What is imam mahdi?

Imam Mahdi is a significant figure in Islamic eschatology, believed by many Muslims to be a future leader who will appear before the Day of Judgment to rid the world of evil and establish justice and peace. Beliefs about the Imam Mahdi vary among different Islamic sects.

• Lineage: Generally, Sunni Muslims believe the Imam Mahdi will be a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah. Shia Muslims, particularly Twelver Shias, believe the Mahdi is the 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, who went into occultation in 874 CE and will reappear at the appointed time.

• Role and Mission: The primary purpose of the Mahdi's Role is to restore righteousness to the world, eradicate oppression, and establish a global Islamic government based on justice. He is expected to lead prayers in Mecca and defeat the forces of evil, often associated with the figure of the Antichrist (Dajjal).

• Time of Appearance: The precise timing of the Mahdi's Appearance is unknown and considered to be solely within the knowledge of God. However, there are certain signs and tribulations that are said to precede his arrival, such as widespread corruption, moral decay, and conflicts.

• Associated Figures: He is often associated with the Prophet Isa (Jesus), who will return to Earth to assist the Mahdi in his mission. They will jointly lead the forces of good against evil.

• Differing Views: As mentioned, specific details regarding the Imam Mahdi differ across Sunni and Shia Islam. Sunni Muslims view him as a future leader yet to be born, while Shia Muslims see him as the 12th Imam who is already alive in occultation. Within each sect, there are also varying interpretations of the hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) pertaining to the Mahdi.