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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Explanation to the Belief of Mahdism in Shi'a Imamia The Shia and the meaning of Mahdism ====================================== As he earlier proceeded, here too he proceeds on the same basis of the materialistic aspect. The historical causes, social trend and the political ground to him is the reason for the belief of the Shia in Mahdism. Political defeats and victories, in his view, have a part in the buildup of this belief.

It is quite easy to deny what is not seemed or to doubt what is not found in a material search. In religious studies, a belief is a fundamental. First to avoid the belief and then to search is to first become blind and then to set out on sightseeing. In such a way even the prophet hood and even the presence of God can be discussed in order to deny or can be put to question so as to obviate its credibility. To believe wrong could be the consequence of social causes or of the illiteracy.

The real belief is above these things because it is in the root of human nature. There were many who claimed to be Mahdi. Their claim did not gain ground because they were after a political end. These interpretations, deviations and analyses do not touch the root but show the prejudice. God, revelation, and prophet hood is a fact; there is a motive in man to accept this fact. Since it is so, on the other hand, persons have lied and have claimed to be God or a prophet.

Between those two can there be a parallel? The matter of Mahdism was told by the Prophet (S). His associates and companions heard it. It is a fact foretold by the Prophet (S). Here it attains authenticity. It has been utilized for personal gains towards a political end. But it is not true that this issue was the product of events which later took the shape of belief and immuned its object with a sin, that is, ‘Ma’soom’. Events, happenings or incidents sometimes guide a man towards truth.

For example, Abraham the prophet, that great believer in the oneness of God, educated the people to believe in one god in a very odd and at the same time very efficacious way[^1]. As the night fell and the stars glittered, he said it is god. When it disappeared he was disappointed and said, “I do not like that which vanishes.”(6:76) He made it clear that the star is not god. Then in the next stage the moon ruled the sky with its serene and silent light.

Abraham said; “This is god.” (6:77) The moon too disappeared.