Introduction
In the world today, many people feel worried about injustice, corruption, and confusion. But Islam teaches us that there will come a time when truth, peace, and justice will return to the earth. This great change will be led by a special person known as Imam Mahdi (A.S.).
Some Muslim Scholars beleive that (R.A) should be used with name Hazrat Imam Mehdi instead of (A.S) becuase (A.S) is usually used with Holy Prophet and Hazrat Imam Mehdi will not be a Holy Prophet. He will be arrived as Ummati of Last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) but has special help from Allah Subhan -o -Tala which differentiate him with other Ummati. Here we will use (A.S) in this Article.
Imam Mahdi (A.S.) is a very important figure in Islamic belief. Muslims all over the world—both Sunni and Shia—believe in his coming, even though some of the details may differ between the two groups.
Let’s explore who Imam Mahdi (A.S.) is, what his role will be, and why Muslims are waiting for him.
Who is Imam Mahdi (A.S.)?
The word “Mahdi” means “the guided one.” Imam Mahdi (A.S.) will be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), through his daughter Fatimah (R.A.). He will come during a time when the world is full of injustice, chaos, and oppression.
Imam Mahdi will not be an ordinary leader. He will be chosen by Allah to guide people back to the truth. His mission will be to bring justice, remove evil, and unite the Muslim Ummah (nation).
Beliefs About Imam Mahdi (A.S.)
In Sunni Islam:
- Imam Mahdi has not yet been born, but he will appear in the future.
- His name will be Muhammad, and he will be from the family of the Prophet (Ahlul Bayt).
- He will fill the world with justice just as it had been filled with injustice.
- His arrival will be one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment.
- After his arrival, Prophet Isa (A.S.)—Jesus—will also return, and they will work together.
🔹 In Shia Islam (especially Twelvers):
- Imam Mahdi (A.S.) is already born. His full name is Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Askari.
- He is the 12th Imam, and he went into “Ghaibah” (occultation)—meaning he is hidden from the public eye by Allah’s command.
- He is still alive and will return when Allah decides the right time.
- He will lead with perfect justice and end all forms of oppression.
Who is Mansoor?
The name Mansoor (المنصور) means “the one who is given victory” or “the victorious one.” In Islamic eschatology (end-times knowledge), Mansoor is described as a helper or supporter of Imam Mahdi (A.S.), someone who prepares the way for his emergence and stands firmly by his side during his mission.
There are generally two views:
1. Mansoor as a Military or Political Leader:
- Some narrations suggest a powerful leader from the East will rise with black flags and prepare the ground for Imam Mahdi.
- This figure is sometimes referred to by the title “Mansoor”—not necessarily his real name but more of a title or role.
- This person leads an army that supports Imam Mahdi and hands over allegiance (bay’ah) to him.
Hadith (rough meaning):
“When you see the black flags coming from the direction of Khorasan (present-day Iran/Afghanistan), go to them, for among them is the caliph of Allah, al-Mahdi.”
(Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad – though chains of narration are debated)
In these narrations, “Mansoor” could refer to this leader or the army’s commander, a strong supporter who helps Mahdi establish justice.
Mansoor as a Symbolic Title for a Companion:
Some Shia narrations refer to one of the key companions or commanders under Imam Mahdi by the title “Mansoor”—a man who will be divinely helped in supporting the Imam.
In Shia texts, there are 313 special companions of Imam Mahdi, similar to the 313 of Badr (in Prophet Muhammad’s time). Some say “Mansoor” could be one of these elite followers.
In some mystical or esoteric interpretations, Mansoor can also be a code or spiritual rank, not just a name.
Is Mansoor a real person, or a symbolic title?
That depends on the source:
- In Sunni traditions, Mansoor is often associated with the army of black flags coming from the East, a key military supporter.
- In Shia traditions, Mansoor may be a specific helper, possibly one of the 313 chosen individuals who pledge loyalty to the Imam and help spread justice.
What Will Happen When Imam Mahdi (A.S.) Appears?
When Imam Mahdi (A.S.) appears, many important changes will take place:
- Peace and justice will spread throughout the earth.
- Tyrants and oppressors will be defeated.
- Falsehood and lies will be exposed.
- The real teachings of Islam will be revived.
- Prophet Isa (A.S.) will return and join Imam Mahdi in fighting evil (Dajjal).
- The Muslim world will unite under his leadership.
He will not come to start a new religion. Rather, he will restore the original, pure teachings of Islam as taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Hadith About Imam Mahdi (A.S.)
There are many authentic hadiths (sayings of the Prophet) about Imam Mahdi. For example:
“Even if only one day remains for the world, Allah will send a man from my family who will fill the earth with justice as it was filled with oppression.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Sunan Abi Dawood)
Another hadith says:
“The Mahdi is from my family, from the descendants of Fatimah.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
These hadiths show that belief in the Mahdi is part of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Why Has He Not Appeared Yet?
Only Allah knows the exact time when Imam Mahdi will appear. Just like no one knows when the Day of Judgment will happen, the appearance of the Mahdi is also hidden.
However, Muslims are encouraged to be patient, stay firm in their faith, and prepare their hearts by living righteously.
His delay is not a punishment—it is a part of Allah’s perfect plan. When the world truly needs him, he will appear by the will of Allah.
What Do We Know About His Death?
According to Islamic traditions, Imam Mahdi (A.S.) will also pass away, like all human beings. Islam teaches that no one lives forever, except Allah. Even the greatest prophets, including Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Prophet Isa (A.S.), are subject to death—so Imam Mahdi will also complete his mission and then return to his Lord.
- After defeating the forces of evil (including Dajjal, with the help of Prophet Isa A.S.), Imam Mahdi will rule with justice for several years.
- Most hadith say his rule will last 7, 9, or 19 years—the exact number differs in narrations.
- After fulfilling his divine mission, he will die a natural death, and Muslims will pray over him and bury him like any righteous leader.
“He will live for seven (or nine) years and then die. Muslims will perform the funeral prayer for him.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)
Where Will He Be Buried?
There is no 100% confirmed location in authentic hadith, but some narrations suggest he will be buried in Madinah, near the Prophet’s Mosque. However, we should be cautious about accepting weak or unverified reports in this matter.
What Can We Learn from Belief in Imam Mahdi?
Believing in Imam Mahdi (A.S.) gives us:
- Hope: Even in dark times, we believe that justice will return.
- Motivation: We are encouraged to fight evil and stand with truth.
- Unity: This belief is shared by many Muslims and can bring us closer.
- Patience and trust in Allah’s timing and plan.
Final Words
Imam Mahdi (A.S.) is not just a name or a story. He is a symbol of justice, truth, and hope in the hearts of millions of Muslims. Whether you are Sunni or Shia, the belief in his coming reminds us that good will always overcome evil—no matter how dark the world becomes.
As Muslims, our job is not just to wait for him, but to live the kind of life that supports truth and justice, so that when he comes, we are ready to stand by his side.
May Allah hasten his appearance and make us among those who recognize and support him. Ameen.
Author: Syed Haseeb
