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Imam Mahdi (ajtf): an introduction
A short introduction to the twelfth Imam in Twelver Shia belief: who he is believed to be, what “occultation” means, and how believers relate to him today. It is written for newcomers and for visitors with no background in the subject.
Each passage is labelled as Qur’an, hadith, scholarly commentary, history, explanation or contemporary reflection, so you can see what kind of material you are reading.
Who is Imam Mahdi (ajtf)?
Explanation
Twelver Shia Muslims believe that Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, the son of the eleventh Imam, Hasan al-Askari (as), is the twelfth and final Imam. He is known by the title al-Mahdi, “the rightly guided one.” The letters (ajtf) after his name stand for a prayer asking God to hasten his relief.
History
Shia sources record his birth in Samarra on 15 Shaʿban 255 AH (869 CE).
Date as given in Shia sources
His place among the Twelve Imams
Explanation
Twelver Shia Muslims believe in a line of twelve Imams from the Prophet’s (s) family. The line begins with Imam Ali (as) and continues through his sons Imam Hasan (as) and Imam Hussain (as), then passes from father to son through the descendants of Imam Hussain. Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is the twelfth, the son of the eleventh Imam.
Scholarly commentary
This is why visitors to Karbala often greet Imam Mahdi (ajtf) as well. Believers see him as the living heir of Imam Hussain’s (as) line.
What does “occultation” mean?
Explanation
Occultation (ghayba) is the belief that the Imam is alive but hidden from general view. Shia sources describe two periods. In the Minor Occultation (from 260 AH, roughly 70 years), believers could reach him through four successive deputies. The Major Occultation began in 329 AH and continues today.
History
The four deputies named in Shia sources are Uthman ibn Saʿid al-Amri, his son Muhammad ibn Uthman, al-Husayn ibn Ruh al-Nawbakhti and Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samarri.
Qur’an and hadith
Qur’an
Shia commentators connect several verses with the Imam’s eventual reappearance, including verses about the oppressed being made leaders and inheritors of the earth. The Arabic text and an attributed translation will be added from an approved source.
Qurʾān 28:5; 21:105
Hadith
Narrations in Sunni and Shia collections describe a figure from the Prophet’s (s) family who will fill the earth with justice as it had been filled with oppression.
e.g. Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Mahdī
Scholarly commentary
Many Sunni Muslims also expect a Mahdi, but most do not believe he has already been born or identify him with the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari (as). This page sets out the Twelver Shia understanding.
How believers relate to him today
Contemporary reflection
Waiting (intiẓār) is understood as active rather than passive: trying to live justly and prepare oneself and society. Common practices include reciting supplications such as Dua al-Ahd and Dua al-Nudba, and giving charity on the Imam’s behalf.
Contemporary reflection
During the Major Occultation, believers follow qualified jurists (marājiʿ) for religious rulings.
Learning through everyday life
Contemporary reflection
Many teachers present waiting for the Imam (ajtf) as four ordinary commitments. Character: honesty and good conduct. Service: caring for others, especially the vulnerable. Prayer: keeping up daily prayers and remembering the Imam in supplication. Responsibility: working for justice in one’s own life and community. These are ways of preparing oneself. They are not a promise of any particular spiritual experience.
Contemporary reflection
Shia scholars caution against setting dates for the reappearance, and against linking it to particular current events.
Glossary
- Imam
- In Twelver Shia belief, a divinely appointed leader and guide from the Prophet’s family.
- Ahlulbayt
- “People of the House”: the family of the Prophet Muhammad (s).
- Ghayba
- Occultation: the Imam being hidden from general view.
- Intiẓār
- Waiting for, and preparing for, the Imam’s reappearance.
- Marjaʿ
- A senior jurist whose rulings a believer follows.
- (ajtf)
- “May God hasten his relief”: a prayer said after the Imam’s name.
- (as)
- “Peace be upon him / her”: said after the names of the Imams and other holy figures.
- (s)
- “God’s blessings be upon him and his family”: said after the Prophet’s name.
Prayers associated with Imam Mahdi
Go deeper: a suggested reading order
Twelve in-depth articles from the original site, carried across word for word and arranged so each one builds on the last. They keep their original addresses and are awaiting scholarly review.
Foundations
His mission
- His Role as the Ultimate ReformerHow Shia sources describe the justice he will establish.
- Signs of Imam Mahdi’s ReappearanceSigns described in narrations, and cautions about interpreting them.
- Impact of His AppearanceWhat narrations say about the world after his appearance.
- The Return of Imam Mahdi (aj)The belief in al-Rajʿa: the return of some people before the Day of Judgement.
Living with him today
Sources
Written by A humble human
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