The Mahdi is a significant messianic figure in Islamic eschatology, believed to appear near the end of the world to restore justice, combat evil, and establish a global Islamic kingdom. The term "Mahdi" means "Guided One" in Arabic
. Beliefs about the Mahdi differ between Sunni and Shia Muslims:
- Sunni Muslims generally believe the Mahdi will be a wise and just ruler born from the bloodline of the Prophet Muhammad who will appear in the future to unite Muslims and lead them against an evil figure called al-Dajjāl (similar to the antichrist)
- Shia Muslims , especially the Twelver Shia, believe the Mahdi is Muhammad al-Mahdi, the twelfth Imam, who was born in the 9th century and has been in occultation (hidden) since then. They await his return as a savior who will establish peace and justice
The Mahdi's appearance is often linked with the return of Jesus (Isa in Islam), who will assist in defeating al-Dajjāl and affirming Islam's supremacy
. Though the Mahdi is a popular figure in Islamic tradition, he is not mentioned in the Quran but appears in various hadith (sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad), though some major Sunni hadith collections do not include references to him. This has led to some Sunni theologians questioning the orthodoxy of the Mahdi doctrine
. Historically, many individuals have claimed to be the Mahdi, often during times of political or social upheaval, but none have fulfilled the traditional expectations of the role
. In summary, the Mahdi is the prophesied guided leader in Islam who will appear before the Day of Judgment to restore true religion, justice, and peace on earth, with differing interpretations between Sunni and Shia branches of Islam
