The Twelfth Imam
The Twelfth Imam
Font size setting
+ Add to your favorite list
Article ID: 1
Article Date: 2025-02-24
Writer: A group of religious scholars
Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) was born on the 15th of Sha'ban in the year 255 AH, Corresponding to August 2, 869 CE . He is the son of Imam "Hasan al-Askari" 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 reliable Shia narrations, there are clear signs and conditions for his reappearance in the end times. These include both definite and non-definite signs, as well as certain special circumstances
The blessed name of Imam al-Mahdi is the same as that of the Holy Prophet "MUhammad", and his title (kunya) is also the same— Abu al-Qasim. He is known as "al-Mahdi of the family of Muhammad." However, it is forbidden to address him by his real name before his blessed reappearance.
Imam al-Mahdi is known by many titles. Some of the most well-known include: Abu Salih, al-Qa'im of the family of Muhammad, al-Mahdi of the family of Muhammad, Hujjat Allah (the Proof of God), Wali Allah (the Friend of God), Baqiyyat Allah (the Remnant of God), the Awaited Imam, Sahib al-Zaman (the Master of the Time), and Imam al-Zaman (the Imam of the Time). "Al-Mahdi" is the most famous title of Imam al-Mahdi.
One of the most famous titles of the Qa’im of the family of Muhammad is "al-Mahdi". The word Mahdi is a passive participle in Arabic and means "the one who is guided". The term Mahdism (Mahdawiyyah) also comes from the same root. Al-Mahdi is the most well-known title of the Imam among both Shia and Sunni Muslims. Sometimes, it is also used in the active sense, meaning "the one who guides others."
Muhammad ibn Ajlan narrated from Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq: "He is called al-Mahdi because he will guide people to the path they have forgotten or lost..." However, in most narrations, the meaning as "the one who is guided" is emphasized.
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir said: "He is called al-Mahdi because he is guided to a hidden matter. He will bring out the Torah and other divine scriptures from a cave in Antioch."
When Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq was asked why he is called al-Mahdi, he replied: "Because he is guided to all hidden matters."
According to Shaykh al-Saduq, the title al-Mahdi is not exclusive to the final Imam. The other Imams (peace be upon them) are also guided, but this title has become especially associated with the last divinely appointed leader.
Imam al-Mahdi is the twelfth and final successor of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). He is from the line of the infallible Imams and the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari. After the martyrdom of his noble father, Imam al-Mahdi went into two periods of occultation: the Minor Occultation and the Major Occultation, for specific divine reasons. The Minor Occultation lasted for 69 years, during which he communicated with the people through four appointed deputies. The Major Occultation began in the year 329 AH Corresponding to 940 CE and continues until today. During this time, by the will of God, the Imam is hidden from public view, yet he continues to manage the affairs of the world and support those in need in special ways, without direct appearance. Authentic Shia narrations mention specific signs and conditions for his reappearance in the end times. These include definite and non-definite signs, each with its own wisdom and purpose. In reliable Shia and Sunni sources—although there are some differences in views about the identity and nature of the Mahdi—there are also narrations describing what will happen after his reappearance. Shia scholars have strictly prohibited identifying any specific individual as Imam al-Mahdi during the occultation. They have also warned against and rejected false claimants of being the Mahdi.
