‘AṢR-E- ZUHŪR [THE ERA OF APPEARANCE]. By Ali Al-Kourani AL-Ameli. Tehran, Iran: Nashrebeynolmelal, 2020. Pp. 400. Paper, 600,000 IRR.
In recent decades, particularly following the Islamic Revolution of Iran, there has been a notable rise in the expressions of belief in the figure of Imam Mahdi among Islamic nations, and even non-Islamic ones, manifested through questions, discussions, studies, and publications.
The author has produced several works addressing the subject of Mahdism, including “Majma’ Ahadith al-Imam al-Mahdi,” “Al-Mumahhidun Lil-Mahdi,” and “Al-As’ilah al-Mahdawiyyah.” While numerous works exist in this field, this particular text aims to present a comprehensive and thorough depiction of the era of Imam Mahdi’s appearance, drawing on verses from the Quran and hadith literature.
This work is comprised of 18 distinct sections. The first section outlines the general characteristics of the era of appearance. For instance, the hadith literature suggests that the appearance of Imam Mahdi will begin in Mecca following a series of preliminary regional and international events, with Iranian supporters of Mahdi establishing their own government years prior to his emergence. Additionally, Yemeni supporters are expected to commence their uprising shortly before the Mahdi’s appearance. The author also references the apocalyptic events in the region of Hijaz and the signs of appearance, including a heavenly call. Furthermore, the presence of Jesus alongside Imam Mahdi is highlighted, which will bring joy and elation to both Muslims and Christians worldwide. During the time of appearance, the Antichrist (Dajjal) will attempt to deceive people, particularly the youth. Concurrently, upon the Mahdi’s emergence, the Sufyani will rise against his government, and during its campaign against Mahdi, Sufyani’s army will be swallowed by the earth between Mecca and Medina.
The second section discusses the events and occurrences in the end times that will put Muslims’ faith to the test. These tribulations encompass all cultural and economic facets of Muslim life and are expected to be prolonged turmoil that lasts across various generations leading up to the Mahdi’s appearance.
In the third section, the role of the Romans (interpreted as Europeans and Americans) in relation to the appearance of Imam Mahdi and end-time traditions is examined. The author references hadiths pertaining to the conflict and dominance of the Romans over Muslims, and the arrival of Western vessels on the shores of Arab lands shortly before the Mahdi’s emergence. There are also narrations indicating that Jesus will invite Christians to accept the truth, peace, and follow Imam Mahdi. According to Islamic traditions, during the years of the peace agreement between the Imam and the West, Jesus influences the transformation of Western nations, supposedly residing in the West during this time.
The fourth section addresses the role of the Turks, presumably referring to Russians and Eastern European nations, though certain narrations might suggest it pertains specifically to the Turks of Turkey. This section cites hadiths indicating that the Sufyani’s forces will engage in battle with the Turks in and around Damascus. Additionally, some narrations describe the destruction of the Turkish lands due to lightning and earthquakes, possibly alluding to the use of modern weaponry such as missiles, whose devastation resembles that of lightning and earthquakes.
The fifth section discusses the role of Jews during the era of appearance. Some narrations indicate that Jews will dominate many Arab cities or be present therein. Despite this, based on Quranic verses, God has promised the annihilation of the Jewish people in two distinct phases (Quran 17:1-8). According to traditions, the people whom God incites against the Jews in the second phase are identified with Imam Mahdi, his supporters, and Muslims. Furthermore, the discovery of the Temple of Solomon by Jews is recognized as a sign of the Mahdi’s appearance, as is the finding of the Holy Ark by the Mahdi, which will lead many Jews to believe in him, being a legacy left by the prophets and a sign for the Children of Israel to recognize who is deserving of leadership.
In the sixth section, the role of Arabs in the era of appearance is explored, including the formation of a government in Yemen which will pave the way for the Mahdi’s emergence. Narrations concerning movements in Egypt, factions in Iraq, and the noble and esteemed figures of Sham are also noted. Moreover, some narrations criticize specific Arab rulers for straying from the true essence of Islam.
The seventh section delves into the land of Sham and Sufyani’s movement in the end times, noting an abundance of traditions related to this region and the events and personalities during the Mahdi’s era. The core of these narratives focuses on the Sufyani’s movement, which will dominate Sham. A staunch adversary of the Mahdi, the Sufyani is described by Islamic scholars as being from the lineage of Abu Sufyan. According to the traditions, the Sufyani is educated in Western culture, possibly raised there, and will endeavor to present his movement as a religious one while resorting to severe violence to achieve his objectives. His army will attempt to quash the Mahdi’s uprising, ultimately being swallowed by the earth during their campaign towards Mecca, as the emergence of the Sufyani is cited as a certain sign of the Mahdi’s appearance. Numerous occurrences will unfold in Sham, including widespread strife for all Muslims, Western and Russian dominance, clashes between two powerful factions in Sham, the entry of foreign forces, and escalating economic challenges in the region.
In the eighth section, Yemen’s role during the era of appearance is examined. Numerous narrations from the Ahl al-Bayt detail the emergence of an Islamic movement in Yemen, led by a figure known as “Yamani,” which is recognized as one of the primary signs of the Mahdi’s appearance.
The ninth section addresses the events in Egypt during the era of appearance. A plethora of narrations exists surrounding Egypt’s happenings, including the Prophet’s glad tidings to Muslims regarding its conquest, the dominance of Western forces during the Fatimid revolt, and the events surrounding the Mahdi’s appearance. Moreover, other narrations indicate that Western forces will enter Egypt before the emergence of Sufyani in Damascus, during the year of appearance or close to it. Further traditions suggest that Egypt will become a prominent scientific and missionary base in the global governance of the Mahdi.
The tenth section investigates the role of Iraq during the era of appearance. Numerous narratives have emerged concerning the conditions and events in Iraq, indicating that the region will be a tumultuous battleground among various factions, undergoing four distinct phases. The first phase encompasses the tyranny of oppressors over Iraq prior to the appearance, followed by struggles for influence between the supporters of Ahl al-Bayt and Sufyani’s followers, the third being the occupation of Iraq by Sufyani with the oppression of its people, and the fourth being the complete liberation of Iraq by Imam Mahdi and the cleansing of Sufyani remnants.
The eleventh section discusses the impending global conflict during the Mahdi’s era. Numerous traditions predict the occurrence of a worldwide war before his emergence; however, it is unlikely that this can be directly correlated with the first and second World Wars, as the characteristics attributed to this anticipated global conflict differ significantly from the descriptions of these historical events, with some narrations indicating that the timeline of this war aligns closely with the Mahdi’s appearance.
The twelfth section highlights the role of Iranians in the period leading up to the Mahdi’s emergence. There is consensus among Shia and Sunni resources that the Mahdi will appear following a significant movement that sets the stage for his emergence. In Shia narratives, Iranians and Yemenis play a critical role in paving the way for the Mahdi’s leadership. Some traditions indicate that a figure from the lineage of the Prophet’s household will govern prior to the Mahdi’s emergence and prepare for his state. Other narrations also mention appearances of the Khurasani and Shuaib in Iran, who will emerge during the Mahdi’s rise and participate in his movement, though the identities of these individuals remain a subject of extensive debate.
The thirteenth section addresses the onset of the sacred movement of the Mahdi. Narrations suggest that the Mahdi’s movement will be completed within fourteen months, with the first six months marked by anxiety and concern on his part, as he discreetly leads events through his companions. In the subsequent eight months, he will emerge in Mecca, then head to Medina, proceed to Iraq, and ultimately arrive in Jerusalem, engaging in battles against his adversaries, unifying the Islamic world under his command, and subsequently establishing a ceasefire and peace treaty with the Romans (Westerners).
In the fourteenth section, it is noted that the Imam will initially reveal himself among his 313 special companions. On the eve of the ninth of Muharram, his followers will systematically enter the Sacred Mosque, and the Imam’s sacred movement will commence with his address to the people of Mecca after the evening prayer. That same night, his followers and supporters will seize control of the Holy Sanctuary and the city of Mecca. The following day, on the tenth of Muharram, the Mahdi will convey his message to the world, with everyone receiving it in their own language.
The fifteenth section mentions the descent of Jesus from the heavens. The belief in Jesus’ return in the end times is universally accepted among Muslims. In the Quran (4:159) and Islamic hadith, it states that there will not be a single follower of the Book who does not believe in him before dying, and Jesus will pray behind the Mahdi. Additionally, in the end times, following these occurrences, the attraction of Westerners to Islam will expand.
The sixteenth section delineates the character of the global governance of Imam Mahdi, highlighting that during his reign, the world will be filled with justice, and the roots of oppression will be eradicated. It is foretold that Islam will be revived, permeating the entirety of the globe. Notably, in the hadiths regarding Imam Mahdi, technological advancements within his global rule, the extraction and equitable distribution of the Earth’s treasures, abundance, prosperity, and transformations in natural sciences and living means are emphasized. Moreover, the reign of the Mahdi will reportedly exceed even that of Solomon and Dhul-Qarnayn.
The seventeenth section examines the perspective of Shia regarding Imam Mahdi. Belief in the Imamat of the twelve Imams from the Prophet’s household is a fundamental principle of the faith and a core aspect of Shia doctrine. Thus, the belief that Mahdi, the twelfth Imam, is alive and in occultation is integral to Shia Islam, and without this belief, one cannot be regarded as a Twelver Shia Muslim.
In the final section, the Sunni perspective on Imam Mahdi is explored. Some believe that the concept of Mahdi is a uniquely Shia belief, while in reality, this conviction holds the same foundational significance among Sunnis as it does for Shia. The belief in the Mahdi is a point of consensus between both sects, with the only distinction being that Shia regard him as the twelfth Imam, who is alive and has been granted a long lifespan in occultation; whereas Sunnis argue that his birth and occultation have not been established and that he will be born in the future.
Hossein Baqeri
Tolou International Institute, Qom, Iran.
