The reappearance of Imam Mahdi (A.S.), the twelfth Imam and the awaited savior in Shia Islam, is one of the most profound and anticipated events in Islamic eschatology. While the exact time of his return remains unknown and hidden by divine will, Islamic narrations outline a general timeline consisting of signs, events, and phases that will precede and accompany his reappearance.
This timeline is not chronological in a strict linear sense, but rather a framework of major signs, socio-political shifts, and spiritual milestones that will unfold gradually and culminate in his emergence.
1. The Period of Occultation (Ghaybah)
The timeline begins with the Greater Occultation, which began in 329 AH (941 CE) after the end of the Minor Occultation. Since then, Imam Mahdi (A.S.) has been concealed from public view, but he remains alive and continues to oversee the affairs of the Ummah in a hidden capacity.
This period is marked by:
- The absence of direct access to the Imam.
- Increased responsibility on the scholarly and spiritual leadership of the community.
- A test of faith and patience for believers.
According to narrations, his occultation will continue until society reaches a state where divine intervention is necessary.
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2. The Signs Before the Reappearance
Islamic traditions describe numerous signs that will precede the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (A.S.). These signs fall into two categories: definite signs and non-definite (conditional) signs.
Definite Signs (Alamat Qat’iyya)
These are signs that must occur before the Imam’s return and include:
- The Sufyani: A tyrannical ruler who will emerge in the Levant, spreading corruption and waging war against the people of faith.
- The Yamani: A righteous leader from Yemen who will rise to support Imam Mahdi (A.S.).
- The Heavenly Cry (Al-Sayha): A powerful voice from the sky heard across the globe, announcing the coming of the Mahdi and calling people to follow him.
- The Murder of a Pure Soul (Nafs Zakiyyah): A righteous man from the progeny of the Prophet will be unjustly killed in Mecca, just before the Imam’s reappearance.
- The Collapse of a Structure in the East: Possibly referring to political or symbolic shifts that destabilize existing powers.
These signs will unfold in rapid succession and will be recognized by the faithful, guiding them to prepare for the Imam’s return.
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3. The Rise of the Global Movement
Following the definite signs, the Imam will reappear in Mecca near the Kaaba, where he will be recognized by a select group of 313 devoted companions. These are spiritually elevated individuals from various parts of the world who will form the initial core leadership of his global movement.
They will pledge allegiance to him between the Black Stone and the Maqam Ibrahim, and the Imam will begin the process of restoring justice, dismantling oppression, and guiding humanity back to divine truth.
As news of his reappearance spreads, tens of thousands will rally to his side.
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4. The Conquest and Purification
With divine support and the assistance of his companions, Imam Mahdi (A.S.) will:
- March to Kufa, which will become his capital.
- Defeat the armies of the Sufyani and other oppressive forces.
- Reform global political and economic systems to reflect divine justice.
- Establish a universal government where every region is led by righteous and competent deputies.
5. The Return of Prophet Jesus (PBUH)
An essential part of the timeline is the descent of Prophet Jesus (PBUH). According to both Islamic and Christian eschatology, he will return to support Imam Mahdi (A.S.):
- Jesus will pray behind Imam Mahdi (A.S.), acknowledging his leadership.
- Together, they will confront and defeat the Dajjal (the Antichrist).
- Jesus will play a key role in guiding Christian nations toward truth and unity under the divine banner.
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6. The Final Establishment of Peace and Justice
After defeating falsehood and oppression, Imam Mahdi (A.S.) will oversee a golden age of peace, knowledge, and spirituality:
- Poverty, injustice, and inequality will disappear.
- Knowledge and wisdom will be widespread.
- Earth will yield its blessings, and humanity will live in harmony.
This era will fulfill the Quranic promise:
“Indeed, We wrote in the Psalms, after the [previous] mention, that the Earth will be inherited by My righteous servants.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:105)
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7. The End of the Timeline (According to Shia Belief)
Shia narrations do not provide a definitive duration for the rule of Imam Mahdi (A.S.), though some hadiths mention 7, 19, or even 309 years, while others leave it entirely to divine wisdom. What is clear, however, is that his government will not be temporary—it will mark a complete spiritual and societal transformation, fulfilling the long-promised reign of truth and justice on Earth.
Under his leadership:
- The Earth will be filled with equity after being filled with injustice.
- Human potential, knowledge, and morality will reach unprecedented levels.
- The governance will be led by divinely appointed deputies, ensuring purity and integrity at all levels.
Eventually, after his mission is fulfilled, according to some Shia narrations, Imam Mahdi (A.S.) will pass away, and the world will gradually enter the prelude to the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah). Some traditions also mention that Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (S.A.), the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.), and even Prophet Jesus (PBUH) will have roles in the final stages of this divine era.
The conclusion of Imam Mahdi’s (A.S.) rule, in Shia thought, is not an end—but a transition to the eternal phase of divine justice, where every soul will be held accountable, and the promises of the prophets will be fully realized..
Conclusion: How Should We Prepare?
While the exact date of Imam Mahdi’s (A.S.) return is unknown, the timeline of signs and events serves as a guide for the faithful. The real question is not when he will return—but whether we will be ready when he does.
Preparation means:
- Strengthening our faith and sincerity.
- Supporting justice and opposing oppression.
- Gaining knowledge and purifying our hearts.
- Spreading awareness of the Mahdawi mission.
May we be among those who recognize the signs, respond to the divine call, and stand among the supporters of the awaited savior.
