Views of the senior Aimmah regarding the belief in Mahdi (AS)

Haafiz Abu Ja`far Aqeeli and the Ahaadith of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam)

Haafiz-e-Hadith, Hadhrat Abu Ja`far Aqeeli (rahmatullahi alayh) [passed away 323 A.H.] has certified the Ahaadith regarding Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) as being reliable and authentic. Haafiz Ibn Ha- jar (rahmatullahi alayh) states in Tahzeebut Tahzeeb, “There are many other reliable Ahaadith regarding Mahdi besides this one (cited by Abu Ja`far Aqeeli in his Kitaab)”

Haafiz Ibn Hibbaan Al Busti’s respected view

Haafiz Ibn Hibbaan Al Busti (rahmatullahi alayh) [passed away 304 A. H] says that the Hadith, “An era will not dawn over you except that the previous one was worse than it”, refers specifically to the era of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) and it does not refer to any general era. Haafiz Ibn Hajar (rahmatullahi alayh) states in Fathul Baari, which is the commentary of Bukhari, commenting on the narration of Hadhrat Anas (radhiyallahu anhu), “An era will not dawn….” -- “The Hadith of Anas (radhiyallahu anhu) cannot be construed as a general one, owing to the Ahaadith narrated regarding Mahdi, that he will fill the earth with justice and equality just as it was filled with oppression and injustice.”

Allamah Khattaabi and the Ahaadith of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis sa- laam)

Allamah Khattaabi (rahmatullahi alayh) states in commenting on the Hadith, “Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Qiyaamah will not dawn upon you until time becomes restricted, and a year will be- come like a month and a month like a day”, that this Hadith refers ei- ther to the era of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) or Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam), or it could refer to both their eras.

Hadhrat Mullah Ali Qaari (rahmatullahi alayh) states in Mirqaat, which is the commentary of Mishkaat, that the era where both, Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) and Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam), will be in, will be the one which will pass very quickly as stated in the Hadith. The author of Tuhfatul Ahwazi has also inclined towards this view.

Imaam Baihaqi (rahmatullahi alayh) and the Ahaadith of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam)

Imaam Baihaqi (rahmatullahi alayh) [passed away in 458 A.H.] stated regarding the Hadith, “There is no Mahdi except Isaa Bin Maryam (alaihi salaam)”, that the Ahaadith regarding the coming of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) are more authentic and reliable. Haafiz Ibn Ha- jar (rahmatullahi alayh) had quoted this statement of Imaam Baihaqi (rahmatullahi alayh) in Tahzeebut Tahzeeb. The narrators of the above- mentioned Hadith are criticised.

Qaadhi Ayaaz (rahmatullahi alayh) and the belief on the advent of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam)

The famous Hanafi Qaadhi, Hadhrat Ayaaz (rahmatullahi alayh) [passed away 544 A.H.] compiled a separate chapter in his Kitaab, As- Shifa, under the caption regarding Mu`jizaat, which is subdivided into three parts. At the end of this chapter, he stated regarding the prophe- cies of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and regarding his being in- formed about the unseen. This is listed under the caption, “He does not speak from his own desire”. Qaadhi Ayaaz (rahmatullahi alayh) also lists a number of Ahaadith regarding the coming of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam).

Imaam Qurtubi (rahmatullahi alayh) and the belief regarding Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam)

The famous Mufassir of the Qur`aan Majeed, Hadhrat Imaam Muham- mad Ibn Ahmad Ibn Abi Bakr Al Qurtubi (rahmatullahi alayh) [passed away 671 A.H.] states regarding the narration, “There is no Mahdi ex- cept Isaa Bin Maryam (alaihi salaam)” that its chain of narrators are weak. He states further that Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) will be from the progeny of Hadhrat Faatimah (radhiyallahu anha) and that the Ahaadith regarding the coming of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) in the last era are authentic and reliable. Therefore, the above-mentioned nar- ration is not to be relied upon and cannot be used as a guide, since there are other authentic and Mutawaatir Ahaadith which abrogate it. He also states an interpretation for this narration that the possible rea- son for Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) having mentioned that “There is no Mahdi except Isaa Bin Maryam (alaihi salaam)” was that there will be no complete and sinless Mahdi (Guide) except Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam). Imaam Qurtubi (rahmatullahi alayh) states that this interpretation to the narration offers a suitable reconciliation be- tween the various narrations, which appear to be contradictory.

Allamah Suyuti (rahmatulla1hi alayh) has also quoted this statement and commentary of Allamah Qurtubi (rahmatullahi alayh).

Sheikhul Islam, Ibn Taymia and the belief of the coming of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam)

Sheikhul Islam Ibn Taymia (rahmatullahi alayh) [passed away 768 A. H.] states in his Kitaab, Minhaajus Sunnah…on page 211, vol.1, “Chapter: However, that which he (here he is referring to some Shiah scholar) narrates via Ibn Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) about Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) that he said, ‘A man will emerge in the final era from my progeny. His name will be like mine and his title will be like mine. He will fill the earth with justice just as it was filled with oppression. He will be Al-Mahdi.” The answer to this is that the Ahaadith which refer to the coming of Imaam Mahdi are authentic and reliable. Imaam Abu Dawood, Imaam Tirmidhi and Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hambal (rahmatullahi alayhim) have all narrated such Ahaadith. For example, the Hadith of Hadhrat Ibn Mas`ood (radhiyallahu anhu) wherein he reports from Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), ‘If there does not remain of this earth except one day, then Allah will lengthen that day until a man emerges who will be from me, or from my house- hold. His name will correspond to mine and his father’s name to my father’s. He will fill the earth with justice and equality just as it was filled with oppression and rebellion.” [Tirmidhi]

It is reported from Umme Salmah (radhiyallahu anha) that Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Al-Mahdi is from my progeny, from the offspring of Faatimah.” [Abu Dawood].
There is also the narration of Hadhrat Ali (radhiyallahu anhu) who looked towards his son, Hasan and said, ‘Indeed this son of mine, as Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) mentioned, soon a man will be borne of him, whose name will be the name as that of your Nabi. His character and habits will be like his (i.e. Nabi - sallallahu alayhi wasallam), but not his features. He will fill the earth with justice.”

Allamah Haafiz Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) and the belief regarding Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam)

Hadhrat Allamah Haafiz Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) states re- garding the Hadith, “There is no Mahdi except Isaa Bin Maryam (alaihi salaam)” that the narrators thereof are unreliable and he also states that there are numerous Ahaadith regarding the coming of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) that he will be from the progeny of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and that he will fill the earth with justice and reign for about seven years. Also that he will be reigning at the time of the descension of Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam). He will also be of some assistance in the slaying of Dajjaal. He will also lead the Salaat for the Ummat, such that even Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam) will follow him in Salaat.

Does The Mahdi refer to Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam)?

Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) states that the Ahaadith re- garding Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) are of four types, authentic, re- liable, weak and concocted. Similarly, there are four views regarding the coming of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) in the final era. One of the views is that The Mahdi refers to Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam). The proponents of this view have used the above-mentioned Hadith as a proof. As a matter of fact, even they have acceded to the fact that this narration is not 100% reliable. Even if we assume that this narration is reliable, still too, it cannot be used to refute the coming of Imaam Ma- hdi (alaihis salaam). The reason being that between Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and the advent of Qiyaamah, Hadhrat Isa (alaihis sa- laam) will be the greatest Mahdi (Guide), as is borne out by the various Ahaadith. He will descend on the east Minaarat of the Musjid in Da- mascus and he will rule in accordance to the Qur`aan Majeed. He will fight the Jews and Christians and take Jizya from them. During his reign all the religions will dissipate. It will be true to say that he will be the Mahdi (guide), and besides him there will be no other. Although there will be another man who will be Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam). Therefore, when Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam) is referred to as The Ma hdi it implies that he will be the perfect, complete and sinless Guide.

Has Mahdi already passed in the previous generations?

Another view is that the Mahdi which is mentioned in the Ahaadith re- fers to a ruler from amongst the Bani Abbaas, who lived in some past era. In substantiation of this view, the proponents have quoted the two Ahaadith which mention regarding the carriers of the black flags, who will come from Khurasaan or the east. Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) has categorized both these Ahaadith as weak. He has also cited the substantiating views of other Muhaditheen. He says that even if these narrations are accepted as true and reliable, then too, it cannot be held as proof that the Mahdi has al- ready passed in the previous era and that he was from the Bani Abbaas. He states that these Ahaadith refer to a specific person who will emerge during the final era. The term “Mahdi” is also a general term which can be used more loosely to apply to many other personalities as well. For example, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “My Sunnat is binding upon you and the Sunnat of the Khulafaa Raashideen Mahdiyeen, those who come after me…” This Hadith refers to the Khulafaa-e-Rashideen as also being Mahdis. Imaam Ahmad Ibn Ham- bal (rahmatullahi alayh) also stated that Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdil Azeez (rahmatullahi alayh) was also a Mahdi from amongst the Mahdis. Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) states that there is no doubt that Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdil Azeez (rahmatullahi alayh) was also a Mahdi, but he is not the Mahdi of the final era, who is referred to in the Ahaadith. Just as there are many small dajjaals and liars besides the big Dajjaal, who is to come before Qiyaamah, there are many Mahdis besides the actual Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam).

Mahdi will be in the final era and from the Ahle Bait

The third view is that Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) will be in the fi- nal era and he will be from the progeny of Hadhrat Hasan Ibn Ali (radhiyallahu anhuma). Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) states that this view is the best and most preferred view, which is sub- stantiated by the many Ahaadith narrated in this regard. Most of the Ahaadith indicate to the fact that he will be from the family of Hadhrat Hasan Bin Ali (radhiyallahu anhuma). This is the authentic view of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah.

Hidden Imaam

Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) states the fourth view as be- ing that held by the Shiahs that the Mahdi is their hidden final Imaam who will emerge in the final era. After citing the various views regard- ing the Mahdi of the final era, he states, “Nevertheless, one of the views of the sect of Imaamiah is that the Mahdi of the final era is not Muhammad Ibn Abdillah, but Muhammad Ibn Hoosein Al-Askari, the awaited Mahdi, who is from the progeny of Hadhrat Hoosein Ibn Ali (radhiyallahu anhu), and not from the progeny of Hadhrat Hasan Bin Ali (radhiyallahu anhu). He is omnipresent but hidden from our sight. He disappeared in his youth, with the staff of Hadhrat Moosa (alaihis salaam). This occurred in the 5th century after Hijri. Upto this day, he is still hidden.”

Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) wrote this around the year 751 A.H. Today, many, many centuries later, the situation and belief of the Rawaafidh and Shiahs is very much the same. It is quite clear and evident that they are astray and base their reliance on concocted and deviant narrations.

The Jews are also awaiting their Messiah

Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) states that shaitaan has for- mulated a trick on the Jews and created this belief amongst them that a person from amongst the children of Hadhrat Dawood (alaihis salaam) will emerge and he will spread the name and fame of the Jews throughout the world. They are now awaiting this Messiah of theirs. In fact, they await not a Messiah of guidance, rather one of deviation. They await Dajjaal. The Jews will be the greatest aids and promoters of The Dajjaal. It will be due to this evil of theirs, that Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam) will slaughter the Jews, so much that there will not re- main even one on the face of the earth. The Ummat of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has this belief that the Maseeh of the final era, Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam) will descend and he will come to kill Dajjaal, break the cross, eliminate pigs and kill his enemies, the Jews. In this regard, Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) states that the Muslims have an affinity to the family of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wa- sallam) and they await the advent of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) who will spread justice and peace on earth which will replace oppres- sion and rebellion.

Allamah Abul Hasan As-Samhudi (rahmatullahi alayh) and the belief regarding the emergence of Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam)

Hadhrat Allamah Abul Hasan As-Samhudi (rahmatullahi alayh) [passed away 911 A.H.] states, “From the established narrations of The Prophet of the last era, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), we de- duce that he (Imaam Mahdi - alaihis salaam) is from the progeny of Hadhrat Faatimatuz Zahra (radhiyallahu anha). According to the nar- ration in Abu Dawood, he will be from the children of Hadhrat Hasan (radhiyallahu anhu)…”

The view of Haafiz Ibn Hajar (rahmatullahi alayh)

Allamah Ibn Hajar Al Makki (rahmatullahi alayh) [passed away 974 A.H.] states in his Kitaab, Al Qowlul Mukhtasar Fi Alaamaatil Mahdi- yil Muntazar, “Belief in the awaited Mahdi, the emergence of Dajjaal, the descension of Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam) and his performing Sa- laat behind Mahdi are all established from reliable and authentic Ahaadith. One should remember this also, that in whichever Hadith mention is made of a leader in the final era in close proximity to Qi- yaamah, it refers to Mahdi.”

Haafiz Ibn Katheer and belief in Mahdi

Haafiz Ibn Katheer (rahmatullahi alayh) states in Al-Fitan Wal Malaa- him, under the chapter Thikrul Mahdi Allazi Yakunu Fi Aakhiriz Zamaan (Mention of that Mahdi who will emerge in the final era), that the Mahdi of the final era will be from amongst the Khulafaa-e- Raashideen and Aimmah-e-Mahdiyeen. He states that the Mahdi of the final era is not that Mahdi which the Rawaafidh/Shias are awaiting. Their belief is based, not on any reliable information, but rather on concocted and spurious narrations. It will not be the Muhammad Ibn Hasan Al-Askari who according to them was born in 255 A.H. and who at the age of five miraculously disappeared, until the present day.

We are speaking here of that Mahdi who is described in the Ahaadith of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He will be born in the final era, in close proximity to Qiyaamah. Ibn Katheer (rahmatullahi alayh) states that his view is that this Mahdi will appear just before the de- scension of Hadhrat Isa (alaihis salaam). Also the narration of Hadhrat Ali (radhiyallahu anhu) which states that it is he (Imaam Mahdi - alaihis salaam) who will be born from the progeny of his son, Hadhrat Hasan (radhiyallahu anhu) and whose name will be like that of our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his father’s name will be like that of Nabi’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) father’s name. Ibn Katheer (rahmatullahi alayh) also indicates towards the fact that it does not refer to anyone from the Bani Abbaas, from the previous eras. He has also stated that the Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) will be born after the reign of the Bani Abbaas and that he will be from the progeny of Hadhrat Faatimah (radhiyallahu anha). He has also indicated clearly that Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) will be from the offspring of Hadhrat Hasan (radhiyallahu anhu) and not Hadhrat Hussein(radhiyallahu anhu), as is clearly borne out by the narration of Hadhrat Ali (radhiyallahu anhu).

Ibn Katheer (rahmatullahi alayh) narrates a Hadith from Ibn Majah, that Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Three persons will fight at your treasure (The Kaabah). They will be the sons of the Khulafaa. They will not even come near one another when black flags will be raised from the east. They will come to fight you, such a fight that has never been witnessed before.” The narrator says that Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said something further which he cannot remember. Then Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “When you see it (this army), then you should take ba`it to him, even though you have to trav- erse ice to get to him, because he is the Khalifah Mahdi.”

Ibn Majah is alone in reporting this Hadith but the chain of narrators are reliable and authentic.