Muhammad al-Mahdi
Muhammad al-Mahdi (Arabic: محمد المهدى )
(868 - ?) is the twelfth and final Imam of the Shi'a. He is the person believed by Shi'as to be the Mahdi; a figure considered by both Sunnis and Shias to be the eventual saviour of humankind. Shias and Sunnis differ on the identity of the Mahdi; with Shias believing that he was born in 868 and has been hidden by God to later emerge to establish justice; whereas Sunnis believe that he is yet to be born. Both divisions however, believe that he will bring absolute peace and justice throughout the world by establishing Islam as the global religion. As such, the personality and account of Muhammad al-Mahdi in this article is one that is believed only by Shias. For a general overview of the Mahdi as accepted by the various divisions in Islam, see Mahdi.
Birth and family life
Shias believe that the Mahdi was born in 868 as Muhammad ibn Hasan ibn Ali. His mother, Narjis (Melika), was a Byzantine princess, whilst his father, Hasan al-Askari, is believed to have been the eleventh and penultimate Shia Imam. Shias believe that his birth was kept a secret due to the persecution that the Shi'a were facing during this time at the hands of Al-Mu'tamid, the Abbasid Caliph. When Hasan al-Askari died, his estate was divided between his brother Ja'far and his mother in accordance with Islamic Law for one who leaves behind no offspring.
Early Life
The eleventh Shia Imam died on 8th Rabbi al-Awwal, 874, and since that day, his son Muhammad is believed by Shias to be the Imam, appointed by God, to lead the believers of the era. The most popular account of Muhammad al-Mahdi, in Shia literature, is taken from his father's funeral. It is reported that as the funeral prayer was about to begin, Muhammad al-Mahdi's uncle, Jafar ibn Ali approached to lead the prayers. However, Muhammad al-Mahdi approached and commanded, "Set aside, uncle; only an Imam can lead the funeral prayer of an Imam." Jafar set aside, and the five-year old child led the funeral prayer for his father. It is reported that it was at this very moment that Muhammad al-Mahdi disappeared and went into ghaybat, or occultation.
The Occultation
Shias believe that, for various reasons, God concealed the twelfth and current Shia Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, from humankind.
Period
The period of occultation (ghaybat) is believed to be consisted of two parts:
- Ghaybat al-Sughra or Minor Occultation, that took place between 873 and 939, which is the shorter of the two.
- Ghaybat al-Kubra or Major Occultation, that began in 939 and is believed will continue until a time decided by God. At this point, the occultation will end and the Mahdi will reappear to bring absolute justice to the world.
Reasons
Shias cite references from the Qur'an and from various hadith (reports) in order to provide the following reasons behind the Mahdi's occultation.
- 1) Unknown to humankind
- One of the reasons behind the Mahdi's occultation has been concealed by God from humankind.
- 2) Test for believers
- The occultation and, in particular, its long duration, is a trial for believers. Shias believe that God examines the believers for the faith in their hearts and their beliefs.
- 3) Humankind's preparation
- Before the Mahdi reappears to establish absolute justice throughout the world, humankind needs to make a certain amount of preparation. There will come a point when all ideologies and doctrines will fail and when every leader and government will rise to solve problems but fail. It will then become clear that no one is capable of establishing justice in the world except God's vicegerent, Mahdi.
- 4) Lack of acceptance
- Due to the persecution of believers and, in particular, of the other Shia Imams, it is clear that people are still refusing to accept God's vicegerent. As such, just as Shias believe God concealed prophets Jesus and Joseph (Yusuf in Arabic), God has also hidden the Mahdi from humankind until such a time when suitable circumstances have arisen.
- 5) Freedom from allegiance
- Shias believe that every other Shia Imam was forced to pay allegiance to unjust rulers. Since the Mahdi will reappear to end the rule of tyrants and the entire world will be brought under his government of justice, it is necessary that he is concealed from humankind so that he does not pay allegiance to anyone.
The Four Deputees
During the Ghaybat al-Sughra, the Imam maintained contact with his followers via a succession of four appointed deputies or nuwwaab al-arba’a (Arabic). They represented him and acted as agents between him and his followers.
Whenever the believers faced a problem they would write their concerns and send them to the Imam’s deputy. The deputy would ascertain the Imam’s verdict, endorse it with his seal and signature and return it to the relevant parties. The deputies also collected zakat and khums on behalf of the 12th Imam. The idea of consulting an hidden Imam was not something totally new for the believers though as the two previous Imams had on occasion met with their followers from behind a curtain.
The 4 deputies were:
- Uthman bin Sa’id al Asadi.
- Abu Ja’far Muhammad bin Uthman.
- Abul Qasim Hussein bin Ruh an-Nawbakhti.
- Abul Hassan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samarri.
In 329 AH, the Imam issued an order through his 4th deputy that with his (the deputy's) demise the period of the special deputation of the Imam would henceforth end and Ghaybat al-Kubra would begin. As-Samarri died six days later and the Shi'a Muslims continue to await the reappearance of the Mahdi. They believe that the Mahdi will reappear with Jesus and pray together in Jerusalem. Believing him to still be alive, it is not uncommon for Shia's to seek intercession through Muhammad al-Mahdi (Note: They also do this for the Prophet of Islam. This practice is also commom to Sunni muslims as well.).
Ghaybat al-Kubra began on 10th shawwal 940 AD. In the same year, many notable Shi'a scholars such as Ali ibn Babwayh Qummi and Muhammad ibn Yaqub Kulayni, the learned compiler of al-Kafi also died.
Although it is believed that he never died, there is a shrine for him in Samarra located next to those of his father and grandfather. The shrine is actually his house. It is common practice in Islam to preserve historical sites of religious figures as a mark of respect.
Muhammad al-Mahdi should not be confused with the Sunni Muslim view of the Mahdi, which refers to a different person, but with a similar eschatological role, although there are Sunni scholars who believe that Muhammad al-Mahdi is the Mahdi. The differences of opinions on the Mahdi is analogous to the different sects found in Sunni and Shi'a Islam. Moreover, there are some Muslims who don't believe in the concept of the Mahdi.
Reappearance
Shias cite various references from the Qur'an and reports, or Hadith, from the prophet Muhammad and eleven of the twelve Shia Imams with regards to the appearance, or reappearance, of someone who will, in accordance with God's command, bring justice and peace to the world by establishing Islam throughout the world.
- The prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:
"During the last times, my people will be afflicted with terrible and unprecedented calamities and misfortunes from their rulers, so much so that this vast earth will appear small to them. Persecution and injustice will engulf the earth. The believers will find no shelter to seek refuge from these tortures and injustices. At such a time, God will raise from my progeny a man who will establish peace and justice on this earth in the same way as it had been filled with injustice and distress."
Sayings
- "As to the benefit of my existence in Occultation, it is like the benefit of the sun behind clouds where the eyes do not see. Indeed, my existence is an amnesty for the people of the earth."
With regards to advice for his followers during his absence, it is reported that he has said:
- "Refer to the transmitters of our traditions, for they are my hujja (proof) unto you and I am God’s proof unto them."