the eleventh Shia Imam. ... The Shia Imam is considered by the Shia sect of Islam to be the rightful successor to Muhammad, and is similar to the Caliph in Sunni Islam only with regards to the aspect of political leadership. ... Shia Islam ( Arabic شيعى follower; English has traditionally used Shiite or Shiite) is the second largest Islamic denomination; some 20-25% of all Muslims are said to follow a Shia tradition. ... This article is about the Abbasid Caliph al-Mutamid of Baghdad. ... Abbasid provinces during the caliphate of Harun al-Rashid Abbasid (Arabic: العبّاسيّون AbbāsÄ«yÅ«n) was the dynastic name generally given to the caliphs of Baghdad, the second of the two great Sunni dynasties of the Islamic empire, that overthrew the Umayyad caliphs. ... Caliph is the term or title for the Islamic leader of the Ummah, or community of Islam. ...

Early life

The eleventh Shi'a Imam died on 8th Rabbi al-Awwal, 874, and since that day, his son Muhammad is believed by Shi'as to be the Imam, appointed by God, to lead the believers of the era. The most popular account of Muhammad al-Mahdi, in Shi'a literature, is taken from his father's funeral. It is reported that as the funeral prayer was about to begin, Muhammad al-Mahdi's uncle, Jafar ibn Ali approached to lead the prayers. However, Muhammad al-Mahdi approached and commanded, "Set aside, uncle; only an Imam can lead the funeral prayer of an Imam." Jafar set aside, and the five-year old child led the funeral prayer for his father. It is reported that it was at this very moment that Muhammad al-Mahdi disappeared and went into ghaybat, or occultation. The Shia Imam is considered by the Shia sect of Islam to be the rightful successor to Muhammad, and is similar to the Caliph in Sunni Islam only with regards to the aspect of political leadership. ... Events March 13 - The bones of Saint Nicephorus are interred in the Church of the Apostles, Constantinople. ...

The Occultation

Shi'as believe that, for various reasons, God concealed the twelfth and current Shi'a Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, from humankind.

Period

The period of occultation (ghaybat) is believed to consist of two parts:

• Ghaybat al-Sughra or Minor Occultation, which took place between 873 and 939 and is the shorter of the two periods.
• Ghaybat al-Kubra or Major Occultation, which began on 10th Shawwal 939 and is believed will continue until a time decided by God. At this point, the occultation will end and the Mahdi will reappear to bring absolute justice to the world.

Events Viking raid of Dorestad. ... Events Vietnam became a tributary kingdom to China. ... Events Vietnam became a tributary kingdom to China. ...

Reasons

Shi'as cite references from the Qur'an and from various hadith (reports) in order to provide the following reasons behind the Mahdi's occultation. The Quran (Arabic , literally the recitation; also called or The Noble Quran; also transliterated Quran, Koran, and less commonly Alcoran) is the holy book of Islam. ... Hadith (Arabic: , Arabic pl. ...

• 1) Unknown

One of the reasons behind the Mahdi's occultation has been concealed by God from humankind.

• 2) Trial

The occultation, and in particular, its long duration, is a trial for believers. Shi'as believe that God examines the believers for the faith in their hearts and their beliefs in relation to the existence of the Mahdi. It is said that all believers will meet the Mahdi at least once in their lives, though they will not know that it is him.

• 3) Preparation

Before the Mahdi reappears to establish absolute justice throughout the world, humankind needs to make a certain amount of preparation. There will come a point when all ideologies and doctrines will fail and when every leader and government will rise to solve problems but will fail. It will then become clear that no one is capable of establishing justice in the world except God's vicegerent, the Mahdi.

• 4) Lack of acceptance

Due to the persecution of believers and, in particular, of the other Shi'a Imams, as well as the prophets, it is clear that people are still refusing to accept God's vicegerents. As such, just as Shi'as believe that God concealed prophets Jesus and Joseph (Arab. Isa and Yusuf), God has also hidden the Mahdi from humankind until such a time when suitable circumstances have arisen for his reappearance.

• 5) Imam's non-allegiance

Shi'as believe that every other Shi'a Imam was persecuted to pay allegiance to unjust rulers. Since the Mahdi will reappear to end the rule of tyrants and the entire world will be brought under his government of justice, it is necessary that he is concealed from humankind so that he does not pay allegiance to anyone.

The Shia Imam is considered by the Shia sect of Islam to be the rightful successor to Muhammad, and is similar to the Caliph in Sunni Islam. ... Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus the Nazarene (8-4 BC/BCE – 29-36 AD/CE), is the central figure of Christianity, in which context he is known as Jesus Christ (from Greek Ιησούς Χριστός) with Christ being a title meaning Anointed One or Messiah. The main sources regarding Jesus life and... Joseph is a given name originating from Hebrew, recorded in the Hebrew Bible, as יוֹסֵף, Standard Hebrew Yosef, and Tiberian Hebrew Yôsēp̄. In Arabic, including in the Quran, the name is spelt يوسف or Yūsuf. ... For other uses, see ISA. Isa (عيسى`Īsā), often seen as Isa, son of Mary (`Īsā ibn Maryam) is the Arabic name for Jesus, who is one of the Prophets of Islam. ... Yusuf (also Yousef ,Yousuf ,or Yosef,يوسف) is a prophet in the Quran, the holy scriptures of Islam. ... The Shia Imam is considered by the Shia sect of Islam to be the rightful successor to Muhammad, and is similar to the Caliph in Sunni Islam only with regards to the aspect of political leadership. ...

The Four Deputies

During the Minor Occultation (Ghaybat al-Sughra), it is believed that Muhammad al-Mahdi maintained contact with his followers via a succession of four appointed deputies (Arab. nuwwaab al-arba’a). They represented him and acted as agents between him and his followers.

Whenever the believers faced a problem, they would write their concerns and send them to his deputy. The deputy would ascertain his verdict, endorse it with his seal and signature and return it to the relevant parties. The deputies also collected zakat and khums on his behalf. For the Shia, the idea of consulting a hidden Imam was not something new because the two prior Shia Imams had, on occasion, met with their followers from behind a curtain. Zakât (or Zakaat or Zakah) (English:tax, alms, tithe) (Arabic: زكاة, Old (Quran) Arabic: زكوة) is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam in Sunni Islam and one of the Branches of Religion in Shia Islam. ... Khums (derived from the Arabic خمس or five) is a Shia article of faith that refers to a one-fifth tax, which all adult Muslims who are financially secure and have surplus in their income normally have to pay on annual savings, net commercial profits, and all moveable and... The Shia Imam is considered by the Shia sect of Islam to be the rightful successor to Muhammad, and is similar to the Caliph in Sunni Islam. ...

The 4 deputies were:

1. Uthman ibn Sa’id al-Asadi
2. Abu Jafar Muhammad ibn Uthman
3. Abul Qasim Husayn ibn Ruh al-Nawbakhti
4. Abul Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samarri

In 329 AH, Muhammad al-Mahdi issued an order, via his 4th deputy, that the deputy would soon die, the Minor Occultation and the deputyship would end and the period of the Major Occultation would begin.

The 4th deputy died six days later and the Shi'a Muslims continue to await the reappearance of the Mahdi. In the same year, many notable Shi'a scholars such as Ali ibn Babwayh Qummi and Muhammad ibn Yaqub Kulayni, the learned compiler of al-Kafi also died. Ali ibn Babwayh Qummi was one of great Shia Scholars in the time of great Ghaybat. ... This article belongs in one or more categories. ...

Although it is believed that he never died, there is a shrine for him in Samarra located next to those of his father and grandfather. The shrine is actually his house. It is common practice in Islam to preserve historical sites of religious figures as a mark of respect. The two Shiite mosques in Samarra A soldier descends a Minaret in Samarra, Iraq. ... Imam Ali al-Hadi (September 8, 828 _ July 1, 868) was the tenth Shia Imam. ...

Reappearance

Shi'as cite various references from the Qur'an and reports, or Hadith, from the prophet Muhammad and the twelve Shi'a Imams with regards to the reappearance of Muhammad al-Mahdi who will, in accordance with God's command, bring justice and peace to the world by establishing Islam throughout the world. The Quran (Arabic , literally the recitation; also called or The Noble Quran; also transliterated Quran, Koran, and less commonly Alcoran) is the holy book of Islam. ... Hadith (Arabic: , Arabic pl. ... Muhammad (c. ... The Shia Imam is considered by the Shia sect of Islam to be the rightful successor to Muhammad, and is similar to the Caliph in Sunni Islam. ...

• The prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:

"During the last times, my people will be afflicted with terrible and unprecedented calamities and misfortunes from their rulers, so much so that this vast earth will appear small to them. Persecution and injustice will engulf the earth. The believers will find no shelter to seek refuge from these tortures and injustices. At such a time, God will raise from my progeny a man who will establish peace and justice on this earth in the same way as it had been filled with injustice and distress." Muhammad (c. ...

Shi'as believe that when Muhammad al-Mahdi will reappear, the prophet Isa (Jesus) will also reappear and that he will pray behind al-Mahdi. For other uses, see ISA. Isa (عيسى`Īsā), often seen as Isa, son of Mary (`Īsā ibn Maryam) is the Arabic name for Jesus, who is one of the Prophets of Islam. ... Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus the Nazarene (8-4 BC/BCE – 29-36 AD/CE), is the central figure of Christianity, in which context he is known as Jesus Christ (from Greek Ιησούς Χριστός) with Christ being a title meaning Anointed One or Messiah. The main sources regarding Jesus life and...

Sayings

• "As to the benefit of my existence in Occultation, it is like the benefit of the sun behind clouds where the eyes do not see. Indeed, my existence is an amnesty for the people of the earth."

With regards to advice for his followers during his absence, it is reported that he has said:

• "Refer to the transmitters of our traditions, for they are my hujja (proof) unto you and I am God’s proof unto them."

Sunni view

Sunni Muslims do not consider Muhammad al-Mahdi to be the Mahdi; many scholars even doubt that he existed at all. They hold that the 11th Imam died at the age of 28 years without leaving any offspring. [1]. Sunni Islam (Arabic سنّة) is the largest denomination of Islam. ... The Mahdi (Arabic: مهدي, also transliterated as: Mehdi or Mihdi; translated as: Guided One), in Islamic eschatology, is the prophesied redeemer of Islam, who will change the world into a perfect Islamic society before Yaum al-Qiyamah (literally Day of the Resurrection). The exact nature of the Mahdi differs between Sunni...

External links

• Kitab al-Irshad - The Twelfth Imam by Sheikh Mufid
• Al-Imam al-Mahdi - The Just Leader of Humanity by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini 2
• The Awaited Saviour by Ayatullah Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr & Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari
• A Discussion concerning the Mahdi by Ayatullah Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr
• Imam Mahdi's Biography