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Sunni Muslims' Al-Mahdi The Coming of the Mahdi is one of the signs of Qiyamah (Day of Resurrection/ Judgement) and he has yet to appear. He is referred to in some Hadiths as Al-Mahdi, an Arabic word which means " The Guided ". The Mahdi is the title of this important Muslim leader, not his actual name. His actual name will be Mohammad and will be a descendant of Prophet Mohammad صلى الله عليه وسلم . Abdullah bin Masood has reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The World will not pass away before the Arabs are ruled by a man (referring to the Mahdi) of my Ahl Bayt (family) whose name will be like mine." (Abu Dawud & Tirmizi)
Many individuals in the past falsely claimed to be the Mahdi. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (the founder of Ahmadiya or Qadiani Movement) was one of those who falsely claimed to be the Mahdi. The information we present on this page about Al-Mahdi (the Mahdi) is based on what Prophet Mohammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said about the Mahdi. So, we will discussing the Sunni Muslims' Al-Mahdi who is not necessarily the same person as Shia's Imam Mahdi. The Shia believe that Al-Mahdi is their 12th Imam. Shia claim that he is Mohammad bin Hasan Al-Askari and that disappeared at the age of 5 and went into hiding (or state of occultation) and has been hiding for 10 centuries. The Shia are awaiting for him to emerge from his state occultation in the End Times. By the way, there is no proof, even in Shia's books that Hasan Al-Askari had a son called Mohammad. According to Shia's books, the Shia's Imam Mahdi will be someone who prays to God in Hebrew and rules based on the Laws of David. He will rely on the Jewish Talmud. So, Shia's Mahdi will most likely be the Dajjal (Anti-Christ). The Shia claim that Imam Mahdi's father is Hasan Al-Askari. This contradicts with Prophet Mohammad's صلى الله عليه وسلم hadith that says the name of the Mahdi's father will be the same as the name of Prophet Mohammad's صلى الله عليه وسلم father, which means his father should be Abdullah. Shia's Imam Mahdi is not a normal human being since they are claiming that he been alive for 1200 years. Sunnis reject this because there is no Hadith that says the Mahdi will not be a normal human being. In fact, based on a hadith of Prophet Mohammad, the Anti-Christ was alive at the time of the Prophet and is still alive, but will not appear until God permits him to do so. All this evidence leads us to believe that evil originators of Shiism have purposefully portrayed, in their books, Imam Mahdi as someone very similar to the Anti-Christ in many ways in order to: (a) reject the real Mahdi when he appears because he is a Sunni Muslim and does not fit into their expectations, and (b) to deceive the Shia into following the Anti-Christ, thinking that he is the Mahdi. Sunni Muslims' Al-Mahdi will be a good man. In contrast, Shia's Imam Mahdi will be an evil man. For more information and details: Signs That Will Precede Him 1) A General Signs There are many signs that will precede him; a general and very important sign is that he will come at a time when there is great confusion, intense disputes and violent death. When people are afflicted by disturbances and strifes. Calamities will fall upon the people, so much so that a man shall not find a shelter from oppression. There will be many wars and strifes before his appearance. Every time a strife comes to an end, another one will start, spread and intensify. The people will be troubled to such extent that they will long for death. It is then that the Mahdi will be sent. Abu Saeed al-Khudri has reported that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ''He will be sent at a time of intense disputes and differences among people and earthquakes.'' (Ahmad) 2) The Battle in Mina Before the Mahdi emerges, an inter-tribal fight will take place. In the same year, Muslim Pilgrims will be looted and a battle will erupt in Mina (near Mecca) in which many people will be killed. Amr bin Shuaib reported from his grandfather that the Messenger of Allah (Prophet Mohammad) صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ''In Zul-Qa'da (Islamic month), the tribes will fight, Muslim pilgrims will be looted and there will be a battle in Mina in which many people will be slain and blood will flow until it runs over the Jamarat Al-Aqba (one of the three stone pillars at Mina). A group will flee to a point between the Rukn (a corner of the Ka'ba containing the Black Stone) and the Maqam of Prophet Abraham (near Ka'ba) and the Mahdi will be forced to accept people's Bay'a (being chosen as a Leader/Caliph).'' (Nuaim ibn-Hammad's Kitab Al-Fitan ) There will be rebellion in the (Islamic) month of Shawwal, talk of war in the (Islamic) month of Zul-Qa'da and war itself in the (Islamic) month of Zul-Hijja. Pilgrims will be robbed, and blood will flow over the Jamrat Al-Aqaba (one of the three stone pillars at Mina). Some of these have already happened. (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) 3) The Euphrates River will uncover a Mountain of Gold (something very valuable, not necessarily gold) The Final Hour will not come until the Euphrates river (which originates in Taurus Mountains in Turkey, flows through Syria and Iraq and ends in the Arabian/ Persian Gulf) will uncover something very valuable, over which people will fight and die. It should be noted that this is a sign, which will precede the Mahdi only according to some Muslim scholars. Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ''The Hour shall not occur until the Euphrates will uncover a mountain of gold over which people will fight . Ninety-nine out of one hundred shall be killed and each one of them will say "Perhaps, I shall be the one to succeed.''(Sahih Muslim). Another narration says that whoever is present at the time when the Euphrates uncovers a mountain of gold should not take the gold. 4) Comets that illuminate all places will originate, from the East, at three or seven-day intervals. (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) Kaab said: “A bright comet will appear in the East before the coming of the Mahdi (a.s.).” (Naim Ibn Hammad's Kitab Al-Fitan) 5) A voice in Ramadan announcing the Mahdi's advent will awaken those who are asleep and alarm those that are awake. (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) Shahr ibn Hawshab said that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم stated: “There will be a voice in (the Hijri Islamic month of )Ramadan, a cry in (the Hijri Islamic month of) Shawwal, and war between peoples in (the Hijri Islamic month of) Zul-Qi’dah. Pilgrims will be robbed. There will be war with many deaths in Mina, and so much blood will be shed that it will leave the stones there in a lake of blood.” (Imam Abu Amru Uthman bin Saeed Ad-Dani ) 6) There will be two moon eclipses in Ramadan of the same year: on the first night and on the fifteenth night (according to some narrations, the eclipse on the 15th could be a sun eclipse). These eclipses will be very unique as has never been seen before. (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) 7) A great fire will be seen, darkness will be seen in the sky, and there will be a redness in the sky unlike the pink with which we are familiar. (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) 8) The emergence of Al-A'hraj Al-Kindi, Abqa and Ashab before the Mahdi. (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) 9) The Earth will swallow a village called Harista near Damascus (seems like a landslide or earthquake) (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) 10) An army with Black Banners will come from the East. (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) The Shia's Books mention two more signs: (a) The Construction of Two Bridges: The Shia believe the first bridge is the bridge that connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain which was completed in 1986. The second bridge they expect it to be the proposed bridge that will connect Saudi Arabia to Egypt. So far, Egypt has rejected the construction of such a bridge under pressure from Israel and the U.S. On the other hand, construction of a bridge connecting Qatar to Bahrain is expected to start this year, in 2010 and to be completed within 4-5 years. (b) The Death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia (we wish him long life): In their books, the Shia attribute a Hadith to Prophet Mohammad صلى الله عليه وسلم (they claim it used to be listed in Musnad Ahmad, but was later removed) in which he mentions that the last man who will govern Al-Hijaz (the region that includes Mecca & Medina) before the Mahdi will be called Abdullah and he will follow his brother who is named by the name of an animal. The previous king of Saudi Arabia was King Fahd (Fahd means leopard). It is worth noting that King Abdullah is currently 84 years old. Description of the Mahdi & his Lineage Based on the Hadiths presented below, we can conclude that the Madhi will be a descendant of Prophet Mohammad صلى الله عليه وسلم . This means the Mahdi is at least partly an Arab, but he does not have to be 100% Arab. Descendants of Prophet Mohammad صلى الله عليه وسلم exist throughout the Muslim World, not only in Arab countries. 1) He will be from the progeny of the Prophet and descendant of Fatima رضي الله عنها . Umm Salama رضي الله عنها reported: I heard the Prophet of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "The Mahdi will appear from Itrati (my family or progeny), from the descendants of Fatima." (Abu Dawud) More specifically, he is likely to be a descendant of Al-Hasan رضي الله عنه (the older son of Fatima رضي الله عنها & Ali رضي الله عنه). In contrast, the Shia believe Imam Al-Mahdi will be a descendant of Al-Hussein رضي الله عنه (Al-Hasan's brother). He will resemble the Prophet Mohammad صلى الله عليه وسلمin character. Abu Iss'haq (Isaac) narrated that Imam Ali رضي الله عنه , once looked at his son Al-Hasan رضي الله عنه and said " This son of mine is a Sayyid (chief or master) as the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم named him (called him or gave him this title). From my reproductive organs (meaning from progeny or descendants) will come a man by the name of your Prophet. He will resemble him (the Prophet) in character, but not in looks (physical appearance).' Then, he (Imam Ali) mentioned that he (the Mahdi) will fill the Earth with justice." (Abu Dawud) 2) His name will be Muhammad or Ahmad and his father's name will be Abdullah. Ibn Masood reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Even if there remains only a day before the World ends, the almighty Allah will greatly prolong that day to send a man from me (my progeny), from members of my House (family). His name will be similar to my name and his father's name similar to my father's name." (Abu Dawud) 3) Abu Saeed Al-Khidri reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said "The Mahdi is from me (my progeny) and will have a broad, clear (of hair) forehead and a prominent nose and will fill the Earth with fairness and justice as it was filled with oppression and injustice, and will reign for seven years." (Abu Dawud). 4) Abu Umamah says that Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "The people asked: 'O Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم , who will be the Imam of the people at the time? ' He said: 'He will be from my progeny and will be forty years of age. His face will shine like a star and he will have a small black spot on his right cheek. He will don two Qutwaani cloaks as if he is from the Children of Israel. He will rule for 20 years and will conquer the cities of the Mushrikeen (Polytheists)." (Tabrani) 5) Once Imam Ali رضي الله عنه was asked to describe the Mahdi's. He replied, "He is a well-built, youthful, with average height and a handsome face. His hair reaches his shoulders, and the light of his face is contrasted by the darkness of his hair and beard." (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) 6) The Mahdi will have wheatish complexion, long straight nose, eyes brows round like bow, big black eyes, very white front two teeth and with a spacing between the teeth ,a small black spot on the right cheek, face glowing like a shining star, a mark on his shoulder like that of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , complexion like the Arabs and body like the Children of Israel. He will be slow in speech (with a slight stutter) and when he stutters, he will strike his left thigh with his right hand. He will appear at the age of 40. While praying to Allah, he will expand his hands for prayers like birds expanding their wings. He will be wearing Qutwani Cloaks. He will resemble in character Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , but in appearance (or looks), he will be different. (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) 7) Imam Mahdi's body will resemble the bodies of the Children of Israel. (Al-Muttaqi Al-Hindi's Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman) & ( Ibn Hajar Al-Haythami Al-Makki's Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar) 8) It is as if he is a man from the people of Israel. (Nuaym ibn Hammad's Kitab Al-Fitan) The Rise of the Mahdi Abdullah-bin-Masood has reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The World will not pass away before the Arabs are ruled by a man (referring to the Mahdi) of my family whose name will be the same as mine." (Abu Dawud) Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها narrated: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Disagreement will occur upon the death of a Caliph and a man of the people of Medina will flee to Mecca. Some of the people of Mecca will come to him, bring him out against his will and make him accept their Bay'a (being chosen as a leader) (at a location) between the Rukn (corner of the Ka'ba containing the Black Stone) and the Maqam (Place) of Abraham (located on a side of the Ka'ba). An army from the people of AshSham (Greater Syria) will then be sent against him from but Khusf (landslide) will happen to them (they will die) in the Baidaa (desert) between Mecca and Medina. When the people see this, the Abdal (pious eminent individuals) of Syria and the Asa'ib (pious individuals) of the people of Iraq will come to him and offer him Bay'a (accept his leadership) between the Rukn and the Maqam. A man from Quraish tribe , whose maternal uncles are from Kalb tribe, will arise and send against them (against the Mahdi & his supporters) an army which they (the Mahdi & his supporters) will overcome. That army will be made up of Kalb tribe. Whoever does not witness the spoils of (this battle with) Kalb tribe will be disappointed (because treasures will be found, according to some narration). He (the Mahdi) will divide (distribute) money (wealth), and will govern the people according to the Sunnah of their Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and establish Islam on Earth. He will remain seven years, then die, and the Muslims will pray over him." (Abu Dawud) Abu Huraira has narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ''A man will emerge from the depth of Damascus. He will be called Sufyani. Most of those who follow him will be from the tribe of Kalb (or Kulaib). He will kill by ripping the stomachs of women and even kill children. Qais tribe will gather against them, but Sufyani & his followers will them. A man from my family will appear in Haram (in Mecca), the news of this event will reach the Sufyani and he will send forth one of his armies. He (the Mahdi) will defeat them. Then, the Sufyani will march (to attack the Mahdi) with whoever remains with him. When they reach a Baidaa (desert), a Khusf (landslide) will happen to them. None of them (Sufyani's army) will survive, except one person who will tell about what happened.'' (Imam Al-Hakim's Mustadarak) The Sufyani (a descendant of Abu Sufyan) will emerge from Damascus before the Mahdi. According to some weak narration, his name will be Urwa bin Muhammad and his Kuniya (nick name) will be Abu-Utba. The Hadiths regarding the Suffyani specify that he is a tyrant who will spread corruption and mischief on Earth before the Mahdi. Please note that Umm Salama's Hadith mentions two different armies sent to attack the Mahdi. Whereas Abu Huraira's Hadith mentions only one army. Many scholars from various countries will set out to seek the Mahdi (a.s.), unknown to one another, and up to 310 people will accompany each scholar. Eventually they will all meet up in Mecca. And when they ask one another “why they came,” they will all answer “we are looking for the Mahdi (a.s.), who will prevent this strife and conquer Constantinople, because we have learned his name and those of his father, mother and army.” (The Book of Signs of the Mahdi of the End Times, p. 15-75) Huzaifa said that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said : "When the dark people come after the Arabs, they will be defeated and thrown into the lowest part of the Earth. While these circumstances exist, the Sufyani will come with three hundred and sixty men until he reaches Damascus. After a month, he will be followed by thirty thousand from Kalb (tribe). He will send an army to Iraq and kill one hundred thousand in Az-Zawra (possibly refers to Baghdad). Then, they (Sufyani's army) will go to Kufa (a city in Iraq) and pillage it. When this occurs, a banner will come from the East led by a man from Tamim called Shuayb, the son of Salih, who will obtain the release of the people of Kufa (captured by Sufyani's army) and (Salih & his men) will defeat them (Sufyani's army). Then, another army of the Sufyani will go to Medina and pillage it for three days and thereafter proceed towards Mecca until these troops find themselves in a desert. Then, Allah will send (Angel) Gabriel and say to him, 'Chastise them!' So, he (Gabriel) will crush them with his leg once and Allah will cause them to be swallowed up (by the earth). None will remain except two men who will return to The Sufyani to inform him of the swallowing-up of his army, but this will not scare him. Several men from Quraish (tribe) will escape to Constantinople (Istanbul or a major city of the Europeans). The Sufyani will ask the leader of the Romans to send them back to the Sufyani. The Sufyani will slit their throats and the throats of their followers. At that point, a voice will come from Heaven saying: ' O' people, surely Allah forbids tyrants and their followers for you and (Allah) bestows leadership upon the best of the nation of Muhammad. Join him in Mecca -- he is the Mahdi!' " Then, Huzaifa asked: "O Messenger of Allah, how shall we identify him (the Mahdi)?" He صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: "He is a man from my children (descendants), he looks like the men of the Children of Israel, upon him are two white cloaks with frayed edges, 'Qutwani' cloaks. His face is like a glittering star, upon his right cheek there is a black mole and he is forty years old. Al-Abdal (pious individuals) and those seeking the Mahdi like them will come to him (the Mahdi) from Syria. Al-Nujaba (pious individuals) from the dwellers of Egypt will come to him (the Mahdi). Groups of dwellers from the East and those seeking the Mahdi like them will come until they all gather together in Mecca. So, they will pledge their allegiance to him (the Mahdi) between Al-Rukn (corner of the Ka'ba containing the Black Stone) and Al-Maqam (Place) of (Prophet) Abraham عليه السلام (located on a side of the Ka'ba). Then, he (the Mahdi) will head (an army) towards Syria, with (angel) Gabriel at the fore front and (angel) Michael in the middle. The dwellers of Heaven and Earth will be joyful because of him. Water will be plentiful in his country (Syria) and the River will spread and treasures will be found ( from the River or treasures of religious significance such as the ones expected to be found in Antioch) . When he (the Mahdi) reaches Syria, he will slay the Sufyani under a tree, the branches of which grow in the direction of Lake Tiberias and he will defeat Kalb (tribe). On that Day (battle) of Kalb, disappointed will be whoever does not get some (of the treasures)." Huzaifa asked: "O Messenger of Allah, صلى الله عليه وسلم , how is it permitted to kill them when they believe in the Oneness (of God)?" The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: "O Huzaifa, they are at that time apostates, they claim that wine is permitted and do not pray." (Abu Nuaym, At-Tabarani, and Abu Amru Uthman bin Saeed Ad-Dani ) Supporters of the Mahdi The Mahdi's initial main military supporters will come from the East carrying Black Banners, more specifically coming from Khorasan (Khurasan). The name "Khorasan" is said to be derived from Persian words that mean "land where the sun rises". Khorasan (a region that includes Afghanistan, Taijikstan, Northwestern Pakistan, Northeastern Iran, etc.). Furthermore, a hadith listed below specifies that the Muslim armies that will conquer the city which is believed to be Constantinople will consist of Muslims from the descendants of (Prophet) Isaac عليه السلام meaning of Jewish ancestry. Among Muslims today, Pashtuns (known in Pakistan as Pathans) & Kashmiris are believed to be descendants of (Prophet) Isaac عليه السلام from the original 12 lost Jewish tribes. There are about 14 million Pashtuns in Afghanistan and 28 million in Northwest Pakistan, so they are living in what used to be known historically as Khorasan. So, it is possible that the Pashtuns will be among the Mahdi's main supporters. Furthermore, in the Hadith narrated by Thawban below, we notice Prophet Mohammad صلى الله عليه وسلم urges Muslims to seek the Mahdi, even if they have to crawl over snow. This could indicate that the Mahdi or his followers could be from a cold region. The Pashtuns live in mountainous, cold regions. However, we should not forget the Hadiths that indicate that the Mahdi will flee from Madina to Mecca, which seems to be indicate he lives in Mecca-Medina region of the country known today as Saudi Arabia. Thawban reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Three men will be killed at the place where your treasure is (this treasure could be oil/petrol in Arabia or the treasure underneath the Kaaba). Each of them will be the son of a Caliph, but none of them will get hold of the treasure. Then, the Black Banners will come out of the East, and they will slaughter you, in a way that has never been seen before. If you see him (the Mahdi), give him your allegiance, even by crawling over snow, because he is the Caliph, the Mahdi." (Ibn Maja, Musnad Ahmad, Al-Hakim's Mustadarak, Abu Nuaym, Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) Abdullah bin Masood narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said : "A group of people will come from the East with Black Flags and they will ask for some “Khair” (financial assistance, share in wealth, weapons, etc.), but they will not be given what they ask for. So, they will fight and win against those people (who didn’t give them what they asked). Now, they will be given them what they asked for, but they will not accept it until they hand it over to a person from my Ahl Bayt (family) who will fill it (the Earth) with justice just as they filled it (the Earth) with oppression. So, whoever of you will be alive at that time should come to them (the Mahdi & People from the East with black flags) even by crawling over snow". (Ibn Maja, Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) Ali bin AbuTalib narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: قال صلى الله عليه وسلم ( يخرج رجل من وراء النهر يقال له الØارث بن Øراث , على مقدمته رجل يقال له منصور , يوطيء او يمكن لال Ù…Øمد كما مكنت قريش لرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ,وجب على كل مؤمن نصره او قال اجابته "A man called Al-Harith bin Harrath will come forth from Ma Wara an-Nahr (Transoxiana, meaning the region, between the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, which includes Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, bordering Afghanistan ). His army will be led by a man called Mansur who will make matters ready and enabled for Muhammad's family as Quraish enabled matters for the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم. Every believer must help him, or he (the Prophet) said: 'respond to him ( to his calls)'." (Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan AnNisa-ee, and Al-Buhaiqi) Ibn Khadoon has commented that one of the narrators of this Hadith, Haroon bin Al-Mughira is a descendant of Shia (or has some Shia ancestors). Abdullah bin Al-Harith bin Jiz Al-Zubaidi said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said : "People from the East will come to assist the Mahdi in spreading his dominion." (Ibn Majah, Tabarani) Abu Hurairah says that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "(Armies carrying) black flags will come from Khorasan . No power will be able to stop them and they will finally reach إيلياء Ela'a (Jerusalem) where they will erect their flags". (Tirmizi) Amr Bin Marra Al-Jamli said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: " 'Surely, Black Flags will appear from the Khorasan until a group (of them) will tie their horse leashes to the Olive Trees between Beit-Lahia (in Gaza district, Palestine) and Harasta (near Damascus, Syria).' We asked: 'Are there any Olive trees between these places?' He said, 'If there isn’t any, then, soon (Olive trees) will grow so that those people (of Khorasan) will come and tie their horses there'.” (Nuaym Ibn Hammad's Kitab Al-Fitan) Buraida said that Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "After me, there will be many expeditions (armies). You should be in (or with) the expeditions (armies) of (coming from) Khorasan." (Jalauddin AsSuyuti's Jame AsSagheer) Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: '' 'Have you heard of a city, a part of it is in the sea ( Constantinople/ Istanbul, or a major city of the Europeans )?' They said 'Yes'. He said: 'The Last Hour shall not occur until 70,000 of the children (descendants) of (Prophet) Isaac عليه السلام ( meaning Muslims of Jewish ancestry) shall attack it..." (Sahih Muslim) Muhammad bin Al-Hanafia, said: "Black Banners will come out from the Children (descendants) of Al-Abbas. Other black banners will come from Khurasan. Their turbans will be black and their clothes (will be) white. At their front will be a man named Shuayb bin Salih, from Tamim (tribe) . He will defeat the supporters of the Sufyani and proceed further until he arrives to the House of Jerusalem where he will establish his power for the Mahdi. He will be supplied with three hundred (men) from Syria after his arrival. The matter will be settled for the Mahdi in seventy-two months (six years)." Saeed (or Sayyid) bin Al-Musayyab reported: "Black Banners will come from the East from the Children (descendants) of Al-Abbas. They will remain for whatsoever Allah wishes. Then, small Black Banners from the East will come to fight a man from the Children (descendants) of Abu Sufyan . They will give their allegiance to the Mahdi." (Nuaym bin Hammad) The Pillaging of Madina in Saudi Arabia Mu'az ibn Jabal narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said to him: "Omran (the building) of Bayt Al-Maqdis (either Jerusalem or the Holy Place of Worship in Jerusalem such as Jewish Temple of Solomon) will be (lead to) Halak (the pillaging) of Yathrib (Madina in Saudi Arabia). The pillaging of Yathrib will be (lead to) the outbreak of the Big Battle (with the Romans). The outbreak of the Big Battle will be (lead to) the conquest of Constantinople. The conquest of Constantinople will be (lead to) the coming of Dajjal (Anti-Christ). Then, ... said: This is as true as you (Mu'az ibn Jabal) are here or you are sitting." (Abu Dawud) Muslim-Christian Truce Agreement & Alliance In the End Times, the Muslims will enter into the 4th and final Hudna (Truce Agreement) with the Romans (Europeans or Americans), and together, they will fight and win against a common enemy. However, the Romans will act treacherously and break the truce agreement, Thus, the Muslims will be forced to fight them. Zu Mukhammar said I heard the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم say, " You will make a Hudna (Truce Agreement) with the Romans (Europeans or Americans), and together you and them will invade an enemy (located) behind you. You will be victorious, take much booty, and you will leave. Then, you will camp on a hilly pasture. When one of the Romans will approach (the Muslim army), raise a cross and says "The Cross has won", one of the Muslims will get angry and take off the Cross. Then, the Romans will trick (bluff or deceive) you, and gather (prepare) for the Malhama (Big Battle). They will gather an army against you and come against you with eighty banners, each banner followed by 10,000 (or 12,000) men." (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Majah) Abu Umamah says that Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: " There will be four Hudna (truces) between you and the Romans (Europeans or Americans). The fourth (truce) will be mediated through a person who will be from the descendants of (Prophet) Aaron عليه السلام and will be upheld for seven years. The people asked: 'O Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم , who will be the Imam of the people at the time? ' He said: 'He will be from my progeny and will be forty years of age. His face will be a shining star and he will have a small black spot on his right cheek. He will wear two Qutwaaniatan (Qutwaani) cloaks as if he is a man from the Children of Israel. He will reign for 10 years, extract the treasures, and conquer the cities of the Mushrikeen (Polytheists)." (Tabrani) The Malhama (Big Battle) This war is expected to be deadly. It has been referred to in some Hadiths as Al-Malhama (means Big Battle). This could be what the Bible refers to it as Armageddon. The Mahdi will have to engage in many wars, the largest in terms of its scale will be this war against the West in which a large number of Muslims will be martyred. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم talked at length about this war - how terrible it will be and the great sense of sacrifice the Muslims will display. During that time, some Christians (perhaps certain Christian countries, or certain ethnic groups) will embrace Islam. The Romans (the U.S. or European countries) will attempt to fight them. Muslims will side by the new converts and fight with them against the Romans. Abu Huraira narrates that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "The Last Hour would not come until the Romans (inheritors of the Roman Empire such as Europeans, Americans, etc. ) would land in Al-A'maaq (either near Aleppo or Damascus, Syria) or in Dabiq (a plain near Aleppo, Syria). An army consisting of the best of the people of the Earth (an international Muslim army) at that time will come out of Medina (in Saudi Arabia) to face them. When they will arrange themselves in ranks, the Romans will say: ' Do not stand between us and those (Muslims) who were taken away from amongst us. Let us fight with them' ; and the Muslims will say: 'No! by Allah, we will not stand aside and let you fight our brothers.' (this could indicate there will be possibly converts to Islam whom the Christians are particularly interested in fighting) They will then fight. A third (of the Muslim army) will be defeated (& run away), and Allah will never forgive them. A third (of the Muslim army) will be killed and they will be regarded as the best martyrs in the eyes of Allah. A third (of the Muslim army) will conquer and they do not get affected by Fitna (tribulations). They will conquer Constantinople (Istanbul or a major city of the Europeans ) While the Muslims will be busy distributing the spoils (booty) of war, after hanging their swords by the olive trees, Satan would shout: 'The Anti-Christ has taken your place among your family (or in your land).' The Muslims would then come out, but will find out that it is not true. And when they arrive to Al-Sham (Damascus or Syria), he ( Anti-Christ) will come out. While they (Muslims) are preparing to fight him, and drawing up their ranks, prayer time will come and then, Jesus the son of Mary will descend and lead (or join) them in prayer. When Allah's enemy (Anti-Christ) sees him (Jesus), it will dissolve just as the salt dissolves in water. If Jesus were to leave him (Anti-Christ) alone, he (Anti-Christ) would melt to death anyway, but Allah will have him (Anti-Christ) killed by his (Jesus') hand, and he (Jesus) will show the Muslims his (Anti-Christ's) blood on his (Jesus') spear." (Sahih Muslim) Abu Huraira narrated that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: : "After the Romans (Europeans or Americans) oppress, a ruler from my descendants whose name matches mine gets appointed. They (Romans) 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 Romans. The Muslims will continue fighting and will conquer Constantinople and seize all the treasures in it. At that moment, they will hear a voice saying ,'The Dajjal has entered your homeland and taken your children captive'." (Al-Muttaqi Al-Hindi's Al-Burhan fi Alamat al-Mahdi Akhir al-Zaman) Another narration about this war was provided by Yusayr bin Jabir who said, "A red wind (or storm) erupted in the city of Kufa. Afterwards, a man came shouting and repeating the same words, 'O Abdullah bin Mas'ud! the Hour has come.' He (Yusayr) then said that he stood up after he was leaning (on his side) and said, " The Hour will not come until people will not be able to divide inheritance, nor rejoice over booty. Pointing toward Al-Sham (Syria), he said: 'An enemy will gather forces against the Muslims, and the Muslims will gather forces against them.' A companion asked: 'Do you mean the Romans (Europeans or Americans) ?' He said: 'Yes, and at that time there will be fierce fighting. The Muslims will send a battalion to fight to death, and not return unless they are victorious. They will fight until night intervenes, neither side will be victorious, and the detachment will perish. (On the second day) The Muslims will send another battalion to fight to death, and not return unless they are victorious. They will fight until night intervenes, neither side will be victorious, and the detachment will perish. (On the third day) The Muslims will send another battalion to fight to death, and not return unless they are victorious. They will fight until night intervenes, neither side will be victorious, and the detachment will perish. On the fourth day, the remaining Muslims will go to fight, and Allah will make their enemy to be defeated. This will be a battle the like of which has never been seen, to the extent that even birds flying (above the battle field) will not pass without falling down dead. Out of a family of one hundred, only one man will survive. So, how could he rejoice over any war booty or divide any inheritance? While they are doing this, they will hear of an even bigger calamity: they will hear a scream amongst them that the Dajjal (Anti-Christ) has appeared among their families that they left behind. They will discard what they have in their hands and proceed. They will send ten horsemen as an expedition force. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'I know their names and their fathers name and the colors of their horses. They will be the best horsemen on the face of Earth.' " (Sahih Muslim) Awf bin Malik Al-Ashja'ee said that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم during the Battle of Tabuk said to him: "....There will be Hudna (turce) between you and Bani Al-Asfar (means People of the Yellow and it refers to the Romans). Then, they will deceive you (break the truce) and will march against you under eighty banners and each banner will have ten thousand (soldiers)." (Ibn Majah) Amro bin Awf said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The Hour (of Resurrection) will not come until the nearest enemy-watching stations of the Muslims will be in بَÙˆْÙ„َاءَ Bawla." ...The Prophet said, "You will fight Bani Al-Asfar (People of the Yellow which is thought to refer to the Romans), and those who come after you will fight them, until the best people among the Muslims, the people of Al-Hijaz (the Western region of Saudi Arabia that includes Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah), will go out to fight them, fearing nothing but Allah. They will conquer Constantinople (a variation of this Hadith says Constantinople and Rome) by (saying) Tasbih (Subhan Allah, meaning "praise & glory to Allah" ) and Takbir (Allahu Akbar, meaning "Allah is Greater"), and they will obtain booty the like of which has never been seen - they will share it out by scooping it up with their shields. Someone will come and say, 'The Dajjal has appeared in your lands', but it is a lie. Anyone who believes it will regret it, and anyone who ignores it will regret it." (Ibn Majah) Abu Huraira said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "When the Battles occur, Allah will send battalions from the Mawali (descendants of former slaves), the best among the Arabs, in terms of horses and arms. By them Allah supports the religion (of Islam)." (Ibn Majah) Nafi' ibn Utbah said, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "You will attack the Arabia Peninsula, and Allah will open it (meaning Allah will enable you to conquer it). Then you will attack Faris (Persia) and Allah will open it. Then, you will attack the (the land of the) Romans and Allah will open it. Then, you will attack the Dajjal (Anti-Christ), and Allah will open (conquer) him." (Sahih Muslim and Ibn Majah) Abi Al-Dardaa narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "The fort (bastion) of Muslims on the day of the Malhama (Big Battle) will be in Ghota next to (near) a city called Damascus, one of best cities in AshSham (Greater Syria)." (Abu Dawud) Nuaym Ibn Hammad on a chain of transmission on the authority of Al-Zuhari who said, "When the people of the black flag differ among each other, people of the yellow banner will attack. They will gather in the Canal of Egypt. The people of the East and the West will fight for seven (days, months, or years)..." (Qalda bin Zayd's Asma Masalik Li Ayyam Mahdi Malik Li Kul id-Dunya Bi Amr Allah il-Malik ) Conquest of Constantinople The Big Battle between the Romans and Muslims will result in the Muslims conquering Constantinople (Istanbul or a major city of the Europeans ) without any bloodshed, just by saying the Tasbih (Subhan Allah) and Takbeer (Allah Akbar). Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: '' 'Have you heard of a city, a part of it is in the sea ( Istanbul or a major city of the Europeans)?' They said 'Yes'. He said: 'The Last Hour shall not occur till 70,000 of the children (descendants) of (Prophet) Isaac عليه السلام shall attack it. When they come to it, they (children of Isaac who are Muslims) will not fight with arms, nor throw arrows. They will only say: 'There is no god but Allah, Allah is the greatest', then one of its sides will fall down. They will recite for the second time: "There is no god but Allah, Allah is the greatest', and then another one of its side will fall down. After that, they will say it for the third time: 'There is no god but Allah and Allah is the greatest', and then it will be opened for them and they will enter (the city) and acquire booty. While they will be dividing the booty, a proclaimer will come to them and proclaim: 'Verily Dajjal (Anti-Christ) has come out. 'Then, they will leave everything and return'." (Sahih Muslim) Abdullah bin Busr reports that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Between the Malhama (Big Battle) and the conquest of the City ( Constantinople, but could be a major city in Europe), there will be six years, and the Dajjal (Anti-Christ) shall appear in the seventh year." (Sahih Muslim, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah) . However, Mu'az ibn Jabal narrated this Hadith by stating that these events will occur within 7 months, not years. He narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Al-Malhama Al-Kubra (Big Battle), conquest of Constantinople, and the coming of Dajjal (Anti-Christ) will be (occur) within seven months." (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah) Jaber bin Samra based on Nafi bin Otba reports that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: " ...You will march against (or attack) the Arabian Peninsula and Allah will open (conquer) it, then Persia and Allah will open (conquer) it. Then, you will march against (attack) the Romans' land and Allah will open (or conquer) it. Then, you will march against (attack) the Dajjal (Anti-Christ) (or Dajjal's land), and Allah will open (conquer) it." Then, Nafi said (to Jaber): "O' Jaber, we will not see the Dajjal emerge until the Roman's land has been conquered (by Allah for the Muslims)." (Sahih Muslim)According to some narrations, Constantinople will have 12 ramparts. During the conquest of Constantinople, the Mahdi will plant a banner (or his staff) as he washes himself for the morning prayer, and the sea will part and the waters withdraw from him. He will walk through the path that opens up and crosses to the other side. Then, he will plant another banner and say: “O men, learn from this. The sea has given way to us in the same way it did for the People of Israel." Then, they will all utter the Taqbir (Allah Akbar - Allah is Greater). After uttering Taqbir 12 times, the 12 ramparts of the city will collapse. (Ibn Hajar Haythami Al-Makki's Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar p. 15-75) Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-Aas reports: "Whilst we were around the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم writing down, he was asked, "Which of the two cities is to be opened (conquered) first, Constantinople or Rome ?" He (the Prophet) answered, "The City of Heracles (Constantinople) will be opened first!" (Ahmad and Al-Albany) Muslims, most probably under the leadership of Jesus, will rule the World. Thawban said that The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Allah, the Exalted, unfolded for me the Earth, to the extent that I saw its Eastern and Western extremities. The Kingdom of my Ummah (nation) will reach as far as what has been unfolded to me. The two treasures, the red (Persian Kingdom) and the white (Roman Empire), were bestowed on me.... By Him in Whose Hands Muhammad's life is (meaning, By Allah), you will spend the treasures of both of them for the sake of Allah." (Sahih Muslim and Ibn Kathir) The word of Islam will spread throughout the World, enter every home, and no one will be left who has not heard about Islam. Al-Miqdad ibn Aswad said I heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم say: "Not a dwelling (house) whether of brick, or fur will remain on the surface of the Earth that Allah will not ensure that the word of Islam enters it, either honoring an honorable person or disgracing an abject person." (Ahmad, At-Tabarani, Ibn Hibban, and Al-Hakim) Conquest of Jerusalem Abu Hurairah (R.A.) says that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "(Armies carrying) Black Flags will come from Khorasan. No power will be able to stop them and they will finally reach Eela (Jerusalem) where they will erect their flags". (Tirmizi) Amr Bin Marra Al-Jamli said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: " 'Surely, (armies carrying) Black Flags will appear from Khorasan until a group (of them) will tie their horse leashes to the Olive Trees between Beit-Lahia (in Gaza district, Palestine) and Harasta (near Damascus, Syria).' We asked: 'Are there any Olive trees between these places?' He said, 'If there isn’t, then soon (Olive trees) will grow so that those people (of Khorasan) will come and tie their horses there'.” (Nuaym Ibn Hammad's Kitab Al-Fitan) Ibn Hawalah narrated that he Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "O' Ibn Hawalah! If you live to see the seat of the Caliphate in Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem), then, earthquakes, disasters and great calamities are imminent. The Hour will be closer to people than this hand of mine to your head!" (Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak) Discoveries of Religious Significance Al-Mahdi is expected to make important discoveries of religious significance in Antioch (very important city in Early Christianity, currently located in Turkey, but, historically, was part of Syria), Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee in Palestine), and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican. Some narrations indicate that the Arch of the Covenant will be discovered in Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) while others indicate that it will be discovered in Antioch.The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم , said, "He is called the Mahdi because he will guide the people to a mountain in AsSham (Greater Syria) from which he will bring out the (original lost) Books of the Torah to refute the Jews. At the hands of the Mahdi, the Ark of the Covenant will be brought forth from the Lake Tiberias and will be placed in Jerusalem." ( Imam Jalaluddin As-Suyuti's Al-Hawi) "The reason he is called the Mahdi (a.s.) is that he guides the way to a hidden thing. He will bring forth the Arch (Holy Relics chest) in a place known as Antioch." (Jalaluddin AsSuyuti's Al-Hawi li al-Fatawa, Vol II. p.82 ) "He is called the Mahdi (a.s.) because he is the key to something nobody knows. He will bring forth the Arch of the Covenant from the Cave of Antioch ." (Nuaym Ibn Hammad's Kitab Al-Fitan) and (Ibn Hajar Haythami Al-Makki's Al-Qawl al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar) Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Even if but one single day remains in (the life of) the world, Allah the Great and Mighty will certainly prolong that day in order for one of my family to possess Mount Dailam (rising above Marwah in Mecca) or the district of Dailam, and Constantinople, and the city of Rome." (Ibn Majah) Afterwards, the army of Mahdi (a.s.) will reach the Golden Church (St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican ) and take possession of the valuable treasures inside it. The Mahdi (a.s.) will take these and distribute them fairly and equitably among Muslims. The Mahdi (a.s.) will lay hands on the Sacred Box inside the Church that contains the iron-tipped stave (rod) of Prophet Jesus عليه السلام and the staff (rod) of Prophet Moses عليه السلام. That staff of Moses descended to Earth when the Prophet Adam عليه السلام was expelled from Paradise. The Roman emperor seized that Sacred Box from the Dome of the Rock Mosque (in Jerusalem) and took everything of value inside it and hid them in the Golden Church. Eventually, the Mahdi (a.s.) will take them from there once again. ("Death, Doomsday, The Hereafter and the Signs of the End Times", Bedir Publishing, p. 432-448) Tamin Ad-Dari said " I said, 'O Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم , I have never seen a Roman city like the city of Antioch (very important city in Early Christianity, located in Turkey, but historically, is part of Syria) and I have never seen more rain than it has.' Whereupon the Messenger of Allah, صلى الله عليه وسلم , said: 'Yes, that is because the Torah, Staff of Moses, Tablets, and the Table of Solomon, the son of David, are in its caves. There is not a single cloud that comes from any direction to it that does not pour its blessing in that valley. And the days and night will not pass until a man from my musked children live in it. His name is like my name and his father's name is like my father's name; his manners are like my manners. He will fill the world with fairness and justice just as it had been filled by harm and transgressions'." (Ibn Hibban Ad-Du'fa. and Shaykh Abdullah ben Sadek, late Grand Muhaddith of Morocco, "Al-Mahdi, Jesus and Dajjal) Ka'b Al-Ahbar says "He will be called 'Mahdi" because he will guide (yahdi) to something hidden and will bring out the Torah and Gospel from a city called Antioch (very important city in Early Christianity, in Turkey, but historically part of Syria)." (Izzat and Arif, p. 40) He is called the Mahdi because he will be guided to a mountain in AshSham (Greater Syria) from which he will bring forth the Books of the Torah with which to argue against the Jews. At his hands, a group of the Jews will become Muslim. (Imam Abu Amru Uthman bin Saeed Ad-Dani) Ahl Al-Kahf (People of the Cave) The story of these people is mentioned in the Quran in Sura Al-Kahf. Ibn Marduwayh narrates from Ibn Abbas: "Ahl Al-Kahf (People of the Cave) will be the Mahdi’s helpers (companions)." (Muhammad Al-Barzanji's Isha'ah li Ashrat Al-Sa'a) For more information about People of the Cave, click here Blessings at the time of Imam Mahdi Once again, the Quran and Sunnah will govern the people, this time by the rightly guided Caliph, the Mahdi. Islam will gain an upper hand and will be firmly established in the land. The oppression, tyranny, and darkness that prevailed all over the Globe will be replaced with justice, peace and equity. The smile, which was long forgotten, will be restored on the Muslim faces and the inhabitants of the Heaven and Earth will be pleased with him. Everybody will be happy to the extent that even birds an wild animals will rejoice in his rule. Heaven will send rain profusely, livestock will be in abundance, land will become fertile, the earth will become green and sprout with abundant fruit and vegetation. (based on several Hadiths in Abu Dawud and a Hadith narrated by Abu-Saeed al-Khudri in Musnad Ahmad.) Due to the booty gained from the various conquests, everyone will have so much wealth that an eyebrow will not even be raised at somebody else's wealth. Callers will proclaim in the street, ''Is anybody in need of anything?'' Nobody will respond except one person. In the latter part of Abu-Saeed al-Khudri's Hadith it is mentioned: ''A caller will call 'Who is in need of wealth?' Only one person will stand (and response to the call and say I am in need of wealth) he will be told to go to the treasurer and tell him that the Mahdi orders you to give some wealth. 'Gather and take it', he will be told. (He will begin to put it in his lap, when he realized that nobody else has come and he was the only one) he will regret it and say 'I was the greediest from among the Ummah (Nation) of Muhammad' . The narrator says, he will return it, but it will not be accepted, and it will be said to him that we do not accept what we have given." (Ahmad) Abu Saeed al-Khudri said I heard that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم say: " A leader will emerge from your leaders, and he will distribute more than can ever be counted. A man will come and ask for goods, and he will tell him to take what he wants. That person will spread out his shirt, and he will fill it with goods. And the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم spread out a thick shirt he was wearing and, describing the state of that man at that time, and then gathered up the corners of that garment and said, this is how that man will collect his goods and carry them away." (Ibn Kathir's Al-Bidayah wa-Nihayah) His Reign as a Caliph There are different conflicting narrations regarding the length of the period of the Mahdi's reign as a Caliph. Some Hadiths indicate that his reign will be seven years like the Hadith of Umm Salama attributed to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, ''He will remain seven years, then die, and Muslims will pray for him.'' (Abu Dawud) Abu Saeed Al-Khidri reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said "The Mahdi is from me (my progeny) and will have a broad, clear (of hair) forehead and a prominent nose and will fill the Earth with fairness and justice as it was filled with oppression and injustice, and will reign for seven years." (Abu Dawud)Other traditions indicate that his reign will last five, seven, eight or nine years such as the Hadith of Abu Saeed in Mustadrak and the following Hadith: A Hadith narrated by Abu Sa'id al-Khudri: "We were afraid that things might happen, so we asked the Prophet of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم , ... 'In my Ummah (Nation), there will be the Mahdi; he will appear and live five, seven or nine,'" Zayd was one who was not sure. He said, "We asked, 'What does that refer to?' He (Prophet Mohammad صلى الله عليه وسلم ) replied, 'Years'." (Tirmizi) Some unconfirmed narrations say that each year of his reign will be equivalent to 20 years. Many Scholars have taken seven years to be the period of his reign due to the fact that the Hadiths which indicate seven years are the most authentic. There are Hadiths that indicate that when the Mahdi dies, Prophet Jesus will lead his funeral prayer and bury him. The Shia believe, according to some sayings they attribute to their Imams, that the Mahdi will rule for seven years, but each year will be equivalent to 10 regular years. This means he will rule for what is equivalent to seventy years. However, some Shia believe the Mahdi may rule more than 300 years. |
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