Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

The Reappearance of the Great Reformer of the World - A Fundamental Religious Belief

The belief that at the end of the time a universal reformer will arise and provide success to mankind and save people from their afflictions and calamities, is one of the most ancient and fundamental beliefs, that all the heavenly religious have given glad tidings of this and all the history of mankind has recorded it as a sanctified and respectful belief.

The man who has witnessed the worst of the disasters, battles and turmoil caused by the inhuman people and surrounded the whole mankind. The man who is trampled upon by tyrants and deprived by greedy and selfish elements from the blessings that should have been available to all in the world. Such a man is in anticipation of a reformer who would transform the flow of history and establish the Kingdom of truth. There is no doubt that he shall be that same Mahdi of the Progeny of Muhammad. The world shall be graced by his knowledge, justice, good diplomacy and planning. The Prophet of Islam (a.s), who never spoke without revelation, and his Infallible Successors who had always been associated with piety and godfearingness have explained about that great reformer, that is the Qaim of the Progeny of Muhammad (a.s). Here it would be appropriate that we mention some examples of the advent of the universal reformer and his justice and truth.

The Universal reformer in the view of the Christians

A great number of religious and faithful people from the Christians were subjected to tortures and calamities during the time of His Eminence, Prophet Isa (a.s) and also after His Eminence at the hands of the oppressors and tyrants, especially during the reign of Nirun in the year 64 A.D. and during the reigns of Tarajan in 106 A.D. and Desius in 249-251 A.D. They witnessed such atrocities as defy description. They were very severe on the people during the reign of Nero and blamed for burning Rome, therefore terrible calamities descended upon them and they were stuffed in the skins of animals and thrown to dogs and torn to pieces. In the same way some were clothed into tar clothes and put to fire and Nero himself ignited these tar torches and they continued to burn till they were reduced to ashes.

During the reign of Tarajan also, different types of tortures and punishments befell them. If anyone was found to be a believer in Prophet Isa (a.s), he or she was immediately put on the stake. However, if anyone worshipped idols, drank wine and spoke ill of Prophet Isa (a.s) he was saved from the stake. These tortures and severities continued on Christians till the death of Tarajan. When Desius ascended the throne he imposed such tortures on the people that they shake the foundations of humanity.

Return of the Christ for reformation of the People

Christians believe that His Eminence, Prophet Isa (a.s) is the awaited reformer and one who would rise with truth. He would definitely return to the earth to establish the kingdom of knowledge and learning and that he may spread peace and security and general prosperity. These are some of the statements of the New Testament:

1. Gospel of John

It is mentioned in the Gospel of St. John:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice.”[206]

2. Gospel of St. Luke

The Gospel of St. Luke says:

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding powers of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”[207]

3. Gospel of St. Matthew

This Gospel contains prophecies regarding the reappearance of Prophet Isa (a.s). Some of them are as follows:

(a) “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven…”[208]

(b) “But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’”[209]

(c) “Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”[210]

These prophecies about unfavorable circumstances show that the return of Jesus Christ shall be to remove all pains and difficulties of the people. This is the belief of all the Christians of the world.

And Will Durant says: “Christians of the world scattered on the earth believe in the return of Christ and that he would return to the earth and establish his rule and one who brings faith in him shall be bestowed with bounties of the Hereafter. And that Jesus is the son of God, is a general belief among the Christians.”[211]

Signs of reappearance of Christ (a.s)

Some of the signs of the reappearance of Jesus Christ are mentioned in the New Testament. It is mentioned in the Gospel of Mark:

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildingsa There will not be left here one stone upon another, that will not be thrown down.”

And as he sat on the Mount of the Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign when these things are all to be accomplisheda” And Jesus began to say to them, “Take heed that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of war, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places, there will be famines; this is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

“But take heed to yourselves; for they will deliver you up to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say; but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

“But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; let him who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything away; and let him who is in the field not turn back to take his mantle. And alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not shortened the days, no human being would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if any one says to you, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. False Christs and false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed; I have told you all things beforehand.

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson; as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”[212]

In all periods of time the Christians have been waiting for the advent of the Jesus Christ. Amir Shabib Ansatan says: Huart, the French historian and the author of the History of Arabs says: The Britishers come to the Baitul Maqdas in the valleys where it is said that very soon judgment will be established. There, every morning they beat the drums and await his reappearance. And I have heard that the English woman - I think - came to Quds and for the sake of Jesus Christ prepared tea.

And La Martine the French Poet in his travelogue says regarding the Mountain of Lebanon that in the village named Jaun, he met Madame Istir Satanub, the well known minister of British Isles and saw that a female attendant was ready with a saddled horse so that if Jesus Christ returns she must be ready for it.[213]

These were some of the examples that the Christian thinkers and scholars have mentioned regarding the return of Jesus Christ. As for the Muslims, they on the basis of widely related reports, have the belief that Jesus Christ shall come to the earth and that he would not be directly doing the reformation but he will be assisting Imam Mahdi (a.s) and his followers in the establishment of peace and kingdom of truth and whatever shall be best for humanity.

The Great Reformer in the view of Jews

One of the beliefs of the Jews is the advent of a Universal reformer in the Last Age. He is the one who would purify the evil manners of the people. As Ibne Qayyim says: Indeed the Jews are anticipating a revolution from the Progeny of Prophet Dawood (a.s) in such a way that even if his lips move in prayers, all the communities shall be destroyed. This Promised one in the view of the Jews is the savior who was promised to the Jews.[214]

Description of the Advent of the Reformer of Jews

As for the description of the advent of the reformer of the Jews, a prophet named Ashiya has said as follows: Very soon, one who is from the Progeny of Prophet Dawood shall arise and the Holy Spirit would enter into him and the Spirit of Wisdom, understanding, power, recognition of the fear of God would become dominant on him. He shall rule with justice for the good of the oppressed people and procure justice for them and destroy the hypocrites. He would establish peace and security in such a way that all the people would live a life of peace and prosperity.[215]

Although it is an established fact that such a golden era has never occurred in the history of the world so far, that justice is established in every corner of the earth. It shall only be achieved at the hands of only and only the Universal Reformer, the Mahdi from the Progeny of Muhammad (a.s). He is the one who would fill the earth with justice and equity and lead the people with heavenly guidance such that there shall be no deceit and fraud in his Kingdom.

Signs of Reappearance of the Imam of the Time

The Jews have recorded in their books the signs of the reappearance of the universal reformer whom they are expecting:

a) All the ten sons of Prophets Dawood (a.s) shall come together and arise from the House of Dawood.

b) Gog and Magog shall be killed

c) The Mount of Olive shall burst asunder

d) The valley of Egypt shall become dry

e) Sweet water springs will burst forth from Jerusalem and from Baitul Maqdas.

f) Ten leaders of different religions of the world shall be dressed up in Jewish dress and they shall request to be taken into their fold as they have heard that God is with the Jews.

g) All the people (communities) shall migrate to Jerusalem to participate in the worship of Almighty.

h) The mischief and corruption of the earth shall be destroyed. Their view is that Prophet Isa (a.s) will not come before one who had arisen on the religion of Bani Israel is destroyed. Therefore it is incumbent on every Jew that all the sects do not unite. So that power remains in the hands of the Jews. Before Jews are able to gain complete domination of the world, it is certain that there would be wars as a consequence of which one-third of the world population will perish. The Jews shall rule the world for seven years at a stretch and burn up the weapons they have obtained after gaining victory. It is the same day when the Jews shall reach an elevated position and be absolute masters of the wealth of the world. Very soon the treasures of the earth would fill up their lavish homes. Such that 300 asses would be required to carry their keys. It would be the time when people shall enter the fold of Jews in groups and all would welcome them except the Christians who are destroyed, as they are from the progeny of Satan.[216]

This part shows that the Jews have animosity towards all faiths, especially Christianity. They desire to be the most dominant people on the earth and that the rest of the world should come under their domination and power.

i) Peter has mentioned one of the signs of reappearance as follows:

Since all these things (religions) are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heaven will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire. But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.[217]

j) In the teachings (Talmud), regarding the signs of the advent of the Jewish savior it is mentioned: It is incumbent upon every Jew that he or she strives to obtain the power in the world and subject others to the worst form of humility. And before the last victory there shall be war and two third of the world would be destroyed. And the Jews shall remain dominant for seven years and burn up the weapon they lay their hands on. And it would be the time when the enemies of the Jews shall have their teeth 22 yards long and they shall be protruding out from their mouths!!!

The Jews during this time shall be at war against all the communities and the last real savior will come and he shall be the one who is anticipated. They shall be successful and the Jew community shall be at the Zenith in matter of wealth and prosperity as they shall be the masters of all worldly wealth. So much so, that at least 300 asses will be required to carry the keys of their treasures.[218]

These statements show that the Jews harbor enmity and animosity to all the other religious communities of the world and their aim is to grab all the wealth and power of the world and that they be dominant over the world.

The Vast Spread of Bounties after the Advent of the Savior of the Jews

Jews believe that after the advent of the savior, the widespread bounties shall reach to every nook and corner of the world. Such that people shall continue to live for centuries and their stature would be 200 yards in height.[219]

It is said: Very soon the lands of Israel will fructify with bread and fabrics and the stalks of wheat will grow high in Lebanon like the date palms and they would sway in the wind so fast that they grind the grains in them.[220]

Also, the lands of Israel will give out unleavened bread and each grain will produce a thousand grains. Wine shall be available in abundance and the cultivation of grapes will increase. Buildings of Jerusalem shall rise high upto three miles. Their gates shall be made of pearls and genuine gemstones such that each part shall be 30 yards long.[221] Poverty will be eradicated and people shall be healthy and acquire more good qualities. Justice, truth and peace shall be dominant.[222] And this is the time when Jews shall dominate the world and all communities will submit to that savior. Each Jew shall have 2800 servants to attend him.[223]

Yes! The Jews have such beliefs and it is the part of their fundamental principles of faith. On the basis of this they aim to subjugate the world and acquire all the wealth of the world.

Thus we conclude our discussion regarding the signs of the advent of the last savior of mankind that are present in the teachings of the greatest world religious. And it is noteworthy that according to the beliefs of all people, the advent of this savior is definite and certain.

We have also established that this last savior is none but Imam Mahdi (a.s), the Awaited Imam. He is the one at whose hands Christians and Jesus would submit immediately and Almighty Allah would support and help him like He supported His chosen representatives. He shall also be the recipient of Unseen help till the time he establishes truth, justice, peace and equity among the people.

Believers and Deniers of the Imam of the Time (a.s)

All Islamic scholars are unanimous regarding the belief that Imam Mahdi (a.s) shall indeed reappear and reform the world and destroy all oppression. The government of His Eminence shall be such a great success and achievement, as the mankind has never seen in the history so far. The scholars of Islam have faith in it and consider it to be an inseparable part of religious belief. It is due to the widely related and authentic traditions narrated from the Holy Prophet (a.s) and the Imams of guidance (a.s) sources of which we have already quoted in the foregone pages. Therefore there is no difference of opinion in the above-mentioned matter. Rather the difference is regarding some other matters, for example in the birth and existence of His Eminence. All Shias, without any exception and a large number of Ahle Sunnat scholars and historians believe that His Eminence is already born and exists in the present time. However some of them say that he shall be born in the future. We shall investigate this opinion of theirs.

Those who believe the Imam is born and exists

Shia Imamites are unanimous that the Awaited Holy Imam (a.s) exists and that he has already taken birth and at present he is the Proof of Allah on the Earth. The Almighty Allah has kept him alive by providing all the necessities for survival and he is away from all weakness, old age and death, and nothing is difficult for the Almighty God.

The One Who has kept the stars and the planets rotating in their orbits in space and One Who has life and death under His control and has power over everything. He is the One Who had made the people of the cave asleep for 309 years and then revived them and kept them alive. He is the One Who kept Prophet Yunus alive in the whale’s belly. When he sought forgiveness he was brought out. If he had not sought forgiveness he would have remained alive inside the whale till Qiyamat. Such types of examples are numerous in the Holy Quran. Now we shall mention some statements of Ahle Sunnat scholars that are in consonance with the beliefs of the Shia Imamiyah.

1. Muhammad bin Talha Shafei

Muhammad bin Talha bin Muhammad Qarashi Nasibi says:

“Muhammad bin Hasan Khalis, son of Ali Mutawakkil, son of Muhammad Qane’, son of Ali ar-Reza, son of Musa Kazim, son of Ja’far Sadiq, son of Muhammad Baqir, son of Ali Zainul Abideen, son of Husain Zaki, son of Ali Murtada, son of Abu Talib is the Mahdi, the Hujjat (Proof), the Khalaf Salih (the righteous successor) and the awaited one, peace be upon him.”

This is the righteous proof (Khalaf Salih)

Allah indeed has helped him…

He also said: “As for the place of his birth, it is Sar-man-rai (and he was born) on the 23rd of Shaban 258 A.H.”

These sentences prove the belief of Muhammad bin Talha in the existence of His Eminence, Mahdi (a.s) on the basis of traditions and sayings of the Holy Prophet (a.s) regarding Imam Mahdi (a.s).

2. Ibne Arabi

Muhyuddin Muhammad bin Ali known as Ibne Arabi Andulusi has explained the Imamate of His Eminence, Mahdi (a.s) and his birth. He says, “Mahdi will reappear in the last age and the Messenger of Allah (a.s) has prophesied about him, and he is from the purified Ahle Bayt (a.s) and from the lineage of Muhammad.

Indeed the Imam is needful of a vizier.

And upon the two of them the whole universe rotates.

You should know that the Almighty Allah has a Caliph who would reappear and fill the earth with justice and equity after it would have been filled with injustice and inequity. Even if a single day remains for the earth, the Almighty Allah will prolong this very day till this Caliph, who is from the Progeny of the Messenger of Allah and from the descendants of Fatima, reappears. The grandfather of this Caliph is Husain bin Ali bin Abi Talib and his respected father is Hasan Askari (a.s). He shall have the same name as that of the Holy Prophet (a.s) and people would pay allegiance to him between Rukn and Maqam. In appearance he shall be like Allah’s Messenger and in manners slightly less than the Prophet, because no one could be equal to the Prophet. The Almighty Allah has said: ‘Indeed you are having lofty manners.’

He is having an illuminated forehead and a raised nose. People would become fortunate through him and he would distribute wealth evenly among the people and establish justice. There would be such prosperity during his time that when a man comes and asks him for monetary help he would be given as much as he could lift. In his tenure bad manners and evil traits shall be transformed into amicable mannerisms.

It would be seen that a person who was ignorant and cowardly at night would become knowledgeable, kind and brave in the morning and success, help and assistance would be surrounding him.

He shall be the helper and supporter of the weak and helpless people and dominating and strict for the oppressors.

He shall practically act upon what he preaches and teach the people what he acts upon. Through him, Islam would get respectability and revival. People who are cognizant of the Almighty and truth shall be surrounding him and they would help and assist His Eminence. His Eminence, Ali (a.s) shall descend from the heavens in such a manner that an angel would be at his right and another at his left; he would assist Imam Mahdi (a.s) and he would break the cross and kill the pig.”[224]

3. Ibne Sabbagh Maliki

Shaykh Nuruddin Ali bin Muhammad, popularly known as Ibne Sabbagh Maliki says, “The twelfth Imam is Muhammad bin Hasan.” Then he mentions the date of his birth and the proof of his Imamate and also some traditions regarding His Eminence, his occultation and the duration of his government etc.[225]

4. Ibne Athir

Ali bin Karam Muhammad bin Muhammad Shaibani, alias Ibne Athir Jazari says, “In that year, that is in 260 A.H., His Eminence, Abu Muhammad Hasan Askari Alawi passed away and he was the eleventh of the twelve Imams of the Imamiyah (Shias). He was the father of Imam Mahdi (Muhammad) who was born in the year 232 A.H.”[226]

5. Shamsuddin

Shamsuddin Abu Muzaffar Yusuf bin Faza Ali, known as Sibte Ibne Jawzi has said, “Muhammad bin Hasan bin Ali bin Muhammad bin Ali bin Musa ar-Reza bin Ja’far bin Muhammad bin Ali bin Husain bin Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s), whose patronymic is Abu Abdullah and Abul Qasim, is the Caliph, the Proof, the Master of the time, the Qaim, the Awaited one and the last of the twelve Imams.”[227]

6. Abul Fida

Ismail Abu Fida writes, “Imam Hasan Askari is one of the twelve Shiite Imams. He is the father of Muhammad, the Awaited one who was born in the year 235 A.H.”[228]

Shias do not believe that the Imam (a.s) has disappeared into the basement, and in the same way they do not await his return at the basement, rather the Shias say that Imam (a.s) is hidden from the eyes of people and he is in occultation. Shias await for the reappearance of the Imam at the House of Allah (Ka’ba) as we have already explained in the foregone pages.

7. Qirmani

Qirmani has written, “Imam Abul Qasim Muhammad bin Hasan Askari who was five years old when his father passed away was bestowed wisdom by the Almighty Allah, just as He had blessed Yahya (a.s) with it. He is of medium height, elegant stature, beautiful hair, raised nose and illuminated forehead.”[229]

8. Ibne Khallikan

Ibne Khallikan has written in his biography of the Awaited Imam (a.s) as follows, “Abul Qasim Muhammad bin Hasan bin Muhammad Jawwad, is the twelfth of the twelve Imams and he was born on Friday, the 15th of Ramadan (15th Shaban) in the year 255 A.H.”[230]

9. Dhahabi

Dhahabi has mentioned regarding the birth of His Eminence, the Awaited Imam as follows, “An important event of the year 261 A.H. was the passing away of Hasan bin Ali bin Jawwad bin Reza (a.s) who was one of the twelve Imams and the father of the Awaited Imam (a.s), Muhammad bin Hasan.”[231]

10. Sirajuddin Rufayi

Shaykhul Islam, Abul Maali Sirajuddin Muhammad Rufayi has written, “His title was Naqi (Pure), Aalim, (Scholar), Faqih (Jurisprudent), Amir (Chief), Daleel (Proof) and Askari (one from the army cantonment)…He had five issues, Imam Hasan Askari, Husain, Muhammad, Ja’far and Aishah. But the Awaited Proof, the Wali of Allah, Imam Mahdi was (born) from Imam Hasan Askari (a.s).”[232]

11. Shaykh Shablanji

The accomplished scholar, Shaykh Shablanji has mentioned, “This section is about the merits of Muhammad bin al-Hasan al-Khalis bin Ali al-Hadi bin Muhammad al-Jawwad bin Ali ar-Reza bin Musa al-Kazim bin Ja’far as-Sadiq bin Muhammad al-Baqir bin Ali bin al-Husain bin Ali bin Abi Talib. His mother is Ummul Walad, Narjis, Saiqal and also known as Susan and his patronymic is Abul Qasim and the Imamite Shias have given him the following titles: Hujjat[233] , Mahdi[234] , Khalaf Salih[235] , Qaim[236] , Montazar[237] and Sahib-uz-Zaman.[238] The most well known of these titles is Mahdi. His Eminence is a tall young man with a beautiful face and hair that reaches to his shoulders. He has big eyes and a brilliant countenance.”[239]

12. Sulaiman Ibne Khwaja

The great scholar, Shaykh Sulaiman bin Khwaja has given a lengthy explanation in which he has proved that the Promised Mahdi about whom the Messenger of Allah (a.s) has prophesied is the same Proof of God, Muhammad bin Hasan Askari and he has mentioned proofs and testimonies to support his belief. And it is interesting to note that this Shaykh was from the Hanafi school and he followed the Sufi religion.[240]

13. Abdul Wahhab Sherani

The mystic Shaykh, Abdul Wahhab Ahmad bin Ali Sherani says, “The birth of the Awaited Imam took place on the 15th of Shaban in the year 255 AH and he is alive and present, till the time he would reappear and Isa bin Maryam would also be with him. He is from the progeny of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s).”[241]

14. Khairuddin Zarkali

Khairuddin Zarkali has said, “Muhammad bin Hasan Askari Khalis bin Ali al-Hadi, Abul Qasim is the last leader of the twelve Shia Imams. Among the Imamites, he is known as the Mahdi, the Master of the Age, the Awaited one, the Proof and the owner of the cellar. He was born in Samarrah and when he was five years old, his father passed away. When he was nine, ten or nineteen years old he entered the cellar in the house of his father and he never emerged from it.”

Ibne Khallikan says, “In the last age the Shias expect him to reappear from any of the cellars of Samarrah.”[242]

However, as we have repeatedly mentioned, Shias never expect the Imam to reappear from a cellar of Samarrah; they believe that the advent of the Holy Imam shall be from the Holy Ka’ba.

15. Baihaqi

Baihaqi Shafei says, “People have differed regarding Mahdi. A group has stopped and entrusted his knowledge to its scholar and have the belief that he is from the progeny of Fatima, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (a.s).” He further says, “His long age is not impossible like that of His Eminence, Isa bin Maryam and His Eminence, Prophet Khizr (a.s).”[243]

16. Husain Kashifi

Husain, the compiler of Quranic exegesis says, “Muhammad bin Hasan is the twelfth Imam and his patronymic is Abul Qasim and he was born in Samarrah.”[244]

17. Shuqrani

Shuqrani says, “The sixty-sixth discussion is about the conditions of the coming of the Final Hour as the Holy Prophet (a.s) has informed. All of them are true and all of them shall indeed occur before the Day of Judgment, like the advent of the Mahdi (a.s), then the Dajjal and the descent of Isa (a.s), the advent of the creature (Daabba), the rising of the sun from the west and the breaking of the barrier of Gog and Magog. So much so, that even if a solitary day remains for the end of the world, all of them shall come to pass.”[245]

18. Salahuddin Safadi

Shaykh Salahuddin Safadi writes, “The Promised Mahdi is the same twelfth of the Twelve Imams, the first of whom is the Chief of the Pious, Ali (a.s) and the last is Mahdi.”[246]

19. Muhammad Najjari

Hafiz Muhammad bin Muhammad Najjari, a prominent Hanafi scholar says, “Abu Muhammad is the father of Imam Mahdi. His son is Muhammad known to the closest members of his family and his trusted relatives. Then he goes on to describe the circumstances surrounding his holy birth.”[247]

20. Sayyid Ahmad Zaini Dahlan

Sayyid Ahmad Zaini Dahlan in refutation of the belief of those who say the Abbaside Mahdi was the Awaited Imam, says, “As the traditions and narrative reports prove and as the scholars have explained, the Awaited Mahdi has not reappeared till date and some of the signs of his reappearance have already occurred and some of them have yet to occur. And the clearest sign of him is that the Almighty Allah will improve his affair on a Saturday and he would be from the Progeny of Fatima…but it is certain that he would definitely reappear.”

These were some examples of the statements of Ahle Sunnat wal Jamat scholars that have been recorded and all of them clearly explain that His Eminence does exist and his reappearance is imminent. The great traditionists, Shaykh Noori in his book, Kashful Astar, has mentioned forty Ahle Sunnat intellectuals and scholars who have expressed faith in His Eminence, and considered his reappearance imminent. And the accomplished teacher, Haaj Ali Muhammad Ali Dokhiayyal has mentioned 144 books dealing mainly about the topic of Imam Mahdi (a.s) and the interesting thing is that a majority of these books are written by Ahle Sunnat scholars.[248]

Books Written about His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s)

Scholars and intellectuals of the Islamic world have written numerous books about Imam Mahdi (a.s) and it is worth pointing out that a majority of them are from Ahle Sunnat community. Moreover, the Shia scholars have also written many books about Imam Mahdi (a.s).[249] Below we mention some of these books:

1. Al-Bayan Fi Akhbar Sahib az-Zaman, written by Abu Abdillah Muhammad bin Yusuf Ganji Shafei. Recently, the great researcher Sayyid Mahdi Khorasani has written a very nice foreword to this book.

2. Iqdud Durar Fi Akhbar-e-Montazar wa Huwal Mahdi (a.s), written by Allamah Yusuf bin Yahya bin Ali bin Abdul Aziz Muqaddasi Shafei Salmi and Shaykh Muheeb bin Salih Burini has researched it fully. It is published by Maktab al-Manar, Jordan.

3. Al-Burhan Fi Alamaat Mahdi Aakhir az-Zamaan, written by Shaykh Ali bin Husam, popularly known as Muttaqi Hindi. It is a two-volume book. Jasim bin Muhammad Ilyasin has researched it and it is printed by Zatul Salasil Co., Jordan. It is one of our sources for this book.

4. Al-Mahdi al-Maood al-Montazar Inda Ahlas Sunnah wal Imamiyah, written by the great scholar, Shaykh Najmuddin Ja’far bin Muhammad Askari in two volumes. It is published from Dar az-Zahra, Lebanon.

5. Ash-Shia war Raja’, written by the scholar and researcher, Shaykh Muhammad Reza Tabasi Najafi which has recently been published mentioning the original sources.

6. Al-Fitan, written by Naeem bin Hammad Maroozi (died 228 A.H.). Copies of this manuscript are available in Riyadh, Medina, Mecca from Turkey, London, India and Iraq.[250]

7. Al-Malahim, written by Abul Hasan bin Manadi Ahmad bin Ja’far (died 336 A.H.).[251]

8. Al-Mahdi or Akhbar al-Mahdi, written by Abu Naeem Isfahani (died 430 A.H.) is present in manuscript form.

9. Al-Sunan Warida Fil Fitan, written by Abu Amr Uthman bin Saeed Dani Maqri, (died 444 A.H.) is present in manuscript form.

10. Al-Ba’ath wan Nushoor, written by Baihaqi (died 458 A.H.) is available in manuscript form.

11. Irtiqa al-Farq, written by Sakhawi, (died 903 A.H.). It is mentioned in his book, Maqasid.

12. Al-Arful Wardi fi Akhbar al-Mahdi, written by Suyuti (died 911 A.H.). It is published alongside his another book, Al-Hawi fil Fatawi.

13. Al-Qaul al-Mukhtasar Fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Montazar, written by Ibne Hajar Haithami Shafei, (died 974 A.H.) is also available in manuscript form.

14. Al-Mashrab al-Wardi fi Mazhab al-Mahdi, written by Mulla Ali Qari, (died 1033 A.H.) and Baranji has mentioned about it in his book, Ashraat as-Saa-a.

15. Fawaid Fawaid al-Fikr fil Mahdi al-Montazar, written by Mari’ bin Yusuf Karami Hanbali, (died 1033 A.H.) is available in manuscript form. A copy of the same is available in Paris, France.

16. Al-Ishaa-a li Ashrat as-Saa-a, written by Baranji (died 1103 A.H.) is available in printed form.

17. Al-Ahadith al-Qaziya Bi Khurooj al-Mahdi, written by Muhammad bin Ismail Sanai and it is mentioned in the book, Al-Izaa-a.

18. Al-Bahoor as-Zakhira fi Uloom al-Aakhira, written by Muhammad bin Haaj Ahmad Safarini Hanbali, (died 1088 A.H.).

19. At-Tauzeeh Feema Tawatur fil Muntazar wal Dajjal wal Masih, written by Shaukani (died 1250 A.H.). And Shaukani has mentioned it in his Tafsir Fathul Qadeer (Vol. I).

20. Talkhis al-Bayan fi Alamaat Mahdi Aakhir az-Zaman, written by Shaykh Akhsarai is available in manuscript form. It is present in the Arif al-Hikmah Library of Medina under the listing no. 26/240/7/Q.

21. At-Tasrih Bima Tawatur fi Nuzool al-Masih, written by Kashmiri (died 1352 A.H.) is available in printed form.

22. Al-Jawab Muqna al-Muharrar Fir Radde A’laa Man Tagha wa Tajabbar bi Dawa An Isa Huwal Mahdi al-Montazar, written by Muhammad Habibullah Shanqeeti and it is available in printed form.

23. Al-Khitab al-Malih fi Tahqiq al-Mahdi wal Masih, written by Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanavi. This book is available in Urdu language.

24. Tahdeeq an-Nazar bi Akhbar al-Montazar, written by Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Mane’, is available in manuscript form and one copy is available in Dar al-Kutub al-Misriyya.

25. Mukhtasar al-Akhbar al-Masha-a fil Fitan wa Ashraat as-Saa-a wa Akhbaar al-Mahdi, written by Abdullah bin Shaykh and it is published from Riyadh.

26. Al-Bayanaat anil Mahdi, written by Mauridi.

27. Al-Ahadith Waarida fil Mahdi fi Meezan al-Jarah Ta’deel, written by Abdul Aleem bin Abdul Azeem and it was published in the Makkah Mukarrama University.[252]

28. Al-Muntazar A’laa Zawa al-Haqaiq, written by Muhammad Husain Adeeb, published from the Haidariyya Press, Najaf al-Ashraf.

29. Al-Imam al-Mahdi, written by the accomplished Haaj Ali Muhammad Ali Dokhaiyyal, published from Aadaab Printing Press, Najaf al-Ashraf.

30. Muntakhab al-Athar fil Imam at-Thani Ashar, written by the great scholar, Shaykh Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani and this is one of the best books on the subject of the Awaited Imam.

31. Ibraz al-Waham al-Maknoon min Kalaam Ibne Khaldun, written by Ahmad bin Siddiq Bukhari published from the Taraqqi Printing Press, Damascus.

32. Arbaeen Hadithan Fil Mahdi, written by Abul Alaa Hamadani.

33. Arbaeen Hadithan Fil Mahdi, written by Hafiz Abu Naeem Ahmad bin Abdullah Isfahani.

34. Talkhis al-Bayan Fi Alamaat Mahdi Aakhir az-Zamaan, written by Ibne Kamal Basha Hanafi, (died 940 A.H.).

35. Al-Qatar ash-Shahdi Fi Awsaaf al-Mahdi, edited by Shahabuddin Ahmad bin Ahmad Ismail Halwani Shafei (died 1308 A.H.).

36. Al-Mahdi, written by Abu Dawood Sulaiman bin Ashath Sajistani. He is the compiler of one of the six Sunni authentic books (Sihah Sittah).

37. Al-Mahdi Ilaa Maward Fil Mahdi, written by Shamsuddin Muhammad bin Tulun.

38. An-Najm al-Thaqib Fi Bayan Aal al-Mahdi min Aulad Ali bin Abi Talib.

39. Al-Hadiyatul Mahdaviyyah, written by Abul Rajaa Muhammad Hindi.

40. Al-Awasim Anil Fitan al-Qawasim, written by Ali bin Burhanuddin Halabi Shafei.[253]

41. Al-Ghaybah, written by Shaykh Tusi

42. Kamaluddin, written by Shaykh Saduq

43. Al-Ghaybah, written by Muhammad bin Ibrahim Nomani

44. Al-Malahim wal Fitan, written by Raziuddin Ali bin Tawoos

45. Baheth Hawl al-Mahdi, written by Shahid Sadr

46. Basharatul Imam Fi Zahoor al-Mahdi, written by Mustafa Aale Sayyid Haider Kazmi

47. Al-Ghaybah, written by Shaykh Muhammad Hirzuddin, with research of Shaykh Muhammad Husain Hirzuddin is available in manuscript form.

48. Al-Ghaybah, written by Shaykh Mufeed

49. Mahdi Maood, translated by Ali Dawani

50. Al-Mahdi al-Maood, written by Sayyid Muhammad Sadr

These were some of the books that are written about His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) and most of them are compiled by Ahle Sunnat scholars and I don’t think as many books are written regarding any other Imam by Ahle Sunnat scholars.