The belief in the coming of a universal savior at the end of times is deeply rooted in the history of human thought and is not exclusive to Islam or Shi'ism.

Nearly all divine religions—regardless of their worldviews or differences in the characteristics of the promised deliverer—have foretold his arrival and mentioned various signs indicating his coming. The universality of this belief is so apparent that even ancient traditions such as Brahmanism and Buddhism also speak of a future redeemer and have described signs of his imminent appearance in their sacred texts. However, none of these religions or schools of thought have offered a clear and detailed depiction of how the savior will rise or what events will mark the approach of his appearance.

The Hojjatieh Association is one of the active contemporary groups in the field of Mahdism with distinctive viewpoints.

The Hojjatieh Association, whose full name is the 'Hojjatieh Mahdavieh Charitable Association,' was an Iranian religious organization founded in 1332 (1953/1954) by Sheikh Mahmoud Halabi. The primary objective of this association was to confront Baha'ism and propagate Islam. The Hojjatieh Association was initially formed with the aim of combating Baha'ism and strived to deter young people from gravitating towards this sect by propagating Islam and holding educational classes. The association gradually expanded its activities and transformed into a large organization with a substantial number of members.

What is the reason behind the occultation of Imam Mahdi? Why has an Imam—who is meant to live among the people and guide them—gone into hiding and chosen to live in concealment?

The occultation (Ghaybah) of Imam Mahdi is a phenomenon that has occurred by the will and wisdom of God. Therefore, it surely carries deep meaning and divine purpose. Abdullah ibn Fadl Hashimi reports: “I heard Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) say: ‘The Master of the Affair (Imam Mahdi) will go into an occultation that is inevitable, and during it, many people—especially those who follow falsehood—will fall into doubt.

Among the predictions and signs related to the end times and the period close to the reappearance, there are narrations that speak about the turmoil and unrest of the last days.

While the most significant of these disturbances are associated with Sufyani and his allies, especially the tribe of Banu Kalb, there are also references to the rise of other rebellious figures such as Shu’ayb ibn Salih, Ashhab, Abqa’, and others. One of these misguided uprisings, which is believed to take place not long before the reappearance, concerns a heretical figure (a disbeliever, atheist) rising from the city of Qazvin. Although a few narrations mention incidents related to Qazvin, the clearest report comes from Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah, as recorded in Kitab al-Ghaybah by Shaykh al-Tusi. It is worth mentioning that Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah was the half-brother of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) and the son of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), and this narration is attributed to Imam Ali himself.

1 - How is the existence of the holy Imam Mahdi justified from a philosophical perspective? Is there a philosophical reason to affirm His existence?

Regarding the blessed existence of Imam Mahdi, an "intellectual proof of possibility" is presented; that is, based on rational judgment, it is possible for a perfect human to have a long lifespan. We are accustomed to seeing short lifespans. However, if a person is aware of all natural causes and factors, arranges what is beneficial for them, and avoids what is harmful, they can lead a long life. This matter is extraordinary; it is not beyond reason. A "miracle" is also something that is extraordinary, but not beyond reason. Science has not yet accessed such phenomena, as science pertains to ordinary matters rather than extraordinary ones. Miraculous occurrences take place in matters that are contrary to the norm.

Yamani is one of the important figures praised in the narrations of the time of the Reappearance.

In these narrations, along with the name of Yamani, the name of another character is always mentioned who is the fierce enemy of Imam Mahdi. He commits many crimes and shows great hostility, especially towards the Ahl al-Bayt and the Shi‘a; his name is Sufyani.

Imam Mahdi was born on the 15th of Sha'ban in the year 255 AH (August 2, 869 CE). (1) His father was Abu Muhammad, Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him),

who was martyred in the year 260 AH (874 CE). (2) The mother of Imam Mahdi was a noble woman named Rayhana, who was also known by the names Narjis, Sawsan, and Sayqal. (3) Imam Mahdi lived under the care and supervision of his honorable father until the year 260 AH. During that time, he was kept hidden from the general public, and only a few of his father's close and trusted followers were aware of his existence. Even individuals like Abu Hashim al-Ja'fari—who was considered among the close companions of Imam Hasan al-Askari—were unaware of him.

The following text is a reflection on one of the verses related to the global government of the righteous. Therefore, by relying on the vocabulary and syntactic and rhetorical combinations used in the verse as well as utilizing the context of the ver

, it attempts to critically examine what has been cited by both Shia and Sunni scholars. To this end, it explains the meaning of the words and, after providing a brief report of the views of Shia and Sunni exegetes, critically discusses the perspectives and reasons. The outcome of this approach is the confirmation of the inheritance of the entire earth by the special servants of God at the end of history.

Examining the Narrations Related to the Death of Abdullah, the Last Powerful King of “Bani Fulan” in Hijaz

The narrations state explicitly that the rule over the region of Hijaz, the country of Saudi Arabia, and the rulers of Mecca and Medina before the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) will be a government opposed to the Ahl al-Bayt and an enemy of the Shia. The rulers will be from the lineage of Bani Fulan, who run the government in a hereditary manner. But after the death of Abdullah, the power of the government of Bani Fulan will weaken, and disputes will arise within this family, until in their final crime among their series of crimes, they martyr the Pure Soul , one of the certain signs of the reappearance, beside the House of God and in a sacred month. However, with the reappearance and public uprising of Imam Mahdi, the government of Bani Fulan will be destroyed forever. Indeed, in Islamic narrations, there is mention of the entry of the army of Sufyani into Hijaz in order to reach the Shia and the place of presence of Imam Mahdi. Yet, there is no mention of any resistance from the rulers of Hijaz against the army of Sufyani. This matter could be due to the death of Abdullah, the last powerful caliph of Hijaz, and the disputes and conflicts among the family of Bani Fulan over power and succession, just as it could also be the result of an agreement between the family of Bani Fulan and Sufyani for the massacre of the Shia and the capture of Imam Mahdi.

ISIS, Sufyani, and the Cartoonish Simulation of Mahdism Signs in an Artificial End-Time

After the conquests and victories of ISIS in Syria and the rapid seizure of some provinces of Iraq by the ISIS group, and on the other hand, the horrific crimes of this group in Iraq and Syria, the possibility that ISIS is the Sufyani was strengthened. First, after a brief familiarity with the formation process of ISIS, various viewpoints are presented, and in the end, it will be proven that ISIS is not the Sufyani; rather, it may pave the way for the emergence of the Sufyani, and ISIS members in the future may be among the followers and soldiers of the Sufyani. There are numerous similarities between ISIS and the Sufyani. This has led some Shiites and those awaiting the emergence to equate ISIS with the Sufyani. Such Shiite enthusiasm has, in the eyes of followers of other religions, taken on a particular manifestation, and the intervention of Iran and Hezbollah Lebanon in Syrian affairs has been interpreted as Iran’s and Hezbollah’s preparation for war against the Sufyani and Israel. In the Arab world and among Sunni Muslims, predictions and interpretations have become much more frequent than before, and ISIS’ behaviors have been linked to religious concepts and propositions.

"Yemen" – "Yemeni" – "A Definite Sign of the Reappearance" – "The Uprising of Imam Mahdi"

A review of what has been mentioned in historical and hadith sources about Yemen and the Yemenis shows that this land has carried a culture and a people highly esteemed and beloved by the Prophet Muhammad and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). What has intensified the attention toward Yemen and the Yemenis in these days is the role attributed to them in the narrations of the end times and the reappearance, strengthening the speculation that the events of Yemen may be another page in the nearness of the realization of the definite signs of the reappearance.

“Sufyani” – The First Certain Sign of the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (Peace be upon him)

Sufyani, in both Shiʿa and Sunni narrations, has been regarded as the first definite sign of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi . He is from the descendants of Bani Umayya and the offspring of Abu Sufyan. In the month of Rajab of the year of the reappearance, he will rise from Wadi Yabis in the region of Hisham (Syria), fight for six months, and then rule for nine months over the five regions of Damascus, HimS, Aleppo, Jordan, and Qinnasrin in the land of Sham (Greater Syria). The army of Sufyani, as the greatest enemy of Imam al-Mahdi, will attack Iraq and Hijaz, engaging in bloodshed and massacre. After clashing in the greatest war of the end times (the Battle of Qarqisiya), Sufyani will emerge victorious and enter Iraq. He will continue his rapid conquests until, in the region of Baydaʾ between Mecca and Medina, according to the prophecy of the Prophet (Salla Allahu ʿalayhi wa-Alihi – peace and blessings be upon him and his family), the army sent by Sufyani to Arabia will be swallowed up by the earth.

Southern Syria: The Beginning of a Possible Coup against the Syrian Regime in the Era of Reappearance

as well as the place and the beginning of the possible coup of the Sufyani against the ruler of Syria in the year of the Reappearance, from the region of Wadi Yabis and Daraa in southern Syria, will be discussed in detail. The Name of the Sufyani Several questions have been raised about the name of the Sufyani, such as: · Has the real and actual name of the last ruler of Syria been mentioned in the narrations? · Is his name ‘Uthman ibn ‘Anbasa? Is this name real, or is it a symbol and allusion to certain truths? · Does the name ‘Uthman, like the other names of the figures of the Reappearance—such as al-As’hab and al-Abqa‘—symbolize and point to a specific matter? · Why will the army dispatched by the Sufyani to Arabia and the city of Medina not face a reciprocal military reaction from the rulers of Hijaz? · Why has no mention been made of the resistance of the rulers of Hijaz against the attack on Arabia? Is it the result of an agreement? · Is there a special relationship or connection between the last ruler of Syria and the rulers of Arabia in the year of the Reappearance?

Introduction to the Definite Signs of the Reappearance

As an introduction, before examining the details and explanations of the narrations concerning the Sufyani—which will be discussed in future articles—the definite signs of the Reappearance will first be introduced.In the narrations and hadith sources of Shia, the term “mahtoom” (definite) has been used for “eight” signs of the Reappearance. These are: the Yamani, the Sufyani, the heavenly cry, the killing of the Pure Soul (the pure soul), the swallowing of the army in the desert of Bayda, the appearance of a hand in the sky, the rising of the sun from the west, and the conflict of Banu Fulān (Banu Abbas). The narrations regarding these definite signs in the Shia hadith sources are as follows:

An Examination of a Tradition from Imam al-Jawad Regarding the Possibility or Impossibility of Badaʾ in the Definite Signs of the Reappearance

In the previous article (link), reference was made to the necessity of knowing the definite signs of the Reappearance. The present question is: regarding the signs of the Reappearance, and especially the definite ones, is there any possibility of change—or even of their non-occurrence—or not? To answer this question, we will first briefly recall the definite signs of the Reappearance (which were introduced in the previous discussion), and finally examine the possibility of badāʾ, change, or non-occurrence in the definite signs of the Reappearance.

Sufyani, the First Certain Sign of the Reappearance

In the first article, the necessity of knowing the certain signs of the reappearance was mentioned. In the second article, the question was answered as to whether in the signs of the reappearance, and especially in the certain signs of the reappearance such as Yamani, Sufyani, and so on, the possibility of change or even non-occurrence is conceivable or not. Now we will introduce the first certain sign of the reappearance, Sufyani, and discuss the wide dimensions of this event. It should be noted that in the previous articles, another certain sign of the reappearance, namely Yamani, was introduced.

Examining Four Different Theories about the Rebellion of Sufyani in the Region of al-Sham (Greater Syria) and the Country of Syria

In the first article of the series on Mahdism, reference was made to the necessity of recognizing the definite signs of the reappearance. In the second article, the question was addressed whether it is possible for the signs of the reappearance—especially the definite ones, including the Yemani, the Sufyani, and others—to undergo change or even not occur at all. In the third article, the great importance of the rebellion of Sufyani as the greatest enemy of the Imam of the Age, Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him), and as the very first definite sign of the reappearance—which, in a sense, connects all the other definite signs to this one—was discussed. It was also emphasized that one of the most fundamental goals of Sufyani’s uprising is the attack on Shi‘a-inhabited regions, the massacre of the Shi‘a, and the assault on the sacred Shi‘a centers in the country of Iraq. The impact of this enormous event on the entity of Shi‘ism and the threat posed by Sufyani to the Shi‘a of the world make it essential to examine the dimensions of this affair and to be aware of its various aspects.

A Critical Review of the Hypothesis of the Symbolic Nature of the Definite Signs of the Reappearance / Is “Sufyani” a Symbol or a Reality?

In the series of articles on Mahdism studies, an effort will be made, relying on Islamic traditions and narrations, to provide a complete, coherent, and rational picture of the definite signs of the Reappearance and the related events. The minimum result of this effort is that researchers will be able to distinguish documented materials from undocumented ones in discussions on Mahdism, and in their judgments and analyses, they will avoid relying on undocumented materials. In the first article, reference was made to the jurisprudential obligation of recognizing the definite signs of the Reappearance. In the second article, this question was answered: whether in the signs of the Reappearance, and especially in the definite signs—such as Yamani, Sufyani, and others—there is a possibility of alteration or even non-occurrence, or not. And in the third article, the great significance of the uprising of Sufyani was discussed, as the greatest enemy of the Imam of the Age and the first definite sign of the Reappearance, to the extent that all the definite signs are in some way connected to this sign. It was also pointed out that one of the fundamental goals of Sufyani’s uprising is the attack on Shia-populated regions, the massacre of the Shias, and the assault on the sacred Shia shrines in Iraq.

Syria: The Geographical Location of the Gathering of the Enemies of Ahl al-Bayt in the Era of Reappearance / Imam Ali’s (peace be upon him) Prediction about the Lineage of Sufyani

In this series of articles on Mahdism, efforts will be made to provide, by relying on Islamic narrations and traditions, a complete, coherent, and reasonable picture of the definite signs of the Reappearance and the related events. The least result of this effort is that researchers will be able to distinguish between authentic and unauthentic materials in the discussions of Mahdism, and in the position of judgment and analysis, they will avoid citing unauthentic reports. In the first article, the jurisprudential obligation of recognizing the definite signs of the Reappearance was mentioned. And in the second article, the question was answered whether in the signs of the Reappearance, and especially in the definite signs of the Reappearance such as Yamani, Sufyani, etc., there is the possibility of change, or even non-occurrence. And in the third article, the great importance of the uprising of Sufyani, as the greatest enemy of Imam Mahdi and the first definite sign of the Reappearance—such that in a way all the definite signs of the Reappearance are connected to this sign—was discussed, and it was pointed out that one of the fundamental goals of the uprising of Sufyani is the attack on Shi‘a-populated regions, the massacre of Shi‘a, and the assault on the holy Shi‘a centers in Iraq.

The Joint Military Pact between Sufyani and the Westerners / Religion, Sect, and Inclination of the Enemy of Imam al-Mahdi

In the series of articles on Mahdism, efforts will be made, relying on Islamic narrations and hadiths, to present a complete, coherent, and reasonable picture of the definite signs of the reappearance and the related events. The least result of this effort is that researchers will be able to distinguish authentic materials regarding Mahdism from unauthentic ones, and in the position of judgment and analysis, they will avoid relying on unauthentic materials. In the first article, the jurisprudential obligation of knowing the definite signs of the reappearance was mentioned. In the second article, it was answered whether in the signs of the reappearance, and especially in the definite signs of the reappearance such as Yamani, Sufyani, and so on, the possibility of badaʾ (alteration), change, and even non-occurrence is discussed or not. And in the third article, the great importance of the uprising of Sufyani as the greatest enemy of the Imam of the Age and the first definite sign of the reappearance, with which all the definite signs of the reappearance are somehow connected, was discussed, and it was pointed out that one of the most fundamental objectives of Sufyani’s uprising is the attack on Shi‘a-inhabited regions, the massacre of the Shi‘a, and the assault on the sacred Shi‘a centers in Iraq.

The Emergence of Sufyani, Khorasani, and Yamani in the Year of the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi

In this series of articles on the discussions of Mahdism, efforts will be made, relying on Islamic traditions and narrations, to present a complete, coherent, and reasonable picture of the certain signs of the Reappearance and the related events. The least outcome of this effort is that researchers will be able to distinguish documented material from undocumented material concerning the discussions of Mahdism, and when it comes to judgment and analysis, they will refrain from relying on undocumented material. In the first article, reference was made to the jurisprudential obligation of recognizing the certain signs of the Reappearance. In the second article, the question was answered whether, regarding the signs of the Reappearance—especially the certain signs such as the emergence of Yamani, Sufyani, and others—there exists the possibility of bada’ (alteration of destiny), change, or even non-occurrence. In the third article, the great significance of the uprising of Sufyani, as the greatest enemy of the Imam of the Age and the first certain sign of the Reappearance—which in a way all the certain signs are related to—was addressed. It was also pointed out that one of the fundamental goals of the uprising of Sufyani is the attack on Shiite-populated regions, the massacre of Shiites, and the assault on the sacred Shiite centers in Iraq. The impact of this tremendous event on the entity of Shiism and the threat posed by Sufyani against the Shiites of the world makes it necessary to study its dimensions and to be aware of its various aspects. In the fourth article, we introduced the first certain sign of the Reappearance, Sufyani, the wide-ranging dimensions of this event, and its connection with the events in Syria and the region of Sham in the end times.

Perspectives on the Interval between the Emergence of the Sufyani and the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi

Without a doubt, for the emergence of the Sufyani from the region of al-Sham and Syria, no precise and specific year can be determined; because, due to the connection of this event with the reappearance of Imam Mahdi , determining the time for the emergence of the Sufyani from Syria would amount to fixing the time for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi . However, the time of this occurrence has been briefly indicated in certain respects. Among these, it has been stated explicitly that the Sufyani will emerge from the region of al-Sham. The emergence of the Sufyani, from Wadi al-Yabis located on the border between Syria and Jordan in the province of Daraa, will occur in the month of Rajab, and after that, the appearance of the Imam Mahdi will take place in the month of Ramadan.

Will Western Military Forces Enter Syria before the Reappearance? / The Military Entry of the Yellow Banners of the Front of Truth into Syria in the Era of Reappearance

There are several central focal points in the events and occurrences prior to the Reappearance and the future of the world, the recognition of which and the observation of the developments related to them are of great importance and can help us in the correct analysis of the events and issues related to the end times and the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (PBUH). These central focal points are: Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, and Arabia. These countries will be the centers of important developments and events that will have domestic, regional, and even global impacts, and in the future, before the Reappearance, in these countries very rapid and astonishing events will take place. Therefore, political and military observation of these countries at any period of time can have strategic significance.

The world awaits the Damascus earthquake/Is the Damascus earthquake from "Jabia" in the Golan Heights in occupied Palestine to "Harasta" in Syria real?

As mentioned in the previous discussion, Imam Ali (PBH) and Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (PBH) narrated two detailed hadiths regarding the sequence of events before the Appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (PBH). By putting together the contents of these two narrations, the order of events can largely be anticipated: Hadith of Imam Ali (peace be upon him): "When two armies engage in battle in the region of Sham, one of the great signs of God will appear, which is an earthquake in the region of Sham, causing the death of more than one hundred thousand people—being mercy for the believers and punishment for the disbelievers. Then, be prepared for the arrival of military forces bearing yellow flags from western Sham (Lebanon), along with war equipment and weapon-launching vehicles, which will enter the land of Sham… After that, expect an earthquake and the sinking of the ground in Damascus in an area called Harasta. Then, await the emergence of Sufyani, the son of Hind the Liver-Eater, who will come out of Wadi Yabis (the border between Jordan and Syria in the Daraa province) to reach Damascus, and thereafter await the rise of the Imam Mahdi”

One of the most dangerous enemies of Imam Mahdi and his companions is the Jews; Allah, Blessed and Exalted, says: “Indeed, the most severe of people in enmity toward those who have believed are the Jews and the polytheists.”

As some narrations indicate, the Sufyani—Imam Mahdi’s fiercest enemy—is supported by the Westerners and the Jews. Essentially, the Sufyani is brought to power to protect Israel’s borders and suppress revolutionary forces, so that his masters remain safe from the threat of the army of Khorasan and the supporters of Mahdi , who rise to liberate Jerusalem. In verses from the blessed Surah Al-Isra, it is stated:

It is clear that every revolution, in order for its dimensions to be understood or not to face failure, requires preparation, and although the uprising and revolution of Imam Mahdi is not doomed to failure, in order for its dimensions to be made cle

Of course, this preparation began with the Qur’an, then the Prophet and the Infallibles elaborated on its dimensions. The Noble Qur’an, in several verses, has given the glad tidings of the inheritance of the righteous over the earth and has also stated that the rule on earth will be handed over to them in the future, where it says: “After the Torah, We wrote in the Psalms that My righteous servants shall be the final inheritors of the earth.”

The twelfth infallible leader, Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him), was born on the 15th of Sha'ban in the year 255 AH,

which corresponds to August 2, 869 CE, in the city of Samarra in Iraq. He shares the same name as the Prophet of Islam (Muhammad) and the same kunya (patronymic) as him (Abu al-Qasim).. However, the infallible Imams have advised against publicly mentioning his actual name. Among his well-known titles are: Hujjat (the Proof), Qa’im (the One Who Will Rise), Khalaf al-Salih (the Righteous Successor), Sahib al-Zaman (Master of the Time), and Baqiyyat Allah (the Remaining Sign of God)—though the most common title used is Mahdi.

Jesus, son of Mary , is among the prophets whose life in general—and his role in the end times in particular—has been significantly emphasized in Islamic religious sources.

Within the verses of the Qur'an, references to the decisive words of Christ in the end times, the faith of the People of the Book(This refers to Muslims, Christians and Jews.)in Imam Mahdi under the guidance of Jesus, and the superiority of the followers of Jesus over his opponents until the Day of Judgment, are among the elements that vividly highlight the epistemological function of Jesus's descent. Additionally, numerous hadiths describe Jesus following Imam Mahdi in prayer, which further underscores this epistemological role. Other narrations also mention Jesus’s support of Imam Mahdi, thereby completing his mission in the end times. In this study, we have sought to explore the functions of Jesus’s descent by analyzing data, and through this process we have concluded that Jesus plays a vital role in enlightening Christians and guiding the People of the Book toward faith in Imam Mahdi.

False claims in the realm of Mahdism,' given their various forms, historical extension, and negative consequences such as sectarianism

community's capacities, and the distortion of the salvific idea of Mahdism, have long been a subject of attention and scrutiny. The Iranian society has not been immune to these claimants throughout its history, as reported: False Claimants in the Umayyad Era Understanding false claimants to Mahdism throughout history reveals the exploitation of the authentic culture of Imamate and Mahdism. Some of these claimants, with organized structures, succeeded in forming sects and even governments

One of the inheritances of the prophets that Imam Mahdi possesses and will reveal as proof of his Imamate and legitimacy

upon his reappearance is the "Ark of the Covenant." In narrations, The Ark of the Covenant is also referred to by names such as Ark of the Sakinah (divine tranquility/peace), the Covenant Box, Ark of the Jews, the Sacred Ark, Box of the Torah, the Ark of Testimony, and Ark of the Children of Israel.

The concept of Mahdism in Islamic teachings envisions a future for humanity in which justice, spirituality, and God-consciousness are fully realized.

The Mahdian society is not merely an ordinary Islamic community; rather, it is a society founded upon the pure Muhammadan Islam and in continuation of the path of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the infallible Imams (peace be upon them). The Mahdian society can be examined on two levels: the era of occultation (expectation) and the era of appearance. In both stages, the elements of "justice" and "global self-awareness" serve as the focal points of transformation.

Given that the four verses mentioned (verses 4–7 of Surah al-Isra) are embedded within a larger pattern of divine decree, a brief note on the stylistic pattern of these verses seems appropriate.

According to Allama al-Ṭabāṭabā’ī (1), verses 2–8 of Surah al-Isra speak of a consistent divine pattern. In verse 2 we read: “And We gave Moses the Book and made it a light for the Children of Israel, charging you to take no guardian or helper besides Me.” Since the report of these verses explicitly refers to a Book revealed to Moses (peace be upon him), it is evident that the Book in question is the Torah. But why does God not explicitly name the Torah in this verse, while in the Qur’an the name “Torah” is mentioned eighteen times? Allama Tabataba’i holds that by mentioning the word “the Book,” God warns the followers of all divine revelations—Jews, Christians, and Muslims—that the divine tradition is not restricted to a particular people or a specific religion; it runs among all nations. The purpose of the revelation of God’s books is to show humanity the paths of guidance within their own historical contexts. The condition for guidance is to act upon the content of these revelations; neglecting them and not acting accordingly leads to various divine punishments. This is an inexorable, universal law binding all of humanity and is not limited to individuals or tribes.

This research aims to address the very important doubt concerning the possibility of the longevity of Imam Mahdi

based on both rational and religious perspectives. Many intra-religious critics and extra-religious critics have raised various questions regarding the nature and manner of the awaited savior's life due to the significance of the savior in religions and human nature. This article uses rational proof to demonstrate that the world encompasses an infinity of possibilities. Extended longevity, in light of human advancements against diseases and environmental control, is not logically impossible or even contradictory in a way that cannot be justified. Historical examples of individuals with long lifespans further support this notion. From the perspective of the Quran:

In 1947, David Ben-Gurion, the founder of the State of Israel, also invited the religious Orthodox Jewish leaders to participate, alongside secular Jews, in establishing the State of Israel and drafting the Declaration of Independence.

The practical formation of the Jewish state required a kind of power-sharing between the religious and secular groups to avoid permanent disputes between the two sides. However, the first conflict between secular and religious Jews was over the mention of God’s name in the Declaration of Independence. It is clear that Orthodox Jews insisted on beginning the Declaration in the name of God, while the seculars strongly opposed it. Religious Orthodox Jews wanted the establishment of Israel to serve as an apparatus for implementing Jewish law (Halakha) and emphasized the religious nature of the state, whereas secular Jews sought the separation of religion from the state and the formation of a state based on Jewish nationality.

One of the Qur'anic verses cited by Shia scholars to support the belief in the appearance and rule of Imam Mahdi is verse 5 of Surah Al-Qasas.

In this verse, God declares: "Our will is to grant favor to the oppressed on earth and make them leaders and heirs [of power]." According to narrations and the interpretations of Shia commentators, this verse promises the fulfillment of humanity’s long-standing hope through the final Divine Proof — Imam Mahdi — who will rise to establish justice across the earth. The verse foretells that in the end times, leadership, governance, and spiritual authority will be granted to the oppressed.

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَ عَمِلُوا الصَّالِحاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ وَ لَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضى‌ لَهُمْ وَ لَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ

“Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession [to authority] upon the earth, just as He granted it to those before them. And He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them and will replace their fear with security. They will worship Me and not associate anything with Me. But whoever disbelieves after that — they are defiantly disobedient.” (Surah An-Nur, Verse 55).

The idea of the emergence of the savior in the end times is a shared belief among many Abrahamic religions.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all agree that human history will reach its pinnacle with the arrival of a divine figure who will establish global justice. In Christianity, this promise is referred to as the "second coming of Jesus Christ," while in Judaism, it is associated with the "Messiah." From the Islamic perspective, these two promises will be fulfilled together; that is, Imam Mahdi (A.S) will emerge as the savior, while Jesus Christ (A.S) will appear as his helper. This article examines the existing texts of the Gospels and the Torah regarding these prophecies.

Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) was born on the 15th of Sha'ban in the year 255 or 256 AH.Corresponding to August 2, 869 or 870 CE...

He is the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) and the twelfth and final Imam of the Shia Muslims. His name is the same as the name of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his family), and his most well-known title is "al-Mahdi", which means "the Guided One." After the martyrdom of his father, Imam Mahdi entered two periods of occultation (absence) for specific reasons. The Minor Occultation lasted for 69 years, during which he communicated with people through four special deputies. The Major Occultation began in the year 329 AH and continues to this day. According to his sayings, during this time, people should refer to the religious scholars (faqihs) of their time for guidance.

In the narrations, many characteristics have been mentioned for Imam Mahdi’s (peace be upon him) companions. Some of these relate to physical traits

while others focus on their moral and spiritual qualities. 1.1 – Spiritual Qualities Perhaps the most important feature of Imam Mahdi’s companions is that they are the true example of “Awliya’ Allah” (friends of God). The Holy Qur’an says: “Surely, there is no fear upon the friends of Allah, nor shall they grieve.” A person only reaches this level—being free from fear and sorrow—when they see nothing but God and think of nothing except Him. This is the highest level of human perfection.

The Baha’i Faith is a religious sect branched off from Bábism, which emerged in the 13th century AH (19th century CE) by Mirza Hossein-Ali Nouri, known as Baha’u’llah

. Mirza Hossein-Alí was a follower of Sayyid Ali Muhammadthe Báb. After the Báb's death, he founded the Baha’i Faith. After Baha’u’llah, leadership passed to his son Abbas Effendi, known as Abdol-Baha, and then to Shoghi Effendi, the maternal grandson of Abdol-Baha. After Shoghi Effendi, disputes arose regarding succession, leading to the emergence of various groups such as the Baha’i s of the Universal House of Justice and the Orthodox Baha’i s. Today, the leadership of the Baha’i community lies with the Universal House of Justice.

In the religious beliefs of many societies, the idea of the "Promised Savior" holds a special place as a figure who will appear in the Last Days to establish justice and tranquility in the world.

In Shia doctrine, this role is attributed to Imam Mahdi. The concept of "emulation" in psychology refers to the process of learning and forming behaviors through observation and imitation. Young people, due to the specific characteristics of their age, are highly susceptible to the influence of spiritual and moral role models.

The Zaidiya is one of the branches of Shi'ism, with its origins dating back to the 2nd century AH (around the 8th century CE).

This sect is recognized as one that, due to its specific views on Imamate and political position, is doctrinally closer to Sunni Islam than to Shi'ism. The Revolt of Zaid The origin of the formation of Zaideh Zaid is the son of the fourth Imam of Shi'ism. His mother "Omme Valad" was a Muslim concubine, known for her nobility, purity of heart, and piety. It is said that Mukhtar bought her and presented her to Imam Sajjad, the fourth Imam of Shia. After her emancipation by Imam Sajjad, she married Imam Sajjad. The exact date of Zaid's birth is not definitively known, but his martyrdom is recorded in the year 121 or 122 AH.

Regarding the catastrophic state of the time before the appearance of the Qa’im from the Family of Muhammad (peace be upon him),

there are numerous reports and hadiths transmitted from the Immaculate . These concern widespread and pervasive corruptions in all spheres—social, political, ethical, cultural, and so on—along with the corruptions, oppressions, and domestic rebellions that are devastating in both Muslim and non-Muslim societies. Among these reports and narratives, many have already occurred. This is not a mere claim, not a mere possibility; rather, thanks to the extensive technologies of the modern information era, the shocking scenes of criminal acts by criminals, oppression by oppressors, and the corruption of individuals and corrupt societies and tyrannical rulers have been projected onto the screens of televisions, laptops, mobile phones, and computers of people around the world, and circulated through various types of social networks and platforms. Perhaps the authenticity of such narratives used to be doubtful or considered exaggerated. But with the events observed in the last few decades, especially in the last few years, we realize that these narratives were not as inflated as they seemed.

Regarding the catastrophic state of the time before the appearance of the Qa’im of Ahl al-Muhammad (note), there are numerous reports and hadiths narrated from the Infallibles (peace be upon them).

They pertain to widespread and pervasive corruptions in all domains—social, political, ethical and cultural. Among these reports and narratives, many have already occurred; this is not a mere claim or a probability, but thanks to the widespread technologies of the information age, shocking scenes of crimes by criminals, oppression by tyrants, corruption and oppression by rulers, etc., have been projected onto the screens of televisions, laptops, mobile phones, and computers of people around the world and circulated across various social networks and platforms. Perhaps the veracity of such narratives used to be suspect or deemed exaggerated. Yet, by observing the events of the past few decades, especially in recent years, we realize that these narratives were not as inflated as they seemed.

The concept of Mahdism in Islam, especially in the Twelver Shi’a school, is one of the most authentic beliefs regarding the future of humanity.

This belief holds that at the end of history, a savior from the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the son of Lady Fatimah (AS) will appear, eradicate oppression and injustice, and fill the earth with justice and fairness. Naturally, over the past centuries, this belief has inspired liberation movements and historical resistances, while also causing concern and fear among ruling powers and corrupt authorities. Among these forces, distorted Judaism, and particularly contemporary Zionism, has played a prominent role in a project known as “Mahdi-Phobia.” The purpose of Mahdi-Phobia is to instill fear and terror regarding the idea of the appearance of the Promised Mahdi in public minds, so that instead of hope and trust in a bright future, people become anxious and abandon the idea of resistance and anticipation.

The region of al-Sham (including present-day Syria and parts of Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine) has held a special place in the history of Islam.

In the hadith sources of both Shia and Sunni traditions, this region is introduced as one of the main centers of events preceding the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi. Many of the definite and non-definite signs of the reappearance are directly connected with the developments in al-Sham, especially the emergence of figures such as the Sufyani and the outbreak of bloody civil wars. Therefore, studying the narrations related to al-Sham can provide a clearer picture of the social, political, and religious conditions prior to the reappearance. In this article, we aim—based on reliable Shia and Sunni sources—to examine the most important events in al-Sham on the threshold of the reappearance.

When Imam Mahdi leads the prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque, will Israel still exist? Will the Zionists, such as Netanyahu, still have control over Palestine?

According to hadith teachings, one of the principal obstacles to the Reappearance of the Imam of the Time is the “fear of being killed” — that is, assassination before the fulfillment of his global mission. “It is narrated from Zarrāra that he said: ‘The Qa’im will have an occultation before his reappearance. I asked: Why did he say: he fears being killed?’” — Sheikh Ṭūsī, Al-Ghaybah, p. 332. This fear is not born of personal cowardice, but rather stems from concern for preserving the final divine reserve and fulfilling the grand plan of global justice. In fact, this fear is a wise, divinely-ordained measure.

After the disagreement between two opposing schools of thought in the land of Sham and Syria (the disagreement of two flags in Sham),

there will be war and bloodshed, and after the Tremor of Sham (Rajfat Al-Sham) , and after the deployment of advanced military equipment in Syria and the shift in the balance of power between the two conflicting sides, as well as after the entry of military forces with yellow flags from western Syria, the world will await the Damascus earthquake in the next stage of events before the emergence of the Sufyani in the era of appearance. “The Ground sinking of Damascus” along the Jabiyah–Harasta axis will occur during the conflict between the two opposing schools of thought in Syria, who are at war with each other (a village in Sham named Jabiyah will be sunk in ground). Its sign, in addition to the destruction along the Jabiyah–Harasta axis, will include damage to part of the Umayyad Grand Mosque of Damascus (with the right side of the mosque collapsing).

Belief in Mahdism and the concept of the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (PBUH) is one of the essential principles of Islamic creed, observed among both Shi‘a and Sunni.

This belief is based on the glad tidings of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and is extensively mentioned in the hadith sources of Sunni Muslims. The hadiths related to Imam al-Mahdi (PBUH) are found in the authentic books of Sunni Muslims such as Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad, Sunan Abu Dawood, etc., which, in addition to emphasizing the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (PBUH) in the End Times, also describe his characteristics and signs. Among these, there are many common points between the views of Sunni and Shi‘a regarding Imam al-Mahdi (PBUH). These commonalities include the certainty of the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (PBUH), his lineage from the Prophet of Islam, his physical attributes, the sharing of the Prophet’s name by al-Mahdi, the accompaniment of Jesus (PBUH) with the Promised Mahdi, and the characteristics of his government. However, in some details, there are also differences between the two sects, including discussions related to the birth, occultation, and infallibility of Imam al-Mahdi (PBUH).

The term “Armageddon” apparently derives from the Hebrew phrase “הר המּגּדּוֹן” (Har Ha-Megiddo), meaning “Mount/Mound of Megiddo” or “Tel Megiddo” — a location in northern historical Palestine that held

significance in ancient texts and Near Eastern military history. In contemporary usage, “Armageddon” usually refers to the apocalyptic war; a final battle between the forces of good and evil that determines the end of the world or the beginning of a new era. The conception and interpretation of this war vary across religions and schools of thought and have influenced everything from religious texts to popular culture and political literature.