The Islamic concept of the Mahdi (ajtf) is in greater...

The Islamic concept of the Mahdi (ajtf) is in greater conformity with the feelings and sentiments of the oppressed and the persecuted of all times, more so than in any other religion or tradition. It is Islam which has given a concrete shape to an abstract idea!

It is no longer necessary to look forward to an unknown savior, who may come into the world at a distant future, rather as the savior is already here we simply have to look forward to the day when the circumstances are appropriate for him to reappear and begin his great mission. The Mahdi (ajtf) is no longer an idea. He is no longer a prophecy. We do not need to wait for his birth. He already exists. We only have to wait for the inauguration of his role.

He is a specific entity living among us in his real human form and he shares our hopes and our joys; and grieves at our sorrows and times of distress. He witnesses all the acts of oppression and persecution which are perpetrated on the face of the earth, and somehow or another, he is affected by them.

He too is anxiously waiting the moment when he will be able to extend his helping hand to everyone upon whom any wrong has been done, and that he will be able to eradicate injustice and oppression completely. Although this Awaited Savior is living among us, waiting for the appointed moment of his advent, however, he has been ordained not to proclaim himself, nor disclose his identity.

The concept of the Mahdi (ajtf) as espoused by Islam shortens the gap between the oppressed and the expected savior. It connects the bridge between them, howsoever long the period of waiting may be. The traditions (ahadith) urge the believers in the Mahdi (ajtf) to keep on waiting for him and to continue looking forward to solace.

The idea is to establish a close spiritual and intuitive link between the believers on the one hand and with the Mahdi(ajtf) and all that he stands for, on the other hand.

It is not possible to establish such a link without believing that the Mahdi (ajtf) has already been born and that he is a living and contemporary personality.The late Professor Henry Corbin, philosopher and researcher on Islam, and a student of the late ‘Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husain Taba`taba’i has stated: “To my mind, the Shi’ite is the only sect which has preserved and perpetuated the link of Divine guidance between man and God through its belief in the Imamate.

According to the Jews, the prophethood, a real link between man and God, came to an end with Moses.