Hawzah News Agency- Commonalities between Sunni and Shia in the discussion of Mahdism
Sunnis have referred to the reality of the “concept of Mahdism” in numerous traditions. Although differences with the Shia belief can be observed in some cases, numerous commonalities exist as well.
The Certainty of the Uprising of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief)
The first issue agreed upon between the Shia and the Sunnis is the certainty of the advent and uprising of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief). This topic is one of the undeniable theological beliefs of these two denominations; to the extent that tens and even hundreds of narrations in this regard exist in their narrative sources.
The Lineage of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief)
One of the instances where there is a relative consensus between Shia and Sunni is the lineage of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief). The Shia have clearly specified and introduced this lineage from the father of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) up to the Holy Prophet (pbuh and his family), but the Sunnis have pointed it out in specific instances, which are as follows:
Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) is from the Ahlul-Bayt and the Descendants of the Messenger of Allah
Ibn Majah has narrated in his “Sunan” that the Prophet (pbuh and his family) said:
الْمَهْدِی مِنَّا أَهْلَ الْبَیتِ یصْلِحُهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فِی لَیلَةٍ.
Mahdi is from us, the Ahlul-Bayt, and Allah will rectify his affairs in a single night.
(Ibn Majah, Sunan, Vol. 2, H4085; Kashf al-Ghamma, Vol. 2, p. 477; Dalil al-Umamah, p. 247)
The Holy Prophet (pbuh and his family) said:
یخرج رجل من أهل بیتی عِنْدَ انْقِطَاعٍ مِنَ الزَّمَانِ وَ ظُهُورٍ مِنَ الْفِتَن یکُونُ عَطَاؤُهُ حثیاً.
At the end of time and the emergence of tribulations, a man from my Ahlul-Bayt will rise whose generosity is abundant.
(Ibn Abi Shaybah, Al-Kitab Al-Musnaf, H. 37639; Kashf Al-Ghamma, Vol. 2, p. 483)
Al-San’ani in Al-Musannaf has narrated from the Holy Prophet (pbuh and his family):
…فَیبْعَثُ اللَّهُ رَجُلًا مِنْ عِتْرَتِی من أَهْلِ بَیتِی…
Then Allah will raise a man from my progeny and my Ahlul-Bayt.
(San’ani, Al-Musannaf, Vol. 11, H. 20770; Tabarani, Majam Al-Kabir, Vol. 10, H. 10213)
Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) is from the Descendants of Imam Ali (pbuh)
Another instance of consensus in the narrations between Shia and Sunni is that he is from the descendants of Imam Ali (pbuh). Al-Suyuti in Arf al-Wardi narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh and his family) took the hand of Ali (pbuh) and said:
سیخرج من صلب هذا فتی یمْلأ الأَرْضَ قِسْطاً وَ عَدْلاً.
From the loin of this person, a youth will soon rise who will fill the earth with equity and justice.
(Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti, Al-Hawi al-Fatawa, Book: Al-Araf al-Wardi, p. 74 and 88)
Al-Juwayni al-Shafi’i in Fara’id al-Simtayn narrated from Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh and his family) said:
إِنَّ عَلِی بْنَ أَبِی طَالِبٍ علیهالسلام إِمَامُ أُمَّتِی وَ خَلِیفَتِی عَلَیهَا بَعْدِی وَ مِنْ وُلْدِهِ الْقَائِمُ الْمُنْتَظَرُ الَّذِی یملا الله به الارض عدلا و قسطا کَمَا مُلِئَتْ ظُلْماً وَ جَوْراً…
Indeed, Ali bin Abi Talib is the Imam of my Ummah and my successor over them after me. From his descendants is the awaited Qa’im, through whom Allah will fill the earth with equity and justice; just as it had been filled with oppression and tyranny.
(Juwayni Shafi'i, Fara'id al-Samatin, vol. 2, 327, p. 589; Kamal al-Din and Tamam al-Nima, vol. 1, p. 287, chapter 25, p. 7)
Imam Mahdi is from the Descendants of Fatima (pbuh)
In abundant Sunni narrations, it has been explicitly stated that Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) is from the descendants of Fatima (pbuh): Ibn Majah narrated from Umm Salama that she heard the following from the Messenger of Alllah (pbuh and his family):
الْمَهْدِی مِنْ وُلْدِ فَاطِمَةَ.
Mahdi is from the children of Fatima.
(Sunan Ibn Majah, AH 4086; Abi Dawood, Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol. 4, AH 4284; Na'im Ibn Hammad, Al-Fatn, p. 375; Hakim, Al-Mustadrak, Vol. 4, p. 557)
Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) Possessing the Same Name as the Prophet (pbuh and his family)
Sunnis and Shias agree that Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) shares the same name as the Messenger of Allah (pbuh and his family).
(Al-Maqdisi al-Shafi’i, Iqd al-Durar, p.45, p.55)
Prelude events for his Rise
Some social changes prior to his uprising have been pointed out in both Shia and Sunni sources, such as:
Complete Despair of the People
Dawud Ibn Kathir al-Raqqi says: I said to Imam Sadiq (pbuh): This matter (the rise of Imam) has prolonged for us to the point that our chests have tightened… The Imam (pbuh) responded:
“When despair in our relief (his rise) becomes greater than anything else… a caller will call out his name from the sky as Qa’im.”
(Al-Nu’mani, Al-Ghayba, p.186, H.29)
The Prophet of Islam (pbuh and his family) said to Imam Ali (pbuh):
“O Ali! The rise of Mahdi will be when cities are changed, the servants of Allah are weakened, and they become despairing of the relioef and advent of Mahdi; at this time, the Qa’im Mahdi from my descendants will rise.”
(Al-Qunduzi, Yanabi’ al-Mawadda, p. 528528528; and also see: Al-Bayan fi Akhbar Sahib al-Zaman, p.42, H.21; Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, p.92)
The Pervasiveness of Oppression
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh and his family) said in this regard:
لَوْ لَمْ یبْقَ مِنَ الدُّنْیا إِلَّا یوْمٌ لَطَوَّلَ اللَّهُ ذَلِکَ الْیوْمَ حَتَّی یبْعَثَ رَجُلًا مِنْ أَهْلِ بَیتِی یمْلَأُ الْأَرْضَ عَدْلًا وَ قِسْطاً کَمَا مُلِئَتْ ظُلْماً وَ جَوْراً…
If there remains only one day of the world, Allah will prolong that day so much until a man from my Ahlul-Bayt is raised to fill the earth with equity and justice; just as it had been filled with oppression and tyranny.
(Abi Dawud, Sunan Abi Dawud, H.4282)
Signs of his Rise
In Shia hadith sources, some future events have been referred to as the signs of his rise. These signs are divided into two categories: inevitable and non-inevitable, and some of them have been pointed out in Sunni sources:
The Heavenly Call
The holy Prophet of Islam (pbuh and his family) said:
“In the month of Muharram, a call will rise from the sky, with this content: The chosen of Allah is so-and-so (Mahdi); so listen to his words and follow him.”
(Na'im bin Hammad, Al-Fitan, p.93; Al-Maqdisi al-Shafi’i, Aqd al-Durar fi Akhbar al-Muntadhar, p.79, p.83, p.99; see: Fara’id al-Simtayn, Vol.2, p.316; Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, p.73)
Imam Ali (pbuh) also said:
“When the caller from the sky calls out that the truth is with the family of Muhammad (pbuh and his family). At this time, Mahdi will rise.”
(Ja’far bin Muhammad Ibn al-Munadi, Al-Malahim, p.196, H.143)
Imam Sadiq (pbuh) said:
النِّدَاءُ مِنَ الْمَحْتُوم…
The [heavenly] call is among the inevitable signs.
(Nu’mani, Al-Ghibah, H.11)
Sufyani
Another sign of the rise of the promised Mahdi is the uprising of an individual known as “Sufyani”. In Shia hadith sources, its inevitability is emphasized in numerous narrations.
(See: Al-Nu’mani, Al-Ghayba, p.257, H.15 and p.264, H.26; Sheikh Saduq, Kamal al-Din wa Tamam al-Ni’ma, Vol.2, p.650, H.5; Muhammad bin Hasan Tusi, Kitab al-Ghayba, p.435)
In some Sunni hadiths as well, it has been explicitly mentioned as one of the signs of the rise of Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief).
(Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, p.80; Aqd al-Durar, p.76; and also see: Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, Vol.11, p.273)
The “Khasf” in Bayda
The word “Khasf” means to sink and be concealed, and “Bayda” is the name of a land between Mecca and Medina.
The meaning of this sign is that Sufyani, with a massive army, sets out for Mecca with the intention of fighting Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief). Between Mecca and Medina, in a place known as “Bayda”, they will miraculously be swallowed by the earth.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh and his family) said in this regard:
…فَیبْعَثُ إِلَیهِ جَیشٌ من الشام حَتَّی إِذَا کَانُوا بِالْبَیدَاءِ خُسِفَ بِهِمْ…
A group from the Levant will be sent towards him; when they reach the region of Bayda, they will be swallowed by the earth.
(Sanaani, Al-Masnaf, vol. 11, p. 371; And also see: Al-Tabarani, Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat, Vol.2, p.35; Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, Vol.11, p.277, H.31513; Al-Bayan, p.44, H.23; Iqd al-Durar, p.80; Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, p.71)
Murder of the Pure Soul (Nafs al-Zakiyya)
One of the signs mentioned as an inevitable sign, and which has been also pointed out in some Sunni hadith sources, is the killing of a pure and innocent human being on the verge of the uprising of Imam Mahdi (pbuh) between the “Rukn” and the “Maqam”(near the Ka’ba).
(Ibn Abi Shaybah, Al-Musannaf Vol. 8, p.679; Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, Vol.11, p.277; Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti, Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, p.78)
Concerning the Rise of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief)
The Overnight Rectification of the Mahdi’s Uprising
It is understood from narrations that the affair of the rise of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) will be rectified and prepared in one night. This matter is also among the common issues among Shia and Sunnis.
(Al-Bayan fi Akhbar Sahib al-Zaman, p.31, H.11; Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, p.69; Iqd al-Durar, p.210)
Place of his Rise
Regarding the starting point of the rise of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) and the joining of his special companions to him, abundant hadiths have been mentioned. The common point of these narrations is that his rise will begin from Mecca.
(Al-Nu’mani, Al-Ghayba, p.313, H.4 and 315, H.9; Al-Maqdisi al-Shafi’i, Iqd al-Durar, Chapter 2, p.56)
And — based on numerous narrations — he will rise beside the Kaaba.
The holy Prophet of Islam (pbuh and his family) said:
“Groups from Iraq and the elders of the Shaam will come towards Mahdi and pledge allegiance to him between the Rukn and the Maqam…”
(Na’im bin Hammad, Al-Fitan, Section Four, p.242, H.950)
And he also said:
“… Allegiance will be pledged to Mahdi between the Rukn and the Maqam.”
(Al-Maqdisi al-Shafi’i, Iqd al-Durar, Chapter 2, p.56)
The Descent of Angels to Assist Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief)
Among the common subjects between Shia and Sunni is the descent of angels to assist Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) for his rise.
(Aqd al-Durar, p.46, p.117, p.185; Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, p.88; Al-Bayan, p.84, H.53)
The Descent of Jesus (pbuh) and Praying Behind Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief)
One of the very important events in the era of the Imam Mahdi’s (may Allah hasten his relief) uprising is the return of Jesus (pbuh). This event has been pointed out in many narrations.
The holy Prophet of Islam (pbuh and his family) said:
«یلتفت المهدی و قد نزل عیسی بن مریم کانما یقطر من شعره الماء، فیقول المهدی: تقدم، وَصلِّ بالناس فیقول عیسی بن مریم: انما اقیمت الصَّلاة لک فیصلی عیسی خلف رجل من ولدی…»
Mahdi (pbuh) sees that Jesus son of Mary (pbuh) has descended, and it is as if water is dripping from his hair. Then Mahdi says: “Step forward and lead the people in prayer.” Jesus son of Mary (pbuh) replies: “The prayer has been established for you.” Thus, Jesus prays behind a man from my descendants…
(Maqdassi Shafi'i, Aqd al-Darrar, p. 292; Ali ibn Isa Arbali, Kashf al-Ghammah, vol. 3, p. 278)
He also said:
“… Gabriel came to me and said: O Muhammad! Allah Almighty chose seven things from Bani Hashim… and from your lineage is the Qa’im, behind whom Jesus, the son of Mary, will perform his prayer.”
(Al-Kafi, Vol.8, p.50, H.10)
Imam Sadiq (pbuh) said:
«…وَ ینْزِلُ رُوحُ اللَّهِ عِیسَی ابْنُ مَرْیمَ فَیصَلِّی خَلْفَهُ…»
… and the Spirit of God, Jesus son of Mary, will descend and stand in prayer behind him.
(Sheikh Sadouq, Kamal al-Din and Tammam Al-Neema, vol.2, p.330, h.16)
Characteristics of the Governance of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief)
Pervasive Justice
Based on numerous narrations, equity and justice are among the most important goals of the uprising of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief). This significant matter, in addition to Shia narrations, has also been pointed out in a multitude of Sunni narrations.
(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, H.19484; Sunan Abi Dawud, H.4282; Mu’jam al-Kabir al-Tabarani, H.10219 and H.10220)
Public Welfare and Comfort
Another characteristic of the governance of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) is public welfare. This characteristic is also mentioned in Shia and Sunni narrations.
(Al-Bayan, p.43, H.22; Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, p.71, Iqd al-Durar, p.195)
The Holy Prophet (pbuh and his family) said:
«یکون فی امتی المهدی … تعیش امتی فی زمانه عیشاً لم تعشه قبل ذلک.»
Mahdi will be in my Ummah… my Ummah will live in his time a life they have never lived before.
(Ibn Abi Shaiba, Al-Musnaf, vol. 7, H.19484)
And he also said:
«یکُونُ فِی أُمَّتِی الْمَهْدِی … یتَنَعَّمُ فِیهِ أُمَّتِی نِعْمَةً لَمْ یتَنَعَّمُوا مِثْلَهَا قَطُّ.»
Mahdi will be in my Ummah… my Ummah will enjoy blessings in it the likes of which they have never enjoyed.
(Ibn Majeh Qazwini, Sunan, AH 4083; Ali Ibn Isa Erbali, Kashf Al-Ghamma Fi Marafah Al-A’imah, Vol. 3, p. 257)
Universal Satisfaction with the Governance of Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief)
All people after his rise and during the governance of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) will be completely satisfied with his sovereignty. This significant matter has been mentioned in both Shia and Sunni narrations.
(Al-San’ani, Al-Musannaf, H.20770, Al-Bayan, p.42, H.21; Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, p.69; Iqd al-Durar, p.73; Fara’id al-Simtayn, Vol.2, p.310, H.561)
Public Security
Among the important characteristics of the society in the era of the governance of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief) is pervasive and universal security across the entire planet.
(Al-Maqdisi al-Shafi’i, Iqd al-Durar, p.207)
Imam Baqir (pbuh) says in this regard:
“By Allah! [The companions of Mahdi] will fight to the extent that Allah is worshipped in His oneness and no partners are associated with Him, to the point that an elderly and feeble woman can travel from this side of the world to the other side, and no one will bother her.”
(Al-Tabarani, Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir, Vol.8, p.179)
The Feeling of Wealthy Among the People
One of the traits of the people in the era of his governance is a feeling of wealth (being free from need). The Holy Prophet (pbuh and his family) has said:
«أُبَشِّرُکُمْ بِالْمَهْدِی … وَ یمْللاً اللَّهُ قُلُوبَ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ غِنًی…»
I give you the glad tidings of Mahdi… [at the time of his advent] Allah will fill the hearts of the Ummah of Muhammad (pbuh and his family) with wealth… .
(Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 3, p. 37; Muqaddasi Shafi'i, Aqd al-Durar fi Akhbar al-Muntadhar, chapter 8, p. 219; and also see: Al-Bayan, p.61, H.38; Al-Hawi lil-Fatawi, 76)
The Triumph of Islam over Other Religions
Another common topic between Shia and Sunnis is the triumph of Islam over other religions during the governance of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief).
(Aqd al-Durar, p.95)
The Universality of the Governance of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief)
A large number of Islamic hadiths have emphasized the universality of the governance of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief). The Holy Prophet (pbuh and his family) said:
«… یبایع له الناس بین الرکن و المقام، یردالله به الدین و یفتح له فتوحاً، فلایبقی علی وجه الارض الا من یقول: لااله الا الله.»
People will pledge allegiance to him between the Rukn and the Maqam; Allah will restore the religion through him and will grant him conquests, to the point that no one will remain on the earth except that says: “There is no god but Allah.”
(Maqdassi Shafi'i, Aqd Al-Durar, Chapter Two, the penultimate hadith)
Imam Sadiq (pbuh) said:
إِذَا قَامَ الْقَائِمُ لا تَبْقَی أَرْضٌ إِلا نُودِی فِیهَا شَهَادَةُ أَنْ لا إِلَهَ إِلا اللَّهُ وَ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
When the Qa'im rises, there shall not remain any land except that the call will be raised within it, testifying that 'There is no god but Allah' and that 'Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.'
(Ayyashi, Tafsir Ayyashi, vol. 1, p. 207, h.81)
It should be noted that regarding the physical characteristics of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his relief), there are also many common hadiths found in Shia and Sunni sources.
This discussion continues…
Adapted from “Mahdism Textbook” by Khodamorad Salimian with slight modifications.
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