In the era of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) — the 12th and awaited Imam — the world will not only be purified from injustice and oppression but also enlightened through a universal renaissance of knowledge and wisdom. His government will be built on truth, not only in governance and economy but also in education and intellectual development.
Modern societies claim to value education, yet across the world, knowledge is often commercialized, corrupted, or misused. People pursue information, not truth; degrees, not wisdom. Under Imam Mahdi’s rule, knowledge will return to its divine purpose: to guide the soul, elevate society, and connect humanity to its Creator.
The Foundation of His Mission: Knowledge and Enlightenment
While Imam Mahdi is known as the one who will “fill the earth with justice as it was filled with injustice,” this justice is not merely legal or economic — it is also intellectual and spiritual. Ignorance is one of the greatest sources of corruption. His arrival will be the beginning of a global awakening, where true knowledge becomes accessible to all.
Imam Baqir (AS) said:
“When our Qā’im rises… he will place his hand over the heads of the people, and their intellects will be completed, and their wisdom perfected.”
~Bihar al-Anwar (vol. 52, p. 336)
This hadith reveals that education during his time will be transformational, not just informational. The Imam will uplift the ‘aql (intellect) of humanity, helping people not just to learn, but to think rightly, judge fairly, and act wisely.
The Problems with Today’s Education Systems
Before exploring Mahdi’s educational system, it’s important to understand the crisis of knowledge today:
- Education is often tied to material success, not ethical or spiritual growth.
- Many systems exclude divine knowledge, treating religion as backward or unnecessary.
- Access to quality education remains unequal, especially for the poor and marginalized.
- The true purpose of learning — to know oneself and God — is lost in a flood of useless or deceptive information.
Education Under Imam Mahdi: Key Features and Goals
1. Universal Access to True Knowledge
In the Mahdi’s government, education will be a right, not a privilege. It will not be reserved for the elite, nor hoarded by private institutions. It will be spread across cities, villages, and tribes — even reaching the remotest corners of the earth.
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
“Knowledge has 27 letters (levels). All that has been revealed to humanity so far is two. When our Qā’im appears, he will bring forth the remaining 25, and spread it among the people.”
~Bihar al-Anwar (vol. 52, p. 336)
This means the great majority of knowledge — especially divine, spiritual, and universal truths — will only be fully understood during his time.
2. Integration of Spiritual and Scientific Wisdom
Unlike the modern dichotomy between religion and science, Imam Mahdi will unite divine revelation with human reasoning. His educational system will not reject scientific advancement — it will refine it, purify it from arrogance, and reconnect it to purpose and ethics.
For example:
- Medicine will be practiced not just to cure, but to honor life.
- Technology will be developed not to control people, but to serve justice.
- Philosophy will return to its original role: seeking wisdom and nearness to God.
3. Moral and Character-Based Education
Education under Imam Mahdi will not stop at information. It will focus on building moral character, as was the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“I was sent only to perfect noble character.”
~Sahih Bukhari
Schools, mosques, and centers of learning will teach:
- Humility with knowledge
- Respect for others
- Responsibility and justice
- Love for truth over ego
In his government, scholars will not be measured by fame or degrees, but by piety, service, and wisdom.
4. Revival of Islamic Knowledge and Hidden Truths
Imam Mahdi will also restore the pure teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet, which have been obscured by distortion, cultural manipulation, and political control. He will:
- Explain the true tafsir (interpretation) of the Qur’an
- Expose false teachings introduced in the name of Islam
- Establish a global center for learning where scholars and seekers can study under his guidance
Many traditions indicate that previous heavenly scriptures and hidden knowledge from the Imams will also be revealed during his rule.
Centers of Learning and Teachers in Mahdi’s Era
Imam Mahdi will not rule alone. He will appoint teachers, scholars, and deputies who will carry his knowledge to different parts of the world. The mosque of Kufa, according to narrations, will be a global university for divine sciences. Thousands of sincere scholars will spread truth, and ignorance will be chased out as darkness is by light.
A Global Renaissance of the Intellect
The Mahdi’s era will be a time when:
- All fields of knowledge are revived in the light of divine wisdom
- Young minds flourish, free of indoctrination
- Truth and inquiry replace propaganda and lies
- Learning becomes a spiritual journey, not just a material race
The spiritual atmosphere of the world will change, making the pursuit of knowledge a beloved and sacred act once again.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for the Age of Enlightenment
The rule of Imam Mahdi will not only bring justice with the sword — it will bring truth with the pen. His government will be a worldwide school, where humanity learns once again what it means to be the servant of God and the steward of Earth.
We must ask ourselves:
- Are we using our intellect to seek truth or chase ego?
- Do we value learning that brings us closer to God?
- Are we preparing our minds and hearts to be students in the Mahdi’s classroom?
Because when he comes, he will teach the world not just what to think — but how to think with purity, humility, and divine light.
