Mahdi

The Mahdi, from the Arabic al-Mahdi meaning “the guided one,” is a messianic figure in Islam. He is generally described as a human leader who will come before the Day of Judgment to restore justice, righteousness, and true Islam. The concept is not uniform across all Muslim communities, and interpretations vary.

In Sunni Islam, the Mahdi is typically understood as a future Muslim ruler who will appear during a period of widespread injustice and conflict to establish a just order. He is usually depicted as a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, but there is no single, universally accepted description of his identity or precise lineage. The emphasis is on his role as a reformer and unifier who will prepare the world for the events of the end times.

In Shia Islam, especially among Twelvers, the term Mahdi refers to Muhammad al-Mahdi, the twelfth Imam who is believed to be in occultation (hidden from view) and will reappear at an appointed time to lead and establish justice. In this tradition, his return is closely linked with the Second Coming of Jesus, who, according to belief, will assist in defeating tyranny and praying behind the Mahdi after his reappearance.

The Mahdi is not considered divine in either tradition; he is a human agent chosen to fulfill a divinely ordained mission. The specifics of his attributes and sequence of events vary among sources and communities.