The Beloved Messenger (PBUH) has prophesied, ‘‘This world will not end until the king of Arab be a person who will be from me or my family members. His name will be the same as my name and his father’s name will just be the same as my father’s. He will promote justice everywhere in the sky as well as on earth, as cruelty and injustice were everywhere in the sky as well as on earth.’ Abu Dawood, vol. 4, pp. 144, Hadees 4282-4283; summarized)

Amidst an era shrouded in disbelief and oppression, indulged in worldly affairs, where true Islam will be preserved only within a community of devout scholars and saints. In this epoch of impending doom, a beacon of divine reform will emerge – Imam Muhammad-Bin-Abdullah Al-Mahdi, renowned as Imam Mahdi. While contemporary discourse speculates on his emergence, reign, birthplace, and battles against injustice, reference to the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remains the only source to believe on.
Imam Mahdi (A.S) stands as a revered figure in Islam, universally anticipated across various sects and belief systems. It is the collective belief that before the world’s end, Imam Mahdi will bring a profound and sudden reformation, illuminating a world veiled in ignorance and disbelief.
Born from the noble lineage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Mahdi (AS) will bear a resemblance to the Prophet in appearance, though not completely identical. He will possess a wide forehead and a nose lifted up (slightly). He will be a man of weak or average character unless Allah changes him in one night and prepares him to change the rest of the world.
In the bustling streets of Makkah, amid the serenity of the grand mosque, a momentous event will unfold. Some devout individuals, sensing something extraordinary, will realize they have found Imam Mahdi, the awaited leader. Excitedly, they will urge him to reveal his identity, but he will hesitate, feeling uneasy about their insistence.
Later, another group will encounter him as he will be walking inconspicuously through the city. Once again, they will recognize him as Imam Mahdi and implore him to confirm it. This time after many temptations, he will accept. Making his way to the Masjid-al-Haram, he will stand amidst The Ka’ bah and the Maqam-I-Ibrahim and will declare himself as Imam Mahdi.
Word of his announcement will spread far and wide, dividing people into two camps: those who support Imam Mahdi and those who oppose him. In far-off Syria, the ruler, sceptical of Imam Mahdi’s claims, will prepare for a significant confrontation, known as the battle of Armageddon, where their purpose would be to destroy the Ka ‘bah and Imam al-Mahdi (AS)
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “An army will invade the Ka ‘bah and when it reaches a desert, all of them will be swallowed up by the earth.” She asked: “O Messenger of Allah, how will they be swallowed up by the earth while amongst them will be their marketeers and people not belonging to them?” He replied: “All of them will be swallowed up by the earth, then they will be resurrected for judgment according to their intentions.”
Sahih/Authentic [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Amongst these men, there shall arise one untouched by the tide of destiny, chosen by the will of Allah to bear witness to the miraculous event.
As the forces of righteousness gather, an army shall approach Imam Mahdi, not as adversaries, but as allies, their combined strength composed to escort in an era of peace and righteousness across the globe. Prophesied in the annals of Sunan Abu Dawud, Imam Mahdi’s reign, whether spanning seven, eight, or nine years, shall be marked by adherence to the divine law, commencing at the age of forty.
In several narrations, it is written that Imam al-Mahdi shall stand shoulder to shoulder with Isa (AS), although briefly, illuminating the path of righteousness for all. And upon his passing, a legacy of harmony and order shall endure, filling the world with the warmth of justice and faith.
The signs heralding the advent of Imam al-Mahdi have come to pass. Let us strive to stand amongst the righteous, for those fortunate enough to witness his coming, our intentions should be steadfast in offering unwavering support and assistance.
Indeed “Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended”(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim [related]).

The writer is CEO, The Orate X Foundation, Speakers’ Wing. He can be reached at [email protected]

Muhammad Salman Shah