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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Philosophic Conceptualities of the Self in Messianism / Mahdism Imam Mahdi: the Crusader of Equality and World Peace Most of the world religions have faith in the future of humanity. They all believe, though in different forms, that a messiah will save the entire humanity and the world from all sins. The messiah will establish a society on the basis of true virtues.

The Hindu religious scripture Mahabharata says whenever there are sins and injustice in the world the God sends his messenger to earth to fight all evils and establishes an order dictated by justice, equality and peace. Ancient Hindu texts clearly state that at the end of Kalyug (period full of sins) a saint named Kalki will come to this world to fight all evils and to establish just order.

In the same conspectus Bible says that Jesus will come back to earth and after fighting enemies of humanity, establish rule of the Lord God. Islam though recognizes Jesus as messiah and believers have faith in him that he will fight against rampant injustice and corruption in religion, but they categorically differentiate between Imam Mahdi and Jesus.

Though, throughout the history of Islam, a few individuals -- driven either by the desperate state of Muslims in their community or a selfish pursuit of power and prestige -- laid claim to being Mahdi. Somehow they found a following as well among the uninformed masses those were desperately looking for salvation from the heavens.

For some of these individuals (like Bab of Iran or Mirza Ghulam Qadiani of India) made claim to being Mahdi was just a stepping stone to the development of heretic sects which broke away from the fold of Islam. Thus, it is at least prudent to visit the facts of this prophecy and avoid falling pray to false claimants that will appear from time to time.

According to hadith narrated by Abu Saeed Khudri (R.A.) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "...(regarding the rule of Imaam Mahdi) the skies will rain down in abundance and the earth will yield forth its crop in abundance, and those alive will desire that those who have already passed away should have been alive to enjoy this prosperity..." This announcement which will be heard by all those present will establish his authenticity.

Another sign which will indicate the authenticity of Imaam Mahdi will be that in the Ramadhaan prior to his emergence an eclipse of the sun and moon will occur.