Hawzah News Agency- The concept of Mahdism in Islam has deep Qur’anic roots. This divine Book, with absolute certainty, promises all humanity the ultimate victory of truth over falsehood.
The Qur’an addresses the uprising of Imam Mahdi (pbuh) in a general manner, giving glad tidings of the establishment of a global government of justice and the triumph of the righteous. Shi’a interpreters, as well as a number of Sunni commentators—relying on narrations from the Ahlul-Bayt (pbut) and the views of Islamic scholars—have regarded such verses as referring to Imam Mahdi (pbuh).
Within the scope of this discussion, from among the verses of the Holy Qur’an that relate to the subject of Mahdism—particularly those that are more explicit—we will cite and examine only a select few.
Before entering into the main discussion, it is necessary to first become familiar with the definition of several key terms:
1. Tafsir
The term tafsir is derived from the root fasara, meaning to clarify. In technical usage, it refers to “removing ambiguity from an obscure expression”, and also includes “eliminating ambiguity in the indication of a statement”.
Tafsir is employed where there is a form of obscurity in the wording, which in turn causes ambiguity in the meaning and indication of the text, and where scholarly effort is required to remove this obscurity.
Since the understanding of certain Qur’anic verses is not accessible to the public, they inevitably require explanation and unveiling. This responsibility rests upon those who possess the qualification and capability for such a task and who are endorsed by Allah The Almighty.
2. Ta’wil
Ta’wil is derived from awl, meaning to return to the origin. The taʾwīl of something means returning it to its original source and essence; and the taʾwīl of an ambiguous expression means interpreting its apparent meaning in such a way that it returns to its true and original sense.
This term has been used in the Qur’an in three meanings:
-
Interpreting the apparent meaning of an ambiguous word or act in a way that is acceptable to reason and consistent with tradition. (Al ‘Imran / 7)
-
Interpretation of dreams; ta’wil in this sense appears eight times in Surah Yusuf.
-
The outcome or final consequence of a matter; accordingly, the ta’wil of something refers to what it ultimately leads to. (al-Kahf / 78)
A fourth meaning—though not mentioned explicitly in the Holy Qur’an but found in the statements of earlier scholars—is deriving a general and comprehensive concept from a verse that was revealed concerning a specific case. Ta’wil in this sense is sometimes referred to as “batn” (inner meaning)—that is, a secondary and hidden meaning that cannot be obtained from the apparent wording of the verse—contrasted with “zahr” (outer meaning), which is the primary meaning conveyed by the apparent wording according to linguistic usage.
This meaning has a broad scope and guarantees the universality of the Qur’an, allowing it to encompass all times and eras. For if universal concepts were not extracted from specific cases, many Qur’anic verses would become fruitless and would serve no purpose beyond the reward of recitation.
Asa it is mentioned in the Holy Quran:
هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ … وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۗ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ ﴿٧﴾
It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific... And no one knows its [true] interpretation (Ta’wil) except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding. (Al ‘Imran / 7)
Ta’wil has specific conditions which are discussed in specialized scholarly works.
3. Tatbiq
Within the Qur’anic verses, many concepts are expressed in general terms that can be adapted in every era, to certain individuals. In some cases, the wording of a verse may be specific, while its meaning remains general, encompassing others who perform similar actions.
Given the points mentioned above, we now proceed to discuss some of the verses related to Imam Mahdi (pbuh) and his global revolution: …
This discussion continues…
Adapted from “Mahdism Textbook” by Khodamorad Salimian with slight modifications.
Your Comment