VARIOUS CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAHDI

What Does The Term "Mahdi" Mean? Various Hadith Of Our Prophet (saas) Refer To Signs Of The Mahdi In The Qur'anVerses From The Qur'an About The End Times And The MahdiThe Portents Revealed By Our Prophet (saas) Are Happening Just As He Described, One After The Other And In Our Own DayThere Can Be No Doubt About The Coming Of The MahdiPortents Of The Coming Of The MahdiOur Prophet (Saas) Foretold The Coming Of The Mahdi And The Golden Age

WHAT DOES THE TERM "MAHDI" MEAN?

The concepts of the End Times and the Mahdi may not be that familiar to some people. It will therefore be useful to clarify them before going any further. According to Islamic belief, the

End Times refer to a period close to Doomdsay, when Qur'anic moral values will rule the world and spread widely among the peoples of the world.

People always long for more and better, such as a prettier view, more delicious food, a better life involving no social problems, well-being, peace of mind, abundance and beauty. The End Times refers to a time that encapsulates all that is "greater" and "better." The End Times is a holy time that all believers have longed for down the years, when Islamic values will rule the world and when shortages and scarcity are replaced by plenty and abundance, when injustice

gives way to justice, and when conflict is replaced by peace and security.

The hadith of our Prophet (saas) contain detailed descriptions of this period and its characteristics. Following our Prophet (saas), various great Islamic scholars also made

important statements regarding the End Times. These indicate that the End Times will be full of significant phenomena taking place one after the other. The End Times is an age when the world will first suffer corruption and chaos, after which it attains salvation as people come to

live by the true faith.

In the first stage of the End Times, the world will be corrupted by various philosophical systems that deny the existence of Allah. They will turn away from the reason for their

creation, as a result of which there will be terrible spiritual emptiness and moral degeneration. Dreadful catastrophes, wars and suffering will take place, and people will look for an answer

to the question "How can we be saved?"

This part of the End Times will be one when the faith has also been corrupted. Islam will have departed from its true essence because of various superstitions and beliefs that have

found their way into it. People committing bigotry and hypocrisy under the name of faith will try to spread these superstitions and to prevent people understanding the moral virtues lying

at the heart of Islam. Philosophies encouraging atheism on the one hand and these conservative forces eating away at the faith from the inside on the other, will lead mankind

into terrible darkness.

However, Allah will lead people to salvation from these dark days of the End Times. He will make use of a servant with superior moral virtues and bearing the title of the Mahdi (he who

leads to the truth) to call those people who have lost their way back to the true path. The Mahdi will first wage in intellectual struggle within the Islamic world and will return

Muslims who have departed from the true essence of Islam back to true belief and moral virtues. The Mahdi will have three main tasks at this point:

1. The eradication of philosophical systems that support denial and atheism,

2. To combat superstition by freeing Islam from the hypocrites who have corrupted it. To reveal and apply true Islamic moral values based on the commands of the Qur'an.

3. To strengthen the Islamic world politically and socially, to establish peace, security and well-being, and to resolve social problems.

According to the hadith, the Prophet 'Isa (as) will return to Earth at the same time as the Mahdi, will principally address the Christan and Jewish world, and will summon them to live by the Qur'an by purging them of the errors into which they have fallen. As Christians follow

the Prophet 'Isa (as) the Christian and Islamic worlds will unite in a single belief, and the world will enjoy a period of great peace, security, happiness and well-being, known as the

Golden Age.

The hadith of our Prophet (saas) contain various portents regarding the beginning of the End Times. There are also verses in the Qur'an that allude to this period. The following section sets out various portents of the End Times in the light of hadith and verses of the Qur'an.

VERSES FROM THE QUR'AN ABOUT THE END TIMES AND THE MAHDI

We desired to show kindness to those who were oppressed in the land and to make them leaders and make them inheritors. (Surat al-Qasas, 5)

We have never sent a Prophet to any city without seizing its people with hardship and distress so that hopefully they would be humble. (Surat al-A'raf, 94)

We sent messengers to nations before you, and afflicted those nations with hardship and distress so that hopefully they would humble themselves. (Surat al-An'am, 42)

What reason could you have for not fighting in the way of Allah - for those men, women and children who are oppressed and say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city whose inhabitants are

wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give us a helper from You!"? (Surat an-Nisa', 75)

Corruption has appeared in both land and sea because of what people's own hands have brought about so that they may taste something of what they have done so that hopefully they

will turn back. (Surat ar-Rum, 41)

Allah makes an example of a city which was safe and at peace, its provision coming to it plentifully from every side. Then it showed ingratitude for Allah's blessings so Allah made it

wear the robes of hunger and fear for what it did. (Surat an-Nahl, 112)

Or did you suppose that you would enter the Garden without facing the same as those who came before you? Poverty and illness afflicted them and they were shaken to the point that

the messenger and those who believed with him said,  "When is Allah's help coming?" Be assured that Allah's help is very near. (Surat al-Baqara, 214)

An evil generation succeeded them who neglected the prayer and followed their appetites. They will plunge into the Valley of Evil. (Surah Maryam, 59)

But if anyone turns away from My reminder, his life will be a dark and narrow one. (Surah Ta Ha, 124)

If only the people of the cities had believed and feared [and respected Allah], We would have opened up to them blessings from heaven and earth. But they denied the truth so We seized

them for what they earned. (Surat al-A'raf, 96)

Would that there had been more people with a vestige of good among the generations of those who came before you, who forbade corruption in the Earth, other than the few among

them whom We saved. Those who did wrong gladly pursued the life of luxury that they were given and were evildoers. (Surah Hud, 116)

When he leaves you, he goes about the Earth corrupting it, destroying crops and animals. Allah does not love corruption.

(Surat al-Baqara, 205)

***

Truly you are one of the Messengers on a Straight Path. (Surah Ya Sin, 3-4)

The People of the Book who are unbelievers and the idolators would not be cut off until the clear sign came to them: a messenger from Allah reciting purified texts containing upright

precepts. (Surat al-Bayyina, 1-3)

Do people find it so surprising that We should reveal to a man among them:  "Warn mankind and give good news to those who believe that they are on a sure footing with their Lord'? The

unbelievers say,  "This is downright magic!" (Surah Yunus, 2)

Every nation has a messenger and when their messenger comes everything is decided between them justly. They are not wronged. (Surah Yunus, 47)

It is He Who sent His messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every other deen, even though the idolators detest it. (Surat at-Tawba, 33)

It is He Who sent His messenger with the Guidance and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every other religion and Allah suffices as a witness. (Surat al-Fath, 28)

You who believe! If any of you renounce your religion, Allah will bring forward a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble to the believers, fierce to the unbelievers, who strive in the way of Allah and do not fear the blame of any censurer. That is the unbounded

favour of Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah is Boundless, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Ma'ida, 54)

Let there be a community among you who call to the good, and enjoin the right, and forbid the wrong. They are the ones who have success. (Surah Al 'Imran, 104)

We appointed leaders from among them, guiding by Our command when they were steadfast and when they had certainty about Our signs. (Surat as-Sajda, 24)

He said,   "Go down from it, all of you, as enemies to one another! But when guidance comes to you from Me, all those who follow My guidance will not go astray and will not be

miserable."(Surah Ta Ha, 123)

He who brings the truth and he who confirms it - those are the people who respect [and fear Allah].

(Surat az-Zumar, 33)

***

Fight them until there is no more strife and the religion is Allah's alone. If they stop, Allah sees what they do. (Surat al-Anfal, 39)

Say to those who are unbelievers:   "You will be overwhelmed and crowded into Hell. What an evil resting-place!" (Sura al-Imran, 12)

As for those who strive in Our way, We will guide them to Our paths. Truly Allah is with the good-doers.

(Surat al-'Ankabut, 69)

Musa said to his people,  "Seek help in Allah and be steadfast. The Earth belongs to Allah. He bequeathes it to any of His servants He wills. The successful outcome is for those who

fear [and respect Allah]." They said,  "We suffered harm before you came to us and after you came to us." He said,  "It may well be that your Lord is going to destroy your enemy and

make you the successors in the land so that He can see how you behave." (Surat al-A'raf, 128-129)

This was so that He might verify the truth and nullify the false, even though the evildoers hate that.

(Surat al-Anfal, 8)

Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through it and it vanishes clean away! Woe without end for you for what you portray! (Surat al-Anbiya', 18)

Say: "My Lord hurls forth the Truth - the Knower of all unseen things." Say: "The Truth has come. Falsehood cannot originate or regenerate."

(Surah Saba', 48-49)

Say:  "Truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Falsehood is always bound to vanish." (Surat al-Isra', 81)

They desire to extinguish Allah's light with their mouths. But Allah refuses to do other than perfect His light, even though the unbelievers detest it. (Surat at-Tawba, 32)

.those who follow the Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, whom they find written down with them in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding them to do right and forbidding them to do

wrong, making good things lawful for them and bad things unlawful for them, relieving them of their heavy loads and the chains which were around them. Those who believe in him and honor him and help him, and follow the light that has been sent down with him, they are the

ones who are successful. (Surat al-Ar'af, 157)

They desire to extinguish Allah's light with their mouths but Allah will perfect His light, though the unbelievers hate it. (Surat as-Saff, 8)

Then We will rescue Our messengers and those who believe as well. It is incumbent upon Us to rescue the believers. (Surah Yunus, 103)

Allah is the Protector of those who have believe. He brings them out of the darkness into the light. But those who do not believe have false deities as protectors. They take them from the light into the darkness. Those are the Companions of the Fire remaining in it timelessly, for

ever.(Surat al-Baqara, 257)

They say,  "If we follow the guidance with you, we shall be forcibly uprooted from our land." Have We not established a safe haven for them to which produce of every kind is brought,

provision direct from Us? But most of them do not know it. (Surat al-Qasas, 57)

Similarly We never sent any warner before you to any city  without the affluent among them saying, "We found our fathers following a religion      and we are simply following in their

footsteps." Say:  "What if I have come with better guidance than what you found your fathers following?" They say,  "We reject what you have been sent with."

(Surat az-Zukhruf, 23-24)

***

And peace be upon the messengers. (Surat as-Saffat, 181)

Those are Allah's signs which We recite to you with truth. You are indeed one of the messengers. (Surat al-Baqara, 252)

. Wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together. Truly Allah has power over all things. (Surat al-Baqara, 148)

They said,  "Are we to forsake our deities for a mad poet?" Rather he has brought the truth and confirmed the messengers. (Surat as-Saffat, 36-37)

Our word was given before to Our servants, the messengers, that they would certainly be helped. It is Our army which will be victorious. (Surat as-Saffat, 171-173)

Messengers before you were also denied but they were steadfast in the face of the denial and injury they suffered until Our help arrived. There is no changing the words of Allah. And

news of other messengers has come to you. (Surat al-An'am, 34)

By those sent forth in succession. (Surat al-Mursalat, 1)

It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to exalt it over every other religion, though the idolators hate it. (Surat as-Saff, 9)

***

Allah has promised those of you who believe and do right actions that He will make them successors in the land as He made those before them successors, and will firmly establish for them their religion with which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear, security. 

(Sura an-Nur, 55)

When Allah's help and victory have arrived and you have seen people entering Allah's religion in droves, then glorify your Lord's praise and ask His forgiveness. He is the Ever-

Returning. (Surat an-Nasr, 1-3)

We wrote down in the Zabur, after the reminder came:  "It is My servants who are righteous who will inherit the Earth." (Surat al-Anbiya', 105)

He bequeathed their land, their houses and their wealth to you, and another land you had not yet trodden on. Allah has power over all things. (Surat al-Ahzab, 27)

Then We appointed you after them to be successors on the Earth so We might observe how you would act. (Surah Yunus, 14)

He Who responds to the oppressed when they call on Him and removes their distress, and has appointed you as successors on the Earth. Is there another deity besides Allah? How little you

pay heed! (Surat an-Naml, 62)

Those who, if We establish them firmly on the earth, will establish prayer and pay alms, and command what is right and forbid what is  wrong. The end result of all affairs is with Allah.

(Surat al-Hajj, 41)

Do not give up and do not be downhearted. You shall be uppermost if you are believers.(Surah Al 'Imran, 139)

Except those who believe and do right actions and remember Allah repeatedly and defend themselves after they have been wronged? Those who do wrong will soon know the kind of

reversal they will receive! (Surat ash-Shu'ara', 227)

And We bequeathed to the people who had been oppressed the easternmost part of the land We had blessed, and its westernmost part as well.  (Sura al-Ar'af, 137)

Allah has written,  "I will be victorious, I and and My messengers." Allah is Most Strong, Almighty. (Surat al-Mujadala, 21)

Do not imagine that Allah will break His promise to His messengers. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. (Surah Ibrahim, 47)

We will leave you the land to live in after them. That is the reward of those who fear My station and fear My threat. They asked for Allah's victory, and every obdurate tyrant failed.

(Surah Ibrahim, 14-15)

And other things you love: support from Allah and imminent victory. Give good news to the believers!(Surat as-Saff, 13)

Truly We have granted you a clear victory, so that Allah may forgive you your earlier error and any later ones and complete His blessing upon you, and guide you on a Straight Path, and

so that Allah may help you with a mighty help. (Sura al-Fath, 1-3)

He knew what you did not know and ordained, in place of this, an imminent victory. (Surat al-Fath, 27)

There is good news for them in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There is no changing the words of Allah. That is the great victory! (Surah Yunus, 64)

Say:  "Everyone is waiting expectantly so wait expectantly. You will soon know who are the Companions of the Right Path and who is is guided." (Surah Ta Ha, 135)

Allah will certainly help those who help Him - Allah is All-Strong, Almighty, (Surat al-Hajj, 40)

You who believe! Obey Allah and obey the messenger and those in command among you. (Surat an-Nisa', 59)

 We said,  "Have no fear. You will have the upper hand." (Surah Ta Ha, 68)

***

Those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and give of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a transaction which will not prove profitless: (Surah

Fatir, 29)

The metaphor of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain which produces seven ears; in every ear there are a hundred grains. Allah gives such multiplied

increase to whoever He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Baqara, 261)

"Eat of your Lord's provision and give thanks to Him: a bountiful land and a forgiving Lord."(Surah Saba', 15)

What is with you runs out but what is with Allah goes on for ever. Those who were steadfast will be recompensed according to the best of what they did. Anyone who acts rightly, male or

female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and We will recompense them according to the best of what they did. (Sura an-Nahl, 96-97)

Allah calls to the Abode of Peace and He guides whom He wills to a straight path.Those who do good will have the best and more! Neither dust nor debasement will darken their faces.

They are the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (Surah Yunus, 25-26)

Say, "All favour is in Allah's Hand and He gives it to whoever He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. He picks out for His mercy whoever He wills. Allah's favour is

indeed immense."(Surah Al  'Imran, 73-74)

He gives wisdom to whoever He wills and he who has been given wisdom has been given great good. But no one pays heed but people of intelligence. (Surat al-Baqara, 269)

THE PORTENTS REVEALED BY OUR PROPHET (SAAS) ARE HAPPENING JUST AS HE DESCRIBED, ONE AFTER THE OTHER AND IN OUR OWN DAY

The words of the hadith uttered by our Prophet (saas) that we are considering here are easy to understand. A method by which we can distinguish between truth and falsehood is also available. The hadith concerning Doomsday refer to events that will take place in the future. Therefore, the fact that the hadith are taking place one by one removes all doubt as to the source of those words.

Several Islamic scholars who conducted research on the subject of the End Times and of the signs of the Last Day have used this criterion. An expert on the subject, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, said that the fact that the hadiths concerning the End Times correspond to events observed in our day shows the truth of the hadith. (Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, Risale-i Nur Collection, the Rays, Fourteenth Ray)

Some of the signs related in the hadith were observable in some part of the world in any period during the 1400 year history of Islam, but that would not have proven that that period was the the End Times. For a certain period to be called the End Times, all the signs of the Last Day must be observed to be occurrence in that same period. This is expressed in a hadith:

    Signs following one another like the pieces of a necklace falling one after the other when its string is cut. Tirmidhi)

THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT ABOUT THE COMING OF THE MAHDI

 

The Hadiths Regarding The Mahdi Are Tawatur

The word 'tawatur' means 'powerful news, an account based on a whole community and which cannot be wrong.' (Great Dictionary -Tür-Dav, 3003). According to hadith analysts, if an account has been related by several people, and if it is impossible for these people to have

come together and fabricated it, then that account is said to be 'mutawatir' (known by common consensus of reporters). Many Islamic scholars have stated that our Prophet's (saas)

hadiths on the subject of Hazrat Mahdi (as) are 'mutawatir'.

 In Ibn Hajar Al-Askalani Fat-hal-Bari, it has become mutawatir that the Mahdi will be from this nation and the Prophet Jesus (as) will pray behind him. Shawkani also says that the

number of hadiths reporting that Jesus (as) will return has reached to 29. He reported all of them and finally said: "The hadith we have reported reached the level of mutawatir. With this

statement, we can conclude that the hadith about the awaited Mahdi, the hadith about the Dajjal and the return of Jesus (as) are mutawatir." (Sunan Ibn Majah 10/338)

The sahih hadith about the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as) has become mutawatir.(Signs of the Judgment Day, s.193)

According to their assumption, Hazrat Mahdi (as) has passed away and gone... However, the hadith concerning this subject are very well known. Moreover, they are at the level of

spiritual tawatur and they contradict the words of the others. (Maktubat, Rabbani, 2/250)

There are many hadith reported by the Messenger of Allah (saas) at the level of mutawatir about the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as).

(Ab'ul Hasan Muhammad Ibn Hasan al-Uberi Sicistani, Manaqib al-Shafi / Dr .G. Huseyn Tacirinasab, (Mahdism and Imam Mahdi), p.88, p.405)

The existence of Hazrat Mahdi (as) and that he will emerge in the end times, that he is from the family of the Prophet (saas) and the sons of Fatima, are explained by hadith at the level of tawatur and there is no sense in denying these hadith. It has been proved by clear and explicit

hadith that exceed the level of tawatur that Hazrat Mahdi (as) is from the predecessors of Fatima, that he will emerge before the end of the world, that he will bring justice and peace to this world which is full of injustice and oppression, that Jesus (as) will descend from the sky

in his time and pray in his leadership. (Muhammad Ibn 'Abd Al-Rasul Al-Barzanji Madani, el-isae, pp.184, 305 / Mahdism and

Imam Mahdi, p.328)

One of the biggest signs of the day of resurrection is the emergence of a 'person' about whom there are many hadith that exceed the level of tawatur. Many hadith scholars have accepted that Hazrat Mahdi (as) comes from the Prophet's family, so it would be unbecoming to turn

our backs on such a mutewatir subject. According to the belief of the righteous, Hazrat Mahdi (as) is different from Jesus (as). Hazrat Mahdi (as) will appear before the Messiah. This

subject has become spread among the Sunni scholars to such an extent that it can be regarded as their belief.

(Summary from Shams Ud-Din Muhammad Bin Ahmad As-Safarayni, al-Anwar al-bahiya, V.2, p.74-76-86)

Muhammad ibn Ali al- Sawkani said in his book called "at-Tawzih...":...These (The reports about Hazrat Mahdi (as), Dajjal and the Messiah) are undoubtedly mutawatir hadith. They

can be seen as the command of the Prophet (saas). In this sense, just as the reports about the Dajjal and the Messiah are mutawatir, so are those about the Mahdi.

(Muhib Ibn Salih al-Burayni, Iqd ad-Durar fi Akhbar al-Imam al-Muntazar, p.14-15 / Abi Al-Tayyab Siddiq, al-Izaetu... p.95, 130 / (Mahdism and Imam Mahdi) p.329)

The hadith about Hazrat Mahdi (as) have exceeded the level of spiritual tawatur, there is no sense in their being rejected.

(Sheikh Hassan Al-Hamzawi, Mashariq al-Anwar, F.2, p.115, -1307 H. Basimi / (Mahdism and Imam Mahdi) p. 329)

...The hadith about the Mahdi are more than the level of tawatur. They exist in the books "Sunan", "Masnad" and "Mu'cam.

(M.Siddik Ibn Hasan Qunuji, al-Izaetu... p.94)

As well as the sources cited above, many writers in countless works have stated that the hadiths which have come down to us on the subject of Hazrat Mahdi (as) possess a 'tawatur'

level of certainty. Some of these Islamic scholars and their works are:

1. Abu Abdillah Muhammad bin Yusuf Ganji, al-Bayan fi Akhbar Sa'hibi-z-Zaman, p. 126 2. Muhammad ibn Ahmad Qurtubi, Kitab Al-Tadhkirah Bi-Ahwal Al-Mawta Wa-Umur Al-

akhirah, p. 710 3. Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya Muhammad b. Abi Bakr Dimishqi, Al-Manar al-Munif, p. 142

4. Ahmad ibn Ali Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Al-Nukat ala Taqrib Al-Tahdhib  , V.9, p. 1265. Jalal Ad-Din As-Suyuti, Al-'Arf al-Wardi, Al hawi Lilfatawi, V.2, p. 165

6. Ab'ul-Abbas Ibn Hajar Ahmad Ibn Muhammad Haytami, Al-Sawa`iq al-Muhriqa, p. 99 / Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar, p. 23

7. Muhammad Ibn 'Abd Al-Rasul Al-Barzanji Madani, al-Isae, pp. 147, 1858. Shams Ud-Din Muhammad Bin Ahmad As-Safarayni, al-Anwar al-bahiya, V.2, p. 89 /

Ahwal Yaum al-Qiyamah, p. 339. Muhammad b. `Ali al-Sabban al-Misri, Is`af al-raghibin, Nur'ul-Ebsar printed footnotes p.

192 directly from Al-Sawa`iq al-Muhriqa.10. Shablanji, Shaykh Mumin bin Hasan Mumin, Nur ul Absar, p. 189

11. Muhammad Siddiq Khan al-Qunuji, al-Izae, p. 12012. Abu Abd-Allah Muhammad B. Jafar Al-Idrisi Al-Qatani, Nazmu'ul-Mutanasir Fi'l-

Hadith'il-Mutawatir, p. 14513. Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Ghimari, Ibraz al-Wahm al-Maknun, pp. 3-4

14. Abdul Muhsin al Abbad, Majallat al-Jami`ah al-Islamiyah, No. 3, Year 1, p. 598

Accounts of the Coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as) by Islamic Scholars

Many great Islamic scholars have made statements confirming that no doubt attaches to the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as) in the final times. One of the best known of these is Muhyi Ad-

Din Ibn Al-Arabi. In his work al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya, Arabi says:

'It is certain that when the world is full of cruelty and injustice, the caliph of Allah will rise up and fill the earth with justice and equality ... He will divide general earnings equally

among the people, govern them with justice and decide on disputes between them ... Allah will order his activities in one night, and victory will always proceed him ... He will walk in

the footsteps of the Prophet and never deviate from them ... He will do away with superstitions, and only the true religion will prevail...'

(Ibn al-Arabi, Futuhat al-Makkiya, Vol. 3, pages 327-328)

Someone else who has made statements on this subject is the famous Egyptian writer Sheikh Mansur Ali Nasif, who describes belief in the Mahdi in these terms in one of his works:

'It is certain that one called the Mahdi from the People of the House will appear and rule the lands of Islam. Muslims will follow him, and He will govern them with justice and strengthen

the religion. After that, the Anti-Christ will emerge, and the Messiah (the Prophet Jesus) and either kill the Anti-Christ or help the Mahdi to do so.'

(At-Tajul-Jami'u Lil-Ussoul, Vol. 5, p. 341)

The writer Sayyid Sabik, an academic at Egypt's al-Azhar University's Department of Beliefs, makes the following comments about the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as) in his book Aqaid-i-

Islamiya, published as a selected text by the Islamic Conference:

'The essence of the promise regarding the Mahdi is this: He will appear soon, at the end of time ... At a time when the world is full of cruelty and injustice, he will fill it with justice and good governance. It is certain that he will bring the law of Islam to the fore and will give new

life to the weakened Sunna of the Prophet.' (Aqaid-i-Islamiya, p. 250)

In his book 'ar-Raddu,' Ala al-Din Ali ibn Abd-al-Malik Husam al-Din al-Muttaqi al-Hindi says:

'May Allah have compassion on you and may you know that there is no doubt about the coming of the promised Mahdi. Three hundred and more hadiths and works have proved this.'

(Jasim Muhalhil, al-Burhan, Vol. 1, page 339 / (Mahdism and Imam Mahdi), p. 328)

Alongside these statements of famous Islamic scholars, there are also detailed accounts of the belief of the People of the Sunna regarding the coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as). Some of these

are as follows:

In his book "Sharh us-Sunnah", Hanbali Abu Muhammad al-Barbahari writes of the belief of the People of the Sunna, '... The belief that Jesus, son of Mary, will come down from the sky

and kill the Anti-Christ, and that he will pray behind Qaim (the Mahdi) of the sons of the Prophet Muhammad.'

(Jasim Muhalhil, al-Burhan.., Vol. 1, page 426)

'Based on the true hadiths, one certain belief is in the existence of the Mahdi (who will appear). In his time, the Anti-Christ and the Messiah will appear.'

(Ibn Hajar, bn Hajar al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar, p. 74)

'In his book Sharh us-Sunnah Abu Al-Asbal Ahmad Ahmad Muhammad Shakir writes: According to this Sunna that has come down from many of the companions of the Prophet,

belief in the Mahdi is proven, and nobody has the right to entertain any doubts on the matter.' (Jasim Muhalhil, al-Burhan..., Vol. 1, p. 343)

'This means that it is obligatory to believe that the Mahdi will appear, and it is necessary to believe that in order to abide by the commands of the Prophet. This matter has been recorded

and proven in the books of faith of the People of the Sunna.' (Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Ghimari, Ibraz al-Wahm al-Maknun, pp. 3-4)

There can be no doubt that these commentaries by Islamic scholars of those hadiths concerning the coming and actions of Hazrat Mahdi (as) are of the greatest importance. Even more important, however, is the fact that our Prophet's hadiths regarding the final times and Hazrat Mahdi (as) are actually coming true one after the other. These events leave no room

for doubt about their veracity, nor that they are coming true as a miracle of our Prophet (saas).

VARIOUS CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAHDI

What Does The Term "Mahdi" Mean? Various Hadith Of Our Prophet (saas) Refer To Signs Of The Mahdi In The Qur'anVerses From The Qur'an About The End Times And The MahdiThe Portents Revealed By Our Prophet (saas) Are Happening Just As He Described, One After The Other And In Our Own DayThere Can Be No Doubt About The Coming Of The MahdiPortents Of The Coming Of The MahdiOur Prophet (Saas) Foretold The Coming Of The Mahdi And The Golden Age

OUR PROPHET (SAAS) FORETOLD THE COMING OF THE MAHDI AND THE GOLDEN AGE

As has already been described, the Mahdi will come in the End Times and save the entire world from the terrible confusion, injustices and moral degeneration afflicting it. Many of the Mahdi's attributes are described in the hadith related from our Prophet (saas) and in various accounts from his companions. He will do away with ideologies that deny the existence of

Allah, put an end to the continuing injustices, oppression and terror all over the world, ensure that people live by the faith as in the time of our Prophet (saas), establish the rule of Qur'anic moral values, and build peace and security across the world.

This task undertaken by the Mahdi is a very difficult and wide-ranging responsibility and one calling for considerable endeavour. There is a high likelihood that the Mahdi, who will assume and successfully discharge that responsibility,

represents a spiritual entity due to reign during the End Times, as various Islamic scholars have suggested. Every spiritual movement has a leader, of course, and the blessed Mahdi is the leader who will appear in the End Times. (Allah knows the

truth)

As we shall be seeing throughout this site, the portents of the End Times have one by one been taking place. The Mahdi is a spiritual entity encapsulating the devout soul of the virtuous, heroic and steadfast Turkish nation. As a legacy from the

Ottoman Empire that once ruled over three continents, the Turkish nation will grow and become a super-power and, when the time comes, will base itself on Islamic moral values in such a way as to produce a modern, enlightened and peaceful

world. That is the system of the Mahdi. But every spiritual movement must still have a leader, and the blessed Mahdi is the true leader who will be coming in the End Times.

By Allah's leave, the 21st century will be a most excellent age, in which people across the world will turn to the faith, and particularly in the nations of the West.

HAZRAT MAHDI’S (AS) SPIRITUAL FEATURES AND SUPERIOR MORAL VALUES

HIS MORAL VALUES WILL BE SIMILAR TO THOSE OF OUR PROPHET (SAAS)

Hazrat Mahdi (as) is extremely submissive towards Allah. In moral terms, he is like the Prophet (saas). (Portents of the Last Day, Barzanji, p.163)

A child of mine whose morality is similar to me will emerge. (Al-Burhan fi `Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, p. 21)  

Allah describes our Prophet’s (saas) superior moral values:

“And, doubtlessly, you are blessed with a great moral character.” (Surat al-Qalam, 4)

BELIEVERS ADOPT HIS MORAL VIRTUE AS A ROLE MODEL

He attains divine virtue. He receives knowledge of the faith and exemplary moral virtue from Allah. (Konavi Risalat al-Mahdi, p. 161 B)

The Qur’an reveals that our Prophet (saas) is the finest possible role model for true believers:

You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much. (Surah al-Ahzab, 21)  HE IS FIGHTER AND VALIANT

The days and nights will not end until a man from the Family of my House [Hazrat Mahdi (as)], who will easily prevent disorder and who will not be dissuaded from doing so even by threatened to be killed, appears. (Al-Suyuti, Portents of the Mahdi, p. 13)

Hazrat Mahdi (as) will be dedicated to his work. (Portents of the Last Day, Barzanji, p. 175)

He will continue his struggle until people return to the truth. (Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar, Ahmad ibn Hajar Makki, p. 23)

Hazrat Mahdi (as) will perform his duties scrupulously and will not go back on his word. (The Book of Portents of the Mahdi of the End Times, p. 24)

Even if mountains rise up before him he will crush and cross them, and he will find a path for himself in those mountains. (The Book of Portents of the Awaited Mahdi, p. 39)

Allah speaks of His messengers’ excellent moral values and valiant natures in many verses. They responded to their peoples’ denial, mockery, snares, and assaults in the finest possible manner and always overcame them, with Allah’s help.

Therefore, carry out the orders given to you and disregard the idol worshippers. (Surat Al-Hijr, 94)

Therefore, do not obey the unbelievers and strive mightily against them with this (Qur’an). (Surat al-Furqan, 52)

Those who respond to Allah and his Messenger, despite the persecution they suffer, and maintain their good works and lead a righteous life will have a great reward. (Surah Al ‘Imran, 172) HE WILL FEAR ALLAH

Hazrat Mahdi (as) is a person who, as the shaking of a bird’s wings, has a deep fear for Allah.  (The Book of Portents of the Awaited Mahdi of the End Times [Al- Burhan fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar], p. 23)

Hazrat Mahdi (as) is extremely submissive towards Allah. (Portents of the Last Day, Barzanji, p.163)  

HE WILL BE VERY COMPASSIONATE

Hazrat Mahdi (as) will be so compassionate that no one will be woken up from their sleep or have a bleeding nose. (Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi `Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar, p. 42)  

His compassion for the poor is one of the signs of Hazrat Mahdi (as). (Fera Idu Fevaidi'l Fiqr,)

He has great compassion for the wronged. (Nu’aym ibn Hammad, vr. 50b; Al-Uqayli, An-Najmu al-Saqib)

In listing Hazrat Mahdi’s (as) characteristics, the great Islamic scholar Ibn al-Arabi refers to his superior compassionate thus:

1 He has foresight,2 He understands the Book,3 He knows the meaning of verses,4 He knows that state and actions of those he will assign,5 He will still be compassionate and just even when angered,6 He knows the classes of beings,7 He knows the intricate aspects of affairs,8 He has a sound understanding of people’s needs, and9 The manifestation of secret things in his time, because only then will he be able to resolve any problems that may arise. (Signs of the Judgment Day, p. 189)

HE HAS A POWERFUL URGE TO DEFEND ISLAM

The hadiths say that Hazrat Mahdi’s (as) protective instincts are very powerful. He will respond to every word spoken and neutralize every action taken against Islam.

Even a single word spoken against Islam will offend him. (al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar, p. 30)

HE IS INDEBTED TO NOBODY

He is from my community, a man who does not lower himself (who feels gratitude only toward Allah). (al-Suyuti, Al-Hawi, 2/24)

HE WILL NOT TELL PEOPLE OF HIS NEEDS

Hussain was asked: “By what signs will Hazrat Mahdi (as) be known?” He replied, “… People will need him, but he will express his needs to no one.” (Fera Idu Fevaidi'l Fiqr)

HIS ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY

He assumes all duties and helps the weak and lowly. (Muhyiddin ibn al-Arabi Futuhat al-Makkiye, 366, vol. 3, p. 327- 28)

HIS SPLENDOR

Hussain (ra) was asked: “By what signs will Hazrat Mahdi (as) be known?” He replied: “By his ease of heart and dignity, by his knowing what is lawful and what is unlawful.” (Fera Idu Fevaidi'l Fiqr)

HE WILL UPHOLD THE TRUTH AGAINST CRUELTY

The Mahdi will defend the truth against the oppressors. Indeed, he will extract the molar tooth (anything unjustly held) of a (cruel) person and restore it to its rightful owner. (Al-Uqayli, Al-Najmu al-Saqib)

HIS PURITY

At a time of (systems) change, a man known as the Mahdi will come. He will be pure and beautiful. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi, p. 14)

He will appear at a time of strife, and his purity will be unmatched. (Al-Haythami, Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar, p. 24)

HAZRAT MAHDI’S (AS) GENEROSITY

There will be a caliph in the End Times who will distribute goods without counting or calculating them. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi, p. 15)

A leader will come from your leaders, and he will not count goods. Whenever he is asked for something, he will say: “Take it.” That person will then lay out his shirt and fill it. (Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi, p. 15)

WHEN THE MAHDI WILL APPEAR

Anas recounted the words of Malik. He said that the Messenger of Allah (saas) stated:

The life span of the world is seven days in the afterlife days. Almighty Allah said that a day in the sight of the Lord is like a thousand of your years. (Suyuti, Al-Kashf 'an (fi) Mujawazat Hadihi l-umma al-Alf, al-Hawi lil Fatawi, p. 10)

Anas ibn Malik narrates that the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: Allah will ascribe the equivalent of good deeds of the seven

thousand years of the age of this world to the one who meets the need of any of his brothers in the faith on the path of Allah as if he spends his days in fasting and his nights in worship.  (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-zaman, 88)

The Messenger of Allah (saas) used comparisons to describe matters referring to the past, the future and the Hereafter.

The reference to 7,000 years here does not mean that the real age of the world is 7,000 years.

(Allah knows the truth) At that time, accounts regarding these 7,000 years may refer, like the start of a calendar, to the beginning of a very important event in human history,

such as human beings establishing a settled life style after the flood and the life of this world restarting in a new form. In other words, the history of mankind may have

restarted, people's numbers may have grown and urbanisation may have begun anew after that date. Some of the ulama have referred to the period following the Prophet

Nuh (as) as a new beginning in the history of mankind. In the same way that Christians accept as if an important event took place 1987 years ago and divide history into dates before that time and dates after it, this account may well refer to a dating system based on events taking place prior to 7,000 years ago and events after. In other words, if the

life of this world is 7,000 years, and if one says that "I am in a certain date of that period", then this person is referring to a specific way of calculating dates.

Imam Rabbani related the following in his Letters.

Subsequently, 124,000 prophets came and went. (Letters of Rabbani, 1/354)

124,000 prophets came and went between the time of the Prophet Adam (as) and the Messenger of Allah (saas). In another account Imam Rabbani says:

The period of "1,000 years" that passed is the time up to the coming of a Ul'il Azm (great) prophet in past communities."(Letters of Rabbani, 1/495)

Generally speaking, a prophet came every 100 years and an Ul'il Azm prophet every 1000 years. If we agree that a prophet comes every 100 years, then from the time of the Prophet

Adam (as) to the Messenger of Allah (saas):

124,000 x 100= 12,400,000 (years must have passed.) That means that in referring to the age of this world as 7,000 years, our Prophet (saas) is not speaking of its true age but of

the date of the beginning of a most significant event. (Allah knows the truth.) 

Ahmad Ibn Hanbal says: 

Five thousand, six hundred years have passed from this world.  (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-zaman, 89)

Previous hadith have shown that the age of the world is 7,000 years. Reference is made to 5,600 years passing before our Prophet (saas). According to that account, the life of the community of

Muhammad extended until the year 1400 (Hegira calendar). (7,000-5,600=1,400)(Allah knows the truth)

Ahmad Ibn Hanbal says: 

Five thousand, six hundred years have passed from this world.  (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-zaman, 89)

It has been related from Abdullah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: One of my people whose name is the same as mine will assume leadership... If but one day of life remains to the world, Allah will prolong that day to permit him to assume dominion. (Tirmidhi)

The blessed Ali narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: Even if no more than a day remains until Doomsday, Allah will send an individual from my Ahl al-Bayt.   (Abu Dawud)

Ibn al-Majah and Abu Naim relate an account from Abu Huraira, saying that the Prophet (saas) said: If only one day remains to the world Allah will prolong that day and make one from my Ahl al-Bayt lord.Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-zaman, 10  Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- Muntadhar, 27  Death - Doomsday - The Hereafter and the Portents of the End Times, p. 437

As can be seen from various accounts and conditions, the year 1400 (according to the Hegira calendar) is also the year of the emergence of the Mahdi. Even if only one day!

remains until the year 1400, Doomsday will be postponed for a certain length of time to allow the Mahdi, who is ready and waiting to serve, to do his duty. (Allah knows the

truth.) Another trustworthy account from Ibn Abbas cites the Prophet (saas) as saying: The world is seven days long, each day is like a thousand years, and the Messenger of

Allah  (saas) was sent at the end of that. 

Zeid Al-Juhani narrated:  I told the Messenger of Allah (saas) of a dream I had had. In that dream the Messenger of Allah (saas) was at the top step of a seven-stepped pulpit. He said:The seven-stepped pulpit you see is the seven thousand years of the age of this world. I shall be in the last thousand of those years.'

(Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, 89)

Zeid Al-Juhani narrated:  I told the Messenger of Allah (saas) of a dream I had had. In that dream the Messenger of Allah (saas) was at the top step of a seven-stepped pulpit. He said:The seven-stepped pulpit you see is the seven thousand years of the age of this world. I shall be in the last thousand of those years.'

(Al-Burhan fi 'Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir az-Zaman, 89)

As can be seen from these accounts, the life span of the community extends up to 1400 (Hegira style). In 1400 (Hegira style), one day (i.e. one thousand years) will come to an end. Yet the community was still awaiting the coming of the blessed Mahdi on that day of closing.

Therefore, that one day (one millennium) will be extended in such a way as to make the blessed Mahdi's duties possible.

Imam Rabbani reveals that the Mahdi will appear in the second millennium following the death of our Prophet (saas):

"It is expected that, after 1,000 years, this secret administration will be renovated. It will be granted with superiority... This way, genuine virtue will emerge and cover the degradation... And it is expected that the Mahdi, the supporter, will come. May Allah be pleased with him." (Imam Rabbani, Letters of Rabbani, vol. 1, p. 569)

The confirmation of the religious law, the renovation of people takes place in this second thousand. The just witnesses of the truthfulness of this cause are the existence of the Prophet Isa [as] and Mahdi in this period (the second thousand years). (Imam Rabbani, Letters of Rabbani, vol. 1, p. 611)

Those among the nation of Allah's Messenger (saas) are highly perfected in faith. It does not matter whether they are few in number, even a thousand years passes after the death of our Prophet (saas). Their being perfected in faith serves to the following end: strengthening the Islamic law in its true sense.The coming of the Mahdi after 1,000 years serves this purpose. Our Prophet (saas), the last Messenger, gave the glad tidings of his coming. The Prophet 'Isa (as), on the other hand, will come down after 1,000 years. (Imam Rabbani, Letters of Rabbani, vol. 1, p. 440)

A thousand years after the death of our Prophet (saas), people will enter the second millennium. According to Imam Rabbani, quoted above, the Mahdi and the Prophet 'Isa (as) will come during that time. The most appropriate time is between the years 1400 and 1600. These years fall in the exact middle of the second millennium. The

prevalence of Islamic moral values is to be expected from 1400 to 1500, and degeneration and Doomsday between 1500 and 1600.

The life of this community will exceed 1,000 years, yet be limited to 1,500 years. (Muhammad ibn `Abd ar-Rasul Barzanji, Al-Isha`ah li Ashrat as-Sa`ah, p. 299) Beddiuzaman Said Nursi states that the life span of the community will be up until 1506.

Quoting from Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti's book, Beddiuzaman Said Nursi states that the life span of the community will be up until 1506.

"The first statement, with reference to 1500, indicates the last times of those who struggle for religion in the End Times; the second statement, with reference to 1506 calls attention to the date of the victorious struggle. (...) until this date (1506), it hints that it will, evidently and clearly, continue in a victorious manner." (Sikke-i Tasdik-i Gayb, p. 46)

  Some of the ulama, including Imam as-Suyuti (ra) refer to the life of this community

extending up to around 1500 (Hegira calendar), following which there will be a period of degeneration (Allah knows the truth). According to sahih hadith, the blessed Mahdi will live

for 40 years after his appearance. It is also revealed in hadiths concerning the Prophet 'Isa (as) that he will remain on Earth some 40-45 years. the blessed Mahdi and the Prophet 'Isa (as) will live simultaneously of this mentioned time; for around 7-10 years. According to this

information, the death of the blessed Mahdi and the Prophet 'Isa (as) will coincide with the years 1475-1480. There will be a period of 20-25 years, continuing up to 1500, when people try to preserve that legacy. It is also revealed in this account that the Mahdi will appear at

the beginning of the century.

Yet his coming (of the blessed Mahdi) will take place at the beginning of the century. (Letters of Rabbani)

As stated above, according to Imam as-Suyuti's accounts, the life of the community of Muhammad will not exceed the year 1500. The beginning of only one century remained before the year 1500

(Hegira), that of 1400.

The Messenger of Allah (saas) said:  Doomsday will not take place until a century in which Allah is not worshipped has passed. (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 92)

In the light of the above accounts, we may expect a century of happiness followed by a century in which oppression and denial prevail, followed by Doomsday. The calculations will

be confirmed when the Mahdi appears at the beginning of the 1400s. Since the life span of the community will not exceed the year 1500 (Hegira), the Mahdi should appear in the early

1400s.(Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- MuntadharAl-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi

Akhir al-Zaman)  (Life-Death-The Hereafter and the Portents of the End Times, 494)

(Ramuz al-Ahadith 508 (Ibn Majah-al-Tabarani in al-Kabir) )

 

VARIOUS SUBJECTS CONCERNING THE MAHDI

The Mahdi's Spiritual Capture of IstanbulThe Turkish Nation and the Years 700-1400Recognizing Hazrat Mahdi (as) When He Appears

The Mahdi's Spiritual Capture of Istanbul

Allah will capture Constantinople by the Mahdi's hand.

Naim ibn Hammad reports from Jaffar: 

The blessed Mahdi will send his army in all directions. He will destroy oppression and the oppressors. Nations will come under his command. Allah will make him the instrument of the capture of Constantinople.Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, 56

Allah will capture Constantinople through His beloved friends. Portents of Doomsday, 181

 ...Many scholars from various countries will set out, unaware of one another, to seek the Mahdi, and 310 people will accompany each one. Eventually they will all meet in Mecca, and when they ask one another why they have come, they will all reply: "We are looking for the Mahdi, who will prevent this corruption and capture Constantinople, because we have learned the names of his father and his mother and his army.Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, 52Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- Muntadhar, 42

Abu Hussein Ahmad ibn Jaffar al-Munadi reports from Abu Huraira in his "Kitab al-Malahim:"  "Your commander, who distinguishes between truth and falsehood, who neither deceives nor steals, and who is devoted to the faith, will capture Constantinople." (Iqdud Durar Fi Akhbar al-Muntadhar) 

The Mahdi will Capture Constantinople and Mount Daylam. Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- Muntadhar, 27

Ibni Majah has quoted Abu Huraira (ra) as saying: Even if no time is left to the world but a single day, Allah will certainly prolong that day in order for an individual from my family to take Mount Daylam and the city of Constantinople.  (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-zaman, p. 74)

During the capture of Constantinople the Mahdi will plant a flag while performing his ablution for the morning prayer; the sea will party in two and thus the water will be withdrawn, and the Mahdi will cross to the other side through the path that opens up. Portents of Doomsday, p. 181 Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- Muntadhar, p. 57

Allah will capture Constantinople for His beloved friends Portents of Doomsday, p. 181

It is reported by IbnAmr (ra) that Our Prophet (saas) said: O People! There are six things without which Doomsday will not fall... the sixth is the conquest of the city.Which city? They asked.Constantinople, he replied.(*) This is the capture of Constantinople by the Mahdi.Portents of Doomsday, p. 204 Ramuz Al-Ahadith, p. 296

Abu Huraira narrated: After the Greeks [Rum] oppresses a governor from my line whose name matches mine has been appointed, they will wage war against you at a place called Amiq. One-third of Muslims will be killed here. On the third day, the battle will turn against the Greeks. The Muslims will continue fighting and will capture Constantinople and seize all the goods within it. At that exact moment they will hear a voice saying, "The Dajjal has entered your home and taken your children captive."  Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-zaman, p. 73

(The Mahdi) will battle against the Greeks [Rum] for three days, and on the third day the victory will be his. The battle will continue until Constantinople is captured. Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- Muntadhar, p. 29

The Mahdi will fight a savage battle against the Greeks [Rum] and will conquer Constantinople.

 Doomsday will not take place until the Greeks [Rum] descend to the place known as Amiq or Dabiq. Then an army made up of the most auspicious people in the world will oppose the Greeks [Rum]. When the Greeks tell the Muslims "'Vacate a place between us and those who made captives a tribe of ours," the Muslims will respond "No, we will not clear a place between you and our brother Muslims." Then the two great armies will come to blows. Eventually, one-third of the army of Islam will lose heart and flee. Allah will never accept their repentance, and one-third of the army will be martyred. They are the most virtuous of martyrs in the sight of Allah. And one-third will defeat the foe and continue with the conquest never fall into corruption. This victorious army will conquer Constantinople. Death-Doomsday-The Hereafter and the Portents of the End Times, p. 443

In his commentary, Ibn Jarir relates from Sudiy: "Their humiliation in this world is for the Mahdi to depart from Medina and capture Constantinople and defeat the Greeks [Rum]. Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-zaman, p. 76

Amr ibn Awf (ra) relates: You will fight the People of Asfar, and those who come after you will fight them. Elect Muslims who fear no condemnation on the path of Allah will battle against them and will capture Constantinople with prayer beads and the taqbir. Ibn Majah

Where is Constantinople?

Some people have interpreted the city of Constantinople as referring to Rome, though the hadith contain no unequivocal statement that the name does in fact refer to the modern city of Rome. On the contrary, all the evidence shows that Constantinople refers to the city of Istanbul.

Constantinople: One of the names used in the Islamic world to refer to Istanbul. Buyuk Lugat (The Great Dictionary), TÜRDAV

Istanbul has been known by many names over the years. The oldest known of these is Byzantion. In 196 A.D. it took the name Antoninia in honor of Antonius, son of the Emperor Septimus. When the seat of the Empire was moved there from Rome in 330 A.D., the city was given the name of the Second Rome. This was changed to New Rome in the 5th century. Later, however, the name used by the local population, Constantinopolis (Constantine's city), became generally accepted. Cumhuriyet Encyclopedia

This city (the present-day Istanbul) took the name of Constantinopolis, in honor of the Emperor, from the 4th century on.Meydan Larousse

In 325 A.D. the city began to be known by the name of the Roman Emperor Constantine.Encyclopedia Hachette

The Emperor Constantine built the old Byzantium as a new capital, which began to be known by his own name. Encyclopaedia of World History and Ancient Civilisations

Some accounts correctly consider Rome and Constantinople (Istanbul) to be separate cities.

The Mahdi and the forces under his command will set out to capture Rome, Constantinople and the Golden Church. Death-Doomsday-The Hereafter and the Portents of Doomsday, p. 441

We can also see from other accounts that Constantinople refers to Istanbul. This city was founded on the coast and on an estuary.

 This army will be sent and progress along the coast in the area known as Masine in the Maghreb mountains.Death-Doomsday-The Hereafter and the Portents of Doomsday, p. 439

The work known as the "Iqdud Durar" reads:Constantinople has seven ramparts. It is built on an estuary opening onto the Greek Sea. The sea stretches as far as the provinces of Rum and Andalusia. Portents of Doomsday, p. 181

Where Is Rumiyya?

The place that the blessed Mahdi and his people will conquer is referred to as Constantinople in some accounts and as Rumiyya in others.

Hudhaifa ibn Yemani describes the Messenger of Allah (saas) as saying this about the Mahdi and the conquest of Rumiyya:The walls of Rumiyya will fall when the Mahdi's troops recite the taqbir four times...Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- Muntadhar, p. 74

The blessed Mahdi will conquer Rumiyya with four taqbir...(The Mahdi) will capture the bastions of Rum and Rumiyya with the taqbir....The Mahdi and his army will come to the land of Rumiyya, which contains the Captain's market, and every bazaar of which holds a hundred thousand traders.  Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- Muntadhar, pp. 35-46-36

Ibn Hajar Makki describes where this city known as Rumiyya stands:

Historians ascribe various characteristics to this land known as Rumiyya which no other city possesses. The city most closely matching these is Constantinople. Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- Muntadhar, p. 31

As we have seen, Rumiyya and Constantinople are names given to the same city, and both refer to Istanbul.

The Qur'an refers to messengers being sent to holy lands and their main centers, in other words, their capitals.

Your Lord would never destroy any cities without first sending to the chief of them a Messenger to recite Our signs to them. We would never destroy any cities unless their inhabitants were wrongdoers. (Surat al-Qasas, 59)

Declaration of the Coming of Hazrat Mahdi (as)

Division and disputes will continue until a hand appears from the sky and a voice cries, "Your commander is Hazrat Mahdi (as)."(Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 55)

The sign of that day is; a hand will be extended from the sky and people will look upon it and see.(Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al- Muntadhar, p. 55)

Asma bint Umays is reported as saying:The sign of that day is a hand extended from the sky and people stopping to look upon it.(Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 69)

 The "hand" in the hadith refers to an unknown power. Allah refers to hands in the Qur'an, and we know that this is not a hand of the kind we are familiar with.

Those who pledge you their allegiance pledge allegiance to Allah. Allah's hand is over their hands. He who breaks his pledge only breaks it against himself. But as for him who fulfils the contract he has made with Allah, We will pay him an immense reward.(Surat al-Fath, 10)

The "hand" in this verse (Allah's hand); 

It is He Who sent down the Book to you from Him: verses containing clear judgments - they are the core of the Book - and others which are open to interpretation. Those with deviation in their hearts follow what is open to interpretation in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning. No one knows its inner meaning but Allah. Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All of it is from our Lord." But only people of intelligence pay heed. (Surah Al Imran, 7)

This is one of the verses, which is open to interpretation. It refers to Allah's Might. In the same way, the "hand" referred to in the above hadith is a term open to interpretation.

The waves of television broadcasts emitted from the sky form a power like a sort of hand (Allah knows the truth). This hand reaches just about all homes and can be seen by everyone. The words, "...People will look upon it and see" also refer to this. Other accounts on the subject read:

A voice from the sky will call him by name, and even people asleep in the east and west will hear that voice and wake. (Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 56)

There will be a voice calling his name from the sky, and nobody will be able to deny that he is Hazrat Mahdi (as). (Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 49)

A man will be called by name from the sky, and the evidence will not deny him, nor lack thereof hinder him.(Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 52)

The first hadith speaks of "...People looking upon and seeing it," a reference to television broadcasting, while the words "a voice from the sky will call him by name" refers to sounds capable of transmission by radio. (Allah knows the truth) And this voice that will cry out the name of the Mahdi will be heard by evereyone in the eastern and western worlds will hear it, and everyone will hear the voice in their own language. The Iqd al-Durar says: This voice will spread across the world, and all peoples will hear it in their own tongues. (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 51)  (Portents of Doomsday, p. 201)

There will be a voice from the sky that everyone on Earth will hear in his own tongue. (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 37)

 It appears from the accounts that when Hazrat Mahdi (as) appears, he will be announced to everyone, east and west, through such means of communications as radio and television, and every nation will hear this by translating it into its own tongue. (Allah knows the truth) 

Bediüzzaman Said Nursi speaks of the coming of the Dajjal in similar terms. 

One account says: The whole world will hear on the day the Dajjal appears... 

The meaning of these completely reliable accounts is this: These accounts impart miraculous tidings:  "Means of communications in the time of the Dajjal...Will be so advanced that a hadith will be heard all over the world in one day. It will speak over the radio, east and west will hear and it will be read in public newspapers...It miraculously speaks of the telegraph, telephone, radio...Ten centuries before their appearance. (Rays, 496)

Other hadith referring to the subjects are: 

Naim Hz. Ali is reported as saying:  When a voice from the sky cries "The truth lies with Muhammad" Hazrat Mahdi (as) will appear, and everyone will speak of him. They will absorb his love and speak of nothing else. (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 33)  (Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 40)  (Portents of Doomsday, p. 200)

There will be widespread, seemingly endless, corruption, and that corruption will persist until a voice three times cries out "Hazrat Mahdi (as) is the lord, he is the truth." (Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 55)  (Portents of Doomsday, p. 200)

A voice will be heard from the sky: "O People, Allah has finally distanced the deniers and hypocrites and their helpers from you. He has appointed the most auspicious of the Community of Muhammad to lead you." (Portents of Doomsday, p. 165)

Where Hazrat Mahdi (as) Will Appear

"Bearers of black flags will soon come from the direction of Horasan. Join them, though you have to crawl over snow. Because among them is the "Mahdi," the caliph of Allah. (Hazrat Savban r.a. / Ramuz Al-Ahadith, Vol. 1, p. 298, No 2)

It is related that: "It is certain that in the End Times an individual known as Hazrat Mahdi (as) will appear from the furthest part of the Maghrab. And helpmates will walk 40 miles ahead of him. Hazrat Mahdi's (as) banners are white and yellow. There are lines on them. The great name of Allah is written on them. No force under that banner can ever be defeated..." (Imam Sharani, Death-Doomsday-The Hereafter and the Portents of Doomsday, p. 438)

The Taking of the Oath of Allegiance to Him against Hazrat Mahdi's (as) Wishes

According to Ummu Salama (r.a.), the Messenger of Allah (saas) said:

There will be disputes the moment the caliph dies. One of the people of Medina will run to Mecca. A group from the people of Mecca will bring him out (from where he is), against his wishes. They will swear allegiance to him between Al-Hajar al-Aswad and Ibrahim's Maqam.

(Sunan Abu Dawud, p. 5/94)(Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 20)

After the people compel him, saying, "If you refuse, we will strike you on the neck," Hazrat Mahdi (as) will accept the oath of allegiance between the Rock and the Station. In addition, after a period of great corruption, people will go to him to demand he lead them, and he will only agree to rule them after being threatened with death. After that, not a drop of blood will be shed among anyone. They will swear allegiance to Hazrat Mahdi (as) against his wishes. Hazrat Mahdi (as) will then lead them in the salat (prayer) consisting of two rakat and will ascend to the pulpit alongside the Ibrahim's Maqam. (Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 34, 50, 44)

Naim ibn Hammad related from Ibn Masud: At a time when trade routes and roads are cut and corruption has grown, seven scholars from various land, each accompanied by some three hundred and ten retainers, will come together in Mecca, each one unaware of the others. They will ask each other "What are you looking for here?" They will reply: "We have come to seek that personage by whose hand this corruption can be ended. Konstantiniyya (Constantinople) will be captured by him. We know that he is in Mecca." The seven scholars will reach agreement and look for him and find him in Mecca. And they will say to him, "You are so-and-so, the son of so-and-so." And he will say, "I am merely someone from Ansar." And he will escape them. They will then describe him to those who know him, and they will be told, "He is the one you are looking for, and he has gone to Medina." This time they will seek him, but he will have returned to Mecca. When they find him again in Mecca, they will say: "You are so-and-so, the son of so-and-so, and your mother is the daughter of so-and-so, these are the portents concerning you, you escaped us the first time, but let us now take the oath of allegiance to you." At that, he will say, "I am not the one you are looking for," and he will go back to Medina. When they look for him in Medina, he will return to Mecca. In Mecca they will find him by the Rukun and will say: "If you refuse to accept our oath of allegiance, if you do not protect us against the army of the Suyani, led by one from Haddam, that is looking for us, may our sins be on your head and our blood on your hands." At that, Hazrat Mahdi (as) will sit between the Rock and the Station and will extend his hand and accept their oaths of allegiance.

Dani relates from Qatada:  At a time of bloodshed and corruption, people will come to Hazrat Mahdi (as) as he sits at home and will say, "Rise up for us." He will refuse, and will only stand up when threatened with death. After that, no blood will be shed.

Naim ibn Hammad relates from Zuhri:  Hazrat Mahdi (as), a descendant of Hazrat Fatima, will be found in Mecca, and the oath of allegiance will be taken to him against his wishes. (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 52,53)

The hadith also describe how the oath of allegiance will be taken to Hazrat Mahdi (as) even though he does not desire it. This shows that Hazrat Mahdi (as) will never declare himself to be Hazrat Mahdi (as), and that he will deny it even when people say, "The signs are upon you, you are Hazrat Mahdi (as)." Hazrat Mahdi (as) will only agree to lead them after being

threatened with death. We do not think that Hazrat Mahdi (as) will wish to be caliph from any earthly desire. This duty is a heavy one, full of difficulties. The caliph is responsible to Almighty Allah for all Muslims, and even for the Peoples of the Book living under his protection. For that reason, the Messenger of Allah (saas) warns people to be on their guard about people who request the task.

Abu Said relates from Abdurrahman ibn Samura (r.a.): One day, the Messenger of Allah (saas) addressed me as follows: O Abdurrahman, do not ask for a post as clerk; because if you are made a clerk without your asking, you will receive help from Allah. But if you are appointed by your own request, you will be left to get on with it as best you can." (Riyadhu al-Salihin from Buhari and Muslim, 2/89)

From Abu Dhar (r.a.): O Messenger of Allah (saas)! Will you not appoint me clerk? I said. He placed his holy hand on my shoulder and said: Abu Dhar, you are weak; the post of clerk is one of trust. It is sorrow and regret on Doomsday. Only one exception can assume the post and succeed in it. ((Muslim) Riyadhu al-Salihin, 2/90)

It was revealed to the Prophet (saas) by Almighty Allah Himself that Hazrat Mahdi (as) will be the caliph. At that, the Messenger of Allah  (saas) referred to Hazrat Mahdi (as) as "Halifatullah" (the Caliph of Allah). When Hazrat Mahdi (as) appears, he will unanimously be elected caliph by the scholars. After that, oaths of allegiance will be accepted. (Allah knows the truth) 

Surah 12 of the Holy Qur'an reveals that Prophet Yusuf (as) was also raised up by the monarch, against his own wishes, on account of his honesty, justice, knowledge and trustworthiness.

The King said, 'Bring him to me straight away! So I may draw him very close to me.' When he had spoken with him, he declared, 'Today you are trusted, established in our sight.' (Surah Yusuf, 54)

What Is the Issue Regarding the Mahdi's Disappearance?

 Abu Abdullah Hussein ibn Ali is reported as saying:

Hazrat Mahdi (as) will twice disappear from men's sight. The first time, he will disappear for so long that some people will imagine he has gone for good, and none but his closest friends will know where he is.   This hadith exists in a hand-written manuscript of the Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zamanin the Sulaymaniya Library.

This hadith reveals that following Hazrat Mahdi's (as) appearance he will vanish twice, once for a short time and once for longer. In addition, the hadith notes that Hazrat Mahdi's (as) second disappearance will take place under difficult conditions and will be longer than the first, that it will be difficult to contact him and that only those closest to him will be able to do so.  (Allah knows the truth) 

According to descriptions set out in other hadith, Hazrat  Mahdi (as) will begin his struggle as soon as he appears and will call people to the Truth and the signs leading to faith. Since it is inconceivable that Hazrat Mahdi (as) can abandon his efforts he makes in Allah's path, his most important obligation at such a time when he knows it is most essential, his withdrawl from other people will take place outside his own free will. (Allah knows the truth) 

Dani relates from Salama ibn Zufar: It was one day said in Huzayfa's hearing that Hazrat Mahdi (as) had appeared. He said: If he appears among you as one of the people of the Prophet Muhammad (saas) you will be restored. Certain it is that Hazrat Mahdi (as) will not appear before men until he has become their most beloved due to the evils they are faced with. (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 27)

This hadith also makes clear the groundless nature of the Shiite belief in the "Lost Mahdi." In other words, the disappearance of the Hazrat Mahdi (as) is not a mythical-type one lasting hundreds of years, but a withdrawal from public view for a specific length of time and his remaining apart due to prevailing difficulties. The final part of the hadith notes that people's love and longing for Hazrat Mahdi (as) will increase during the time of his absence because of various evils that they are afflicted by.

The close links between the story of Yusuf in the Qur'an and Hazrat Mahdi (as) is described as a separate chapter in due course. However, it will also be appropriate to note one similarity here.

Like Hazrat Mahdi (as), the blessed Prophet Yusuf (as) also disappeared twice from the sight of men, once for a short time and once for longer. In the former Yusuf was cast into a well, from which he was shortly thereafter rescued by a passing caravan. In the second he was falsely imprisoned for a much longer period. He was eventually released, however, when his innocence was established.

But when, in fact, they did go out with him and gathered all together and agreed to put him at the bottom of the well. We then revealed to him that: 'You will inform them of this deed they perpetrate at a time when they are totally unaware.' (Surah Yusuf, 15)

Then, after they had seen the Signs, they thought that they should still imprison him for a time. (Surah Yusuf, 35)

The Matter of the 12 Caliphs

There is a Shiite belief regarding Hazrat Mahdi's (as) disappearance and return to Earth as the 12th and last imam. This erroneous belief stems from the corruption of two of our prophet's (saas) hadith. The first refers to the disappearance of Hazrat Mahdi (as) as outlined above. The second is the hadith referring to the tradition of the coming of the 12th caliph. These hadith are true in essence, but have been distorted.

In his account, Jabir ibn Samura (r.a.) quotes the Messenger of Allah (saas) as saying: The superiority of this faith will persist until the 12th caliph. All these caliphs will be from the Qur'aysh (descended from the Prophet (saas)). (Sunan Abu Dawud, 5/90)  

First and foremost the Shiites have altered the word "caliph" in the hadith to "imam" and maintain that these imams are immaculate (without sin). In addition to these two distortions, our Prophet (saas) says that the caliphs are "from the Qur'aysh," thus emphasising their descent from the Prophet (saas).

The majority of Islamic scholars say that the first four of the 12 caliphs in this hadith are the first four caliphs of the Prophet (saas) (Abu Bakir, Omar, Osman and Ali). Hazrat Mahdi (as) is also one of these pure caliphs. Another hadith refers to three pure caliphs who will assume the leadership after Hazrat Mahdi (as)(Allah knows the truth). The four remaining caliphs are not fully known. But it is highly likely that they were immaculate caliphs who led the world in earlier periods. (Allah knows the truth) 

 A verse from the Qur'an makes this illustrative reference: 

We raised up twelve leaders from among them  (Surat al-Maida, 12)

Hazrat Mahdi's (as) Opponents

Almighty Allah reveals in the Qur'an that every prophet has had a principal foe. The Prophet Musa's (as) principal foe was Pharaoh, and the Prophet Ibrahim's was Namrud. The main enemy of our Prophet (saas) was Abu Jahl, the leader of society.

In this way We have assigned to every Prophet an enemy from among the evildoers. But your Lord is a sufficient guide and helper. (Surat al-Furqan, 31)

What about the one who argued with Ibrahim about his Lord, on the basis that Allah had given him sovereignty? Ibrahim said, 'My Lord is He Who gives life and causes to die.' He said, 'I too give life and cause to die.' Ibrahim said, 'Allah makes the sun come from the East. Make it come from the West.' And the one who was a disbeliever was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide wrongdoing people. (Surat al-Baqara, 258)  The names of Hazrat Mahdi's (as) foes are given several times in the hadith. These include the Sufyani, among whom the Dajjal is one of them. The main distinguishing feature of the Sufyani is that he will attempt to hinder Hazrat Mahdi's (as) ongoing cause.

SUFYANIS

 In his book, Ibn Munavi states:  There are three Sufyani and three Mahdis. The first Sufyan will come for the first Mahdi, the second Sufyani for the second Mahdi and the third Sufyani for the third Mahdi.(Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 64)

This hadith says there will be three Sufyan corresponding to three Mahdis. The third Mahdi for the third Sufyan is the true and great Mahdi (Hazrat Mahdi (as))

It is related from Abu Huraira (r.a.):One known as the Sufyan, most of whose followers are from the tribe of Kalb. He will kill by ripping open the stomachs of women and slaughtering children. 

In the blessed Ali's account (additional):The Sufyan's head will be rather large. He will bear the scars of a skin disease on his face.  And there is a white spot in his eye. He will obliterate the tribe of Kays that muster against him. (At that time) a man from my Ahl al-Bayt will appear. When news of him reaches the Sufyan, the Sufyan will send an army against him. But this army will be swallowed up when it reaches Bayda. None will survive save those who carry these tidings.(Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 40)

The oppressive regime established by Hafiz Asad following his seizure of power in a coup in 1970 propelled his country in the direction of communism.

Hostility towards Islam has reached considerable dimensions in the country. Not only are Muslims prevented from carrying out their religious obligation; their lives are also endangered. Thirty thousand Muslims were killed in the Hama massacre of 1982 alone.

The actions of the Sufyan are also described in another hadith.

The Sufyan, the son of the liver eaters," will emerge from a dry valley. He will build an army of men with fierce faces and hardened hearts from the tribe of Kalb. And these will oppress all places. He will tear down mosques and madrassas and will punish all those who bow and prostrate themselves in prayer. He will bring forth oppression, strife and vice. He will murder scholars and people of taqwa. He will seize many cities. He will make bloodshed lawful and will be the enemy of Muhammad. He will kill any who oppose his cruelty and licentiousness."(Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 37)

A lengthy hadith set out on Pages 52 and 53 of Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman refers to a Sufyan with a helper known as Haddam. Hafiz Asad's assistant was one General Abdulhalim Haddam.

"The Sufyan will come from a place (known as the Valley of Yabis) in the direction of Sham. The Sufyan will set out from Kufa. It is related he will come from ruined Sham, but elsewhere that he will come from Iraq."(Portents of Doomsday, p. 172)

"As for the Sufyan, one of the descendants of the blessed Ali; (1) He is a very stocky individual. (2) This individual will devastate everything around him before the [coming of] Hazrat Mahdi (as). (3) He will travel all the countries of the East. (4) He will wage war against many kings and (5) he will defeat everyone."(Mahdism and the Imam, p. 82-taken from al-Isa'a, li Esrat's Saa, p. 167)

One possible interpretation is this:

(1) The fact that he is stocky may perhaps indicate that the Sufyan is extraordinarily large in terms of his various aspects or attributes, as well as personally.

(2) This individual will devastate everything around him before the [coming of] Hazrat Mahdi (as). This means that the Sufyan will appear before Hazrat Mahdi (as), will

participate in many battles and will ruin the surrounding areas with his weapons of war.

(3) He will travel all the countries... This part of the hadith may indicate, as well as the Sufyani travelling personally to many countries, that his ideological system will spread widely among the nations._

(4) He will wage war against many kings... In his time, the Sufyan will engage in armed conflict against numerous states

(5) And he will defeat everyone... The Sufyan will overcome all the armies that oppose him and absolute victory will be his. (Allah knows the truth)

As we are told in the hadith, the Messiah Dajjal will emerge from among the Jews, and in later years. And he, personally, will be a Jew. The Dajjal will perform deceptive but alluring illusions, along the lines of magic and hypnotism, will claim that he is the awaited Messiah and will subsequently claim divine status for himself. He will encourage atheism and all forms of immorality, thus gathering considerable support for himself. But he will eventually be slain by the Prophet 'Isa (as) and Hazrat Mahdi (as).

This aspect has gained considerable renown among earlier and later scholars; a man will definitely appear during the End Times. He will be one of my Ahl al-Bayt. He will be known as Hazrat Mahdi (as). He will later slay the Dajjal. (Crown Book of Hadith, Canaan and the Sahara, Vol. 1)

When Hazrat Mahdi (as) comes to the border of Hijaz and Sham he will stop there. When they say, "What have you stopped for? Keep going!" he will reply: "Let me first write to my cousin (Sahari). If he refuses to submit to me, I will march against him." When Hazrat Mahdi's (as) letter reaches him, his friends will say, " Hazrat Mahdi (as) has appeared... Either follow him, or we will kill you." At this, he will come to Jerusalem... Then one from the tribe of Kalb, by the name of Knana, will come to Sahari and say: "We have sworn loyalty to you and helped you. You also took the oath of loyalty to this man (Hazrat Mahdi (as)) when the opportunity arose. Shame on you! Allah gave you a shirt to wear, but you have cast it off.""Are you telling me I should break my word?""Yes." Another account says: "After three years have passed he will break his oath, and it will no longer have any meaning."(Portents of Doomsday, p. 175)

Hazrat Mahdi's (as) Struggle against the Reactionists

 "He will stand the faith back on its feet and restore it to its former nature. He will breathe the spirit back into Islam, and after it has been debased He will give Islam back its former, powerful character. Through Hazrat Mahdi (as) He will resurrect Islam after it has died. He will abolish the tax on non-Muslims and will call people to Allah's true faith by way of the sword. Those who flee will be killed, and those who seek to oppose him will be laid waste."

Even were the Messenger of Allah (saas) alive, he would do nothing to him. His law would bind him. Thus not even the Messenger of Allah (saas) would interfere in his

work. The faith will be restored to its former nature in his time, free of all impurity. Many of his laws will oppose the ideas of the ulama. He will therefore keep his distance from them."

The hadith state that Hazrat Mahdi (as) will confront various reactionist bigots. They will be displeased at Hazrat Mahdi's (as) efforts to rid the faith of superstitions and restore it to its former nature. They will even go so far as to say, "This man wishes to ruin our faith." But Hazrat Mahdi (as) will rule in the light of the verses of the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas), and he will be most determined and eventually victorious in this intellectual struggle. In the time of Hazrat Mahdi (as), Allah willing, the faith will return to how it was in the days of the Prophet (saas), to its original essence.

The Holy Qur'an speaks of the prophets' struggle against the deniers and idol-worshipers, and describes the bigoted mindset of their opponents. That mindset by no means vanished during the days of the prophets, however. We know that it still survives today. The verses of the Qur'an describe many of the attributes of the bigots and strongly condemns them.

1. They make the faith needlessly difficult. As a result, belief in Allah, the main foundation of faith, and devotion, the main foundation of worship, are forgotten. In reality, however, the Holy Qur'an states that the faith is easy and that all fanaticism is to be avoided.

"He has selected you and not placed any constraint upon you in the religion..." (Surat al-Hajj, 78)

"Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand..." (Surat al-Baqara, 286)

"Allah desires to make things lighter for you. Man was created weak." (Surat an-Nisa, 28)

"Allah does not want to make things difficult for you, but He does want to purify you and to perfect His blessing upon you so that hopefully you will be thankful. (Surat al-Ma'ida, 6)

"Those who follow the Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, whom they find written down with them in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding them to do right and forbidding them to do wrong, making good things halal for them and bad things haram for them, relieving them of their heavy loads and the chains which were around them. Those who have iman in him and honour him and help him, and follow the Light that has been sent down with him, they are the ones who are successful'." (Surat al-A'raf, 157)

Abu Musa relates:Our Prophet (saas) said: Make it easy, not difficult. Give glad tidings and do not cause people to hate it [the faith].(Al-Lu'luu Val-Marjan, p. 296)

In Ibni Abbas' account: Our Prophet (saas) said: "Avoid division in the faith. For that reason alone, those before you were destroyed."(Ramuz Al-Hadith, 1/176)

In the blessed Aysha's account, our Prophet (saas) said: Allah did not charge me with monasticism. Beside Allah, the best faith is the path of easy union.(Ramuz Al-Ahadith, 2/498)

2. They make many things unlawful that are really lawful (food, drink, technology etc.). They forbid these things to people in the name of Allah.

"Do not say about what your lying tongues describe: 'This is lawful and this is unlawful,' inventing lies against Allah. Those who invent lies against Allah are not successful -" (Surat an-Nahl, 116)

"Say: 'What do you think about the things Allah has sent down to you as provision which you have then designated as halal and haram?' Say: 'Has Allah given you authority to do this or are you inventing lies against Allah?'" (Surah Yunus, 59)

"Those who kill their children foolishly without any knowledge and make what Allah has provided for them haram, inventing lies against Allah, such people are lost. They are misguided. They are not guided." (Surat al-An'am, 140)

"You who have faith! Do not make unlawful the good things Allah has made lawful for you, and do not overstep the limits. Allah does not love people who overstep the limits." (Surat al-Ma'ida, 87)

3. They portray minor details of no divine origins as commandments of the faith.

The Holy Qur'an attaches considerable importance to this subject:

In the time of the Prophet Musa (as), Allah told the believers to sacrifice a cow. This was revealed very clearly, simply and distinctly. But people of that time with the same mindset were unsatisfied and demanded that Allah clarify the most minor details.

He said, 'He says it should be a cow not trained to plough or irrigate the fields - completely sound, without a blemish on it.' They said, 'Now you have brought the truth.' So they sacrificed it - but they almost did not do it. (Surat al-Baqara, 71)_

Nothing is related for no reason in the Holy Qur'an. Note that people's preoccupation with minor details is most unwelcome here. Because minor details make religious observances more difficult and lead to people forgetting their true purpose._

 4. Not content with the faith's simplicity and easiness, they invent many new additions to it, including their own superstitions.

The Holy Qur'an is never an adequate reference source for them.

Illustrative verses:

"What is the matter with you? On what basis do you judge? Or do you have a Book which you study?" (Surat al-Qalam, 36-37) 

5. They blindly accept the information reaching them, without investigating its accuracy. They then repeat that information to their children, even if it is false.

Illustrative verses:

"When they are told: 'Follow what Allah has sent down,' they say, 'No, we will follow what we found our fathers doing.' What! Even if satan is calling them to the punishment of the Blazing Fire?" (Surah Luqman, 21)

"When they are told, 'Follow what Allah has sent down to you,' They say, 'We are following what we found our fathers doing.' What, even though their fathers did not understand a thing and were not guided!" (Surat al-Baqara, 170)

6. They attach great importance to external appearances, thinking that their faith was revealed in that form.

7. Morality is of secondary importance to them. They are generally unable to get on with other people, are hurtful, speak cutting words, have no idea of tolerance and are crudely behaved. Yet our Prophet (saas) says: "I was sent only to complete proper moral virtues."

8. They have little conception of proper behaviour and good manners.

9. Another of their distinguishing features is that they look down on women and regard them as second-class citizens. Loving, respecting and admiring women are foreign concepts to them.

10. They have no comprehension of art and take no interest in any of the fine arts, and as if that were not enough they try to get of the matter by saying it is unlawful.

11. They are opposed to any form of novelty. This can be seen in their attitude to new technology or to any new means of preaching the faith (*).

12. All bigots maintain that the group they belong to is in the right. They are hostile to other groups. Because of their fanaticism they have no hesitation about offending their brothers in religion, and they immediately reject any piece of information coming from them, no matter how excellent. They envy their successes and seek to hinder their service.

 In fact, however, all human beings are created with a predisposition to have faith, to be virtuous and to live by religion.

"...Allah has given you love of faith and made it pleasing to your hearts, and has made disbelief, deviance and disobedience hateful to you. People such as these are rightly guided..." (Surat al-Hujurat, 7)

 They imagine that every negative form of behaviour they exhibit actually stems from the faith itself and abandon their intent right at the very beginning. There arises a coldness towards religion, and even a hostility. All Muslims find themselves denigrated as "backward and superstitious," and the blame for all sorts of adversity is sought to put on a Muslim.

The importance of this subject is as follows: Because the public lack a proper knowledge of Islam, they begin judging the faith as manifested in the person of bigots. It is also a fact that anti-religious press and broadcasting organisations play a major role here by deliberately encouraging this and equating Islam with bigotry and backwardness.What the public actually hate is not Islam, but the bigot mindset. People are hesitant, from a concern that "If I start living by my faith will I end up like them?" It is therefore most important that everyone describing themselves as Muslims should have a sound knowledge of the faith, read about and research it, and learn what they do not know from people with specialist knowledge. All Muslims must strive to be enlightenencourd and cultured. Never abandoning tolerance, they must call on people to know Allah and eage them to be virtuous.

Hazrat Mahdi's (as) Restoration of the Faith to Its True Form

In his book "The Conquests of Mecca," Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi says: "... Hazrat Mahdi (as), will restore the faith exactly as it was in the time of the Prophet (saas). He will

eliminate schools from the world. No school will be left apart from the true and genuine faith. He will have enemies who imitate doctrinal scholars. Because unlike the imams of the school of Hazrat Mahdi (as), they will be displeased when they see his laws, but will be unable to oppose them. His open enemies will be scholars of jurisprudence (religious

law). Because they will have no more esteem in the public eye.(Portents of Doomsday, 186-187)

Hazrat Mahdi (as) will implement the faith in exactly the same way as our Prophet (saas). In other words, his guides will be the sublime book of Allah, the Holy Qur'an, and the Sunnah of our Prophet (saas). The practices, words, decrees and Sunnah of our Prophet (saas) will occupy an important place in Hazrat Mahdi's intellectual struggle. In addition, Hazrat Mahdi (as) will rule and labour among Muslims with only the Holy Qur'an, Almighty Allah's revealed scripture. He will eliminate denominational differences among Muslims and do away with many beliefs and forms of worship not in the original form of the faith, having been added onto it later. People will be amazed by this state of affairs they have never seen before, and some will even imagine that Hazrat Mahdi (as) is trying to do away with their religion.  "Hazrat Mahdi (as) will leave behind no customs that have been introduced into faith and that do not form part of its original essence."  (Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 43)

"Hazrat Mahdi (as) will leave no customs that have been introduced into faith and that do not form part of its original essence in tact. He will implement the observances of the faith in the End Times as did the Prophet (saas)." (Portents of Doomsday, p. 163)    

Imam Rabbani says on this subject:When Hazrat Mahdi (as) promises in the future to seek to increase the worth of the faith and resuscitate the Sunnah, some people who imagine that things outside the essence, the heart of the faith are actually the commandments of the faith will be amazed and say:

-This person (Hazrat Mahdi (as)) wishes to eliminate our faith and destroy our law.  (Letters of Rabbani, 1/535)

In the same way that our Prophet (saas) kept Islam alive at the beginning, so Hazrat Mahdi (as) will keep Islam alive at the end.(Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 27)

Naim ibn Hammad relates from Hazrat Ali (ra):Our Prophet (saas) said:Hazrat Mahdi (as) is descended from me. In the same way that Allah initiated this faith with me, so He will bring it to an end with him. And in the same way they were freed from polytheism by me, so they will be freed from corruption by him. (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p.20 )

The revelation that Hazrat Mahdi (as) "will rule contrary to the imams of the schools" shows that he will follow his own rules. Bediüzzaman says that Hazrat Mahdi (as) will be a radiant personage, "the greatest expounder of Islamic laws," and the greatest renovator, and a judge, and Hazrat Mahdi (as), and a spiritual guide, and the chief of Allah's saints on Earth, and that he will be from the Ahl al-Bayt.  (Letters, p. 411)

There Must Be no Division in the Faith

Illustrative verses: 

"The various factions among them differed. Woe then to those who did wrong on account of the punishment of a painful Day! (Surat az-Zukhruf, 65)

"But they disagreed and split up, dividing into sects, each party exulting in what it had." (Surat al-Muminun, 53)

"If anyone desires anything other than Islam as a deen, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers." (Surah Al Imran, 85)

"Those who divide the Qur'an into little pieces." (Surat al-Hijr, 91)

"That is because Allah has sent down the Book with truth and those who differ from the Book are entrenched in hostility." (Surat al-Baqara, 176)

 The appropriate importance will be attached to the Holy Qur'an in the time of Hazrat Mahdi (as). In that time, the Qur'an will stop being a book only opened occasionally but learned off by heart, and will be the most important reference books in people's regulating their lives. That is the meaning of the words "Hazrat Mahdi (as) will implement the faith as it was in the time of the Prophet (saas)."

The Mahdi's Close Helpmates

These viziers will be fewer than ten but more than five.(Portents of Doomsday)

He will share the heavy burden of the nation's affairs with them. They will consist of nine people.  (Portents of Doomsday, 187)

Abu Jafar narrates from Muhammed ibn Ali:  Even before Hazrat Mahdi (as) appears a friend of his will encounter some of his followers and will ask, "How many of you are there?" They will reply, "There are 40 of us." Then he will ask, "What will you do when you see Hazrat Mahdi (as)?" and will receive the reply, "If he stays up in the mountains, we will stay there, too." At that this man will depart, but he will return the following night and say, "Take 10 of your leaders," and they will meet with Hazrat Mahdi (as).

Artah relates:  ...(The most numerous army in Hazrat Mahdi's (as) war against the Sufyan consists of 100 (one hundred) people.Note; these two accounts exist in a manuscript copy of the Small Book of Portents of the Mahdi of the End Times in the Sulaymaniya Library. 

He will have 313 people, soldiers, under his command as in the Battle of Badir, and he will challenge those around. Because these 313 people are servants by night and heroes by day. (Portents of Doomsday, 169)

It is reported from Muhammed ibn Hanafi (r.a.) that:  ...As clouds gather in the sky, Allah will muster a community around him. He will reconcile their hearts. There will be no grieving for those who are martyred, nor rejoicing at those who join them. Their number will be that of the people of Badir (313). In the same way that those of the past could not surpass them, so later men will fail to match them, and their numbers are those of the men who crossed the river with Talud. (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p. 57)

314 people, including women, will take the oath of allegiance to Hazrat Mahdi (as).(Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntadhar, p. 25)

Hazrat Mahdi's (as) army may consist of different parts, such as elite followers and the airs of the elite. It is possible that these different accounts refer to the numbers in their different ranks. The fact that so few (313) people swear allegiance to Hazrat Mahdi (as) must be regarded as quite normal. That has been so in all periods of history. It was the case in the times of Prophet Nuh (as) and Musa (as). Twelve people believed in 'Isa (as). Our Prophet (saas) had very few believers at first. According to some reports, there were only 40 believers in the first six years of the prophethood.  When Talut marched out with the army, he said, 'Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who does not taste it is with me - except for him who merely scoops up a little in his hand.' But they drank from it - except for a few of them. Then when he and those who had iman with him had crossed it, they said, 'We do not have the strength to face Goliath and his troops today.' But those who were sure that they were going to meet Allah said, 'How many a small force has triumphed over a much greater one by Allah's permission! Allah is with the steadfast. (Surat al-Baqara, 249)

  So when Our command came, and water bubbled up from the earth, We said, 'Load into it a pair of every species, and your family - except for those against whom the Word

was preordained - and all who have faith.' But those who had iman with him were only few. (Surah Hud, 40)

Pharoah sent marshals into the city.These people are a small group;" (Surat ash-Shu'ara', 53-54)

  No one had faith in Musa except for a few of his people out of fear that Pharaoh, and the elders, would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and mighty in the land. He was one of the profligate. (Surah Yunus, 83)

 The Community That Will Struggle Until Doomsday

It is related from Muaviya (as) that:Doomsday will not take place until a group from my community rule over all. These will pay no heed to those who abandon them, nor to those who help them.  (Ramuz Al-Ahadith, 472) (Hanbal al-Musnad-Buhari-Muslim)

It is related from Muaviya ibn Kirra (as) that:A group from my community will continue to receive help until Doomsday. Neither will their being abandoned by those who depart from them do them any harm.  (Ramuz Al-Ahadith, 472)

A group from my community will constantly mercilessly battle the foe to implement Allah's commandments and their opponents will never harm them. This state of affairs will continue until Doomsday. (Portents of Doomsday, p. 286)

  The above hadith reveal that one body from the Community of the Prophet (saas) will struggle for the truth until Doomsday. We already know from other hadith that shortly before Doomsday He will take the souls of believers and Doomsday will break over the unbelievers. Therefore, the Doomsday referred to here must be something else. Another account on the subject helps to clarify the matter:   From Muaviya ibn Jurra (r.a.)'s account:  ...A group from my community will continue to enjoy the victory of "the truth" until the war against the Dajjal.  (Ramuz Al-Ahadith, 65) (History of Ibn Asakir -Abu Muaym)

As we have seen, the Doomsday referred to here actually means "the beginning of the war against the Dajjal." Another hadith reveals that this holy group that will struggle against the Dajjal is Hazrat Mahdi (as) and his followers.

Ahmad, Muslim, Ibni Jurayr and Ibni Hibban all relate from Jabir ibn  Abdullah (as):  A group from my community will fight and be victorious for the truth. And when 'Isa (as) son of Maryam appears from the sky their leader (Hazrat Mahdi (as)) will say to him "Lead us in the salat (prayer)." But he will reply, as a blessing of Allah, to that community, "One of you is the leader of the others." (Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman, p.80)

From Hazrat Imran (ra): A group from my community will continue in their struggle for the truth despite being victorious over their enemies. The last of them will wage war against the Messiah Dajjal. Ramuz Al-Ahadith, p. 472 (Hanbal al-Musnad -Abu Dawud-Tabarani -Haqim)

Hazrat Mahdi (as) in the Risale-i Nur collection

The Sending of a Mujaddid (Reviver) at the Beginning of Every Century

Mujaddid : An innovator or reviver. An individual spoken of in trustworthy hadith, a great scholar and a successor to our Prophet (saas) sent at the beginning of every century to reveal the truths of the faith according to the needs of the time. 

 

Imam al-Haqim among the Ashab of al-Kutub as-Sittah (Six Books), in the "Mustadrakh," and Abu Dawud in the "Kitab al-Sunan” and Bayhaqi  in the "Suab alIman" narrate: "Almighty Allah sends a mujaddid of the faith every hundred years.”

(Barla Addendum, 119)

The Messenger of Allah (saas) imparts the tidings that a mujaddid (one who resuscitates or renews the faith) will be sent at the beginning of every century. A mujaddid must have been sent, as the hadith describes, in the year 1400 (Hijra calendar) (1979-1980), in other words at the beginning of the 14th century, when denial, prostitution, perversion and diversion from faith were all at a peak. According to the hadith and expositions by scholars, it is the Hazrat Mahdi (as) whom the Islamic world is expecting for 1400 years.

According to Abu Huraira's account, the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: Certainly Almighty and All-Powerful Allah will send an individual at the beginning of every century who will renew the faith and free it from subsequent accretions.

(Sunan Abu Dawud, 5/100) 

At the beginning of every century a mujaddid will come from among the ulama of this community and will restore faith. Especially, after a thousand years have passed… Because when a thousand years have passed that is the time of the coming of a prophet of the highest rank in the communities of the past [ulul'azm].

(Letters of Rabbani, 1/520)

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi Was the Mujaddid of the 13th Century(Hijri calendar) In a treatise, Hafis Tevfik of Damascus compared the lives of Mawlana Khalid al-Baghdadi and Bediuzzaman Said Nursi and said he had encountered the following four major areas of similarity:

First: Mawlana was born in 1193. Said Nursi, on the other hand, was born in 1293 (Arabic calendar). He came into the world exactly 100 years after Mawlana Khalid.

Second: Mawlana's struggle for the renewal of the faith began in 1224 in the Indian capital. Said Nursi, on the other hand, entered the capital of the Ottoman Empire in 1324, again a hundred years later, and began his spiritual renovation.

Third: The political establishment was alarmed at Mawlana’s popularity, and he was transferred to Damascus in 1238. Said Nursi, on the other hand, went to Ankara, 100 years later, in 1338. Unable to get on with the establishment there, he rejected them and went back to Van, seeking solitude on a mountain. The political establishment was concerned over him because of the Sheikh Said affair. Alarmed by this, he spent nine years in the provinces of Burdur and Isparta.

Fourth: Before he was 20 years old, Mawlana was regarded as superior to the ulama in learning and taught classes. Those who have seen and know the course of his life know that Said Nursi received his diploma at the age of 14 and entered into disputation with the ulama of the time, and taught students close to graduation.

To summarize: In agreement with the tidings in the hadith that Allah sends someone to revive the faith at the beginning of every century, Mawlana is the mujaddid (reviver) of the year 1200, in other words, of the 12th century. The Risale-i Nur served the same function 100 years later. In my opinion, the Risale-i Nur is one of the mujaddids of the faith.

(Barla Addendum 119-121)

It appears from the above accounts that Mawlana Khalid is the mujaddid of the 12th century and Bediuzzaman Said Nursi that of the 13th. Hazrat Mahdi (as) can be expected to appear around 1400 (Hijri calendar) as the mujaddid  of the 14th century.

Bediuzzaman discussed Hazrat Mahdi (as) in detail and full clarity, as the mujaddid due to follow him and as a source of joy and excitement for the community of the faithful for 1400 years.

Hazrat Mahdi (as) Will Come in the 14th Century (Hijri calendar)

In the End Times, the true lords in the broad sphere of life, in other words Hazrat Mahdi (as) and his disciples, will come by Allah’s permission and will broaden that sphere and those seeds will bloom. And I shall watch from my tomb and give thanks to Allah.

(Confirmation Seal of the Unseen Universe, 138, Kastamonu Addendum, 72)  

A long time ago I heard from a holy man that that individual had learned the mysteries of the holy ones of old and had deduced that: “A light will appear from the East and will eliminate the oppression of novelties that have subsequently entered the faith.” I awaited the appearance of that light, and am still waiting. But flowers come in Spring. The ground has to be made ready for such holy blooms. And I understood that I am preparing the ground for that personage with my work.

(Confirmation Seal of the Unseen Universe, 189 Letters, 345)

I believe I am a servant of this wondrous person who will appear in the future, a rear-guard to set a background for him, and a pioneering soldier of that great commander.

(Barla Addendum, 162)

In the above extracts Bediuzzaman states that with his work he has prepared a proper climate for

Hazrat Mahdi (as), and that when Hazrat Mahdi (as) comes he will already be dead and that he will watch the services performed by Hazrat Mahdi (as) from his grave.

Numerological information provided in the Risale-i Nur collection about the stages of Hazrat Mahdi’s (as) struggle and reign:

They desire to extinguish Allah’s Light with their mouths. But Allah refuses to do other than perfect His Light, even though unbelievers detest it. (Surat at-Tawba, 32)

Bediuzzaman says this about the words ... "Allah refuses to do other than perfect His light” in the verse:

It occurred to me now that if the 23rd and 24th letters (of the Arabic alphabet) are counted twice, those people who will eliminate cruelty from the face of the Earth will be the pupils of Hazrat Mahdi (as).

(Rays, 605)

A numerological analysis of this verse reveals the stages under which Islam will rule the world (1424 - Gregorian 2004) under the leadership of Hazrat Mahdi (as).

... But those who are unbelievers have false deities as protectors... (Surat al-Baqara, 257)

  Bediuzzaman gives the date of the (numerological) collapse and destruction of the “false gods” (the intellectual system of denial) in this verse as 1417 (Gregorian 1995).

Bediuzzaman Said Nursi refers to “that personage who is truly awaited and will come a century later,” thus revealing that the Hazrat Mahdi (as) had not yet come and will come in the century following his own. Bediuzzaman lived in the 13th century. The century after his is the 14th. And that is when Hazrat Mahdi (as) will appear.

Thus, unfair people who do not know this truth say: “Why did the Companions of the Prophet with their vigilant hearts and keen sight, who had been taught all the details of the Hereafter, suppose a fact that would occur one thousand four hundred years later to be close to their century, as though

their ideas had deviated a thousand years from the truth?”

(The Words, 318)

"A fact that would occur one thousand four hundred years later." 

The reference here is to 1400 years, not 1373, nor 1378, nor 1398. In other words, the 14th century (Hijri calendar). The year 1400 (Hijri calendar) is the beginning of a century when the community of the faithful was leaderless, when prostitution had reached excessive levels, when unbelief was at a peak and when Muslims were suffering grave physical and spiritual losses. Since a mujaddid of the faith has been sent at the beginning of every century, a mujaddid must come when the community is disordered and eliminate that disorder, eradicate disbelief and cause Muslims to unite together. This person is Hazrat Mahdi (as), whom Muslims have been awaiting for 1400 years.

Bediuzzaman’s Damascus Sermon

In a sermon he preached to a congregation of ten thousand at the Amawi Mosque in Damascus in 1327 (Hijra), Bediuzzaman gave a description of the future awaiting the Islamic world after 1321, gave various dates regarding the End Times and noted the date of Hazrat Mahdi’s (as) struggle and when he would eventually be victorious.

Facts in the Sermon of Damascus addressing the flow of events in the Islamic world after 1371...

For sure, even if not now then in thirty to forty years’ time, in order to fit out and equip to perfection the three forces of science, true knowledge, and the virtues of civilization, and to rout and put to flight those eight obstacles, the desire to search for the truth, equity, and love of humanity will be dispatched to the eight fronts of those eight enemy squadrons. They have already started to drive them back. Allah willing, in half a century they will scatter them completely.

(The Damascus Sermon, 25)

For sure, even if not now then in thirty to forty years...

Insha’Allah, he will scatter the nine fronts of the foe half a century (50 years) later.