THE COMMONALITIES IN THE DEPICTION OF IMAM MAHDI (AJTF)

[Taqavi]

What are the commonalities in the depiction of Imam Mahdi (AJTF) in Shia and Sunni narrations?

 

The concept of Mahdism is a fundamental principle among both Shia and Sunni Muslims, and numerous narrations describe Imam Mahdi (AJTF) in Islamic sources. There are many commonalities between Shia and Sunni narrations. Here are some of the most important shared aspects in the depiction of Imam Mahdi (AJTF). For brevity, one reference from Sunni sources and one from Shia sources will be mentioned.

Name and Lineage of Imam Mahdi (AJTF): Numerous narrations from both Shia and Sunni sources state that Imam Mahdi (AJTF) is a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW);[1] he shares the same name and title as the Prophet (SAW),[2] is a descendant of Imam Ali (AS),[3] and from the lineage of Fatimah (SA).[4]

Physical Appearance of Imam Mahdi (AJTF): His forehead is broad and radiant, and his nose is thin and elongated. [5] In another narration, it is said that his appearance is like the shining moon, which is described in Sunni sources as his face being luminous.[6] It is mentioned that Imam Ali (AS) described him as having a beautiful face, which can be found in Sunni narrations.[7]

Reappearance: Some common teachings between Shia and Sunni sects include the certainty of his reappearance,[8] his reappearance before the age of forty,[9] and the location of his reappearance in Mecca,[10] indicating a shared belief in Mahdism.

Social Conditions of Reappearance: Both Shia and Sunni agree that before his reappearance, there will be widespread hardship[11] and oppression.[12]

Signs of Reappearance: The signs of his reappearance are divided into two categories: some are certain, and some are uncertain. The certain signs include the emergence of Yamani, Sufyani, a caller from the sky, the swallowing up of an army in the desert, and the killing of a pure soul.[13]

Government of Imam Mahdi (AJTF): Regarding the period of Imam Mahdi’s (AJTF) government, both Shia and Sunni agree that his rule will be marked by the spread of justice and fairness throughout his govern

 

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[1] . Man La Yahduruhu Al-Faqih: Al-Shaykh Al-Saduq, Vol: 4, P: 177 / Jami’ Al-Ahadith: Al-Suyuti, Jalal Al-Din, Vol: 18, P: 162.

[2] . Bihar Al-Anwar: Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol: 51, P: 67 / Fara’id Al-Simtayn: Al-Hamuyi Al-Juwayni, Ibrahim, Vol: 2, P: 326.

[3] . Al-Ghaybah: Shaykh Tusi, Vol: 185, Hadith: 144 / Al-Uruf Al-Wardi Fi Akhbar Al-Mahdi (printed in Al-Rasa’il Al-Ashar): Al-Suyuti – 105.

[4] . Kashf Al-Ghummah Fi Ma’rifat Al-A’immah: Al-Irbili, Ali Ibn Isa, Vol: 2, P: 438 / Al-Mustadrak 'Ala Al-Sahihayn: Al-Hakim, Abu Abdullah, Vol: 4, P: 601 / Al-Urf Al-Wardi Fi Akhbar Al-Mahdi: Al-Suyuti, Jalal Al-Din, Vol: 1, P: 42.

[5] . Bihar Al-Anwar: Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol: 51, P: 90 / Sunan Abi Dawood: Al-Sijistani, Abu Dawood, Vol: 4, P: 107.

[6] . Muntakhab Al-Athar Fi Al-Imam Al-Thani Ashar Alayhi Al-Salam: Al-Safi, Al-Shaykh Lutfallah, Vol: 2, P: 137 / Fara’id Al-Simtayn: Al-Hamuyi Al-Juwayni, Ibrahim, Vol: 2, P: 314.

[7] . Bihar Al-Anwar: Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol: 51, P: 36 / Fara’id Al-Simtayn: Al-Hamuyi Al-Juwayni, Ibrahim, Vol: 2, P: 314.

[8] . Kashf Al-Ghummah Fi Ma’rifat Al-A’immah: Al-Muhaddith Al-Irbili, Vol: 2, P: 1108 / Al-Tanwir Sharh Al-Jami’ Al-Saghir: Al-San’ani, Abu Ibrahim, Vol: 9, P: 177.

[9] . Kamal Al-Din Wa Tamam Al-Ni’mah: Al-Shaykh Al-Saduq, Vol: 1, P: 316 / Fara’id Al-Simtayn: Al-Hamuyi Al-Juwayni, Ibrahim, Vol: 2, P: 124.

[10] . Al-Ghaybah: Al-Shaykh Al-Tusi, Vol: 1, P: 477 / Kamal Al-Din Wa Tamam Al-Ni’mah: Al-Shaykh Al-Saduq, Vol: 1, P: 285 / Kanz Al-Ummal: Al-Muttaqi Al-Hindi, Vol: 14, P: 265.

[11] . Al-Ghaybah Lil-Nu’mani: Al-Nu’mani, Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim, Vol: 1, P: 285 / Sunan Ibn Majah: Ibn Majah, Vol: 2, P: 1340.

[12] . Al-Ghaybah: Al-Shaykh Al-Tusi, Vol: 1, P: 465 / Al-Mustadrak 'Ala Al-Sahihayn: Al-Hakim, Abu Abdullah, Vol: 4, P: 600.

[13] . Al-Ghaybah: Al-Shaykh Al-Tusi, Vol: 1, P: 437 / Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Bakr, Vol: 7, P: 514.