Mahdism (42) | Anticipation in Shia Culture - Part 1

Hawzah News Agency- The vitality and dynamism of humanity-both individually and collectively-depend on hope and expectation. Without hope for the future, life loses its meaning. What gives human life its beauty, makes it bearable, and eases its worries and hardships is the hope for a bright and flourishing future, one in which all spiritual and physical needs are fully satisfied. It is this very sense of anticipation and hope that enables human beings to endure pain and hardship while remaining steadfast on their path.

Shi‘a Islam, inspired by the teachings of the Ahlul-Bayt (pbut), has made this hope and anticipation for the future a guiding light throughout its journey.

The Linguistic and Theological Meaning of Intidhar al-Faraj

Linguistically, intidhar means “to look forward to” or “to await something with anticipation.” In Islamic terminology, however, it refers to awaiting the uprising of Allah’s final chosen representative (al-Hujjah) and preparing oneself to assist him in establishing a universal government of justice throughout the earth.

In other words, intidhar is a spiritual state - a quality of the soul - that gives rise to readiness for the awaited event. Its opposite is despair and hopelessness. The stronger and more radiant this hope becomes, the more it inspires movement, growth, and preparation within the believer.

The word faraj means “relief” or “opening after hardship.” Thus, intidhar al-faraj — anticipation for relief— springs from the human soul’s innate (Fitrah) seeking perfection, even though other factors may also play a role in shaping it.

Contrary to the misconception of some who believe the doctrine of the Mahdism was fabricated by the Shi‘a, the belief in Mahdism is not exclusive to the followers of the Ahlul-Bayt(pbut). Rather, it is a central part of Islamic belief as a whole — a fundamental and deeply rooted principle found among all Muslim denominations, based on the glad tidings of the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Indeed, narrations about Imam Mahdi (pbuh), as recorded in Shi‘a sources, are also found in many well-known Sunni books.

Therefore, belief in the ultimate victory of truth, the complete establishment of human values, and the rise of a noble figure — described in Islamic narrations as al-Mahdi — is a concept rooted in divine revelation. Hence, awaiting that era is not only a universal hope found in all divine religions but also a deeply significant element in the faith and culture of Muslims.

The Status of Intidhar in Shia Culture

Upon a brief review, the narrations that speak of intidhar (anticipation) may be categorized in two groups:

1. General Intidhar al-Faraj — anticipation relief in all forms of hardship.

2. Specific Intidhar al-Faraj — anticipation of the uprising of Imam Mahdi (pbuh).

This discussion continues…

Adapted from “Mahdism Textbook” by Khodamorad Salimian with slight modifications.