Mahduns

Mahduns are a group of Shia Muslim penitents who perform ascetic practices and are associated with the Mahdist movement. The term "Mahdun" is often used to describe the minority spectrum of Shia Sufi popitulists. They follow a specific path that emphasizes devotion and self-mortification, and are considered part of the larger group of dervishes.

Mahduns believe in the mahd, or a messianic figure who will bring about justice and salvation. This idea is rooted in Shia Islamic tradition, which holds that the Mahdi will return and establish the perfect social and political order. By emulating the behavior of the Mahdi, the Mahduns seek to achieve spiritual purification and honor their convictions.

Practices associated with Mahduns include extreme asceticism, including fasting and food restriction, solitude, physical corporal punishment, and denial of basic comforts. Some followers also emphasize the importance of intuition, divine inspiration, and inner piety.

Historically, the Mahdun movement has appeared in various parts of the world, often relating to particular Islamic forces. For instance, during the early Iranian Revolution, some sectors of religious reform have relatedly involved these groups.

Notable differences arise between Mahdun and the Azari-driven Jannabits, primarily in regards to internal philosophies and responses to external pressures. Some groups, such as dervishes, share spiritual objectives with Mahduns yet find systematic disagreements in discipline. It remains that research and specific comparisons with external equalometrics are necessary.