He is the only Promised Savior

Throughout history, various religions and cultures have anticipated the arrival of a divinely guided savior — a figure who would establish justice, restore truth, and defeat oppression in a broken world. In Islam, this savior is none other than Imam al-Mahdi, the 12th Imam, who holds a uniquely central role in the eschatological beliefs of millions of Muslims. He is not just a reformer or a symbolic leader — he is the only promised savior, awaited to complete the mission of the Prophets and guide the world into an age of divine justice and peace.

Who Is Imam Mahdi (A.J.) – The Awaited 12th Imam

Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Mahdi, born in 255 AH (869 CE), is the son of the 11th Imam, Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him). According to Shi’a belief, he was born in Samarra, Iraq, and went into occultation (ghaybah) by divine command at a young age to be preserved until the time decreed by Allah for his reappearance. This period is known as the Major Occultation, during which the Imam remains hidden but continues to oversee the affairs of the world.

He is known by several titles: al-Mahdi (the Guided One), al-Qa’im (the One Who Will Rise), Sahib al-Zaman (Master of the Age), and Baqiyyatullah (the Remaining Proof of God). Unlike political leaders or temporary reformers, the Mahdi is divinely appointed, sinless, and guided directly by Allah, continuing the lineage of the Imams from Imam Ali (peace be upon him) through Imam Hasan al-Askari.

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The Universality of the Savior

While other religions also anticipate messianic figures — such as the return of Jesus (AS) in Christianity, the coming of the Jewish Messiah, and spiritual leaders in Hinduism and Buddhism — these figures ultimately point toward a final global savior. Islamic eschatology harmonizes these prophecies by affirming that Jesus (AS) will return to support the Mahdi, pray behind him, and confirm his leadership. Thus, the Mahdi is not only the promised one for the Muslim Ummah but the universal savior recognized across divine traditions.

The Qur’an and Hadith point toward the rise of a righteous leader in the end times. One of the most frequently cited verses is:

“And We desired to show favor to those who were oppressed in the land, and to make them Imams and make them the inheritors.”
(Surah al-Qasas 28:5)

This verse resonates with the mission of the Mahdi — to uplift the oppressed and establish God’s authority on Earth.

**Why He Is the Only Promised Savior**

Many historical and modern figures have claimed to bring justice or reform, but their efforts have either faded with time or been limited in scope. What sets Imam al-Mahdi apart is:

Divine Appointment and Protection
His role is not man-made. He was chosen by Allah and hidden from harm, as he bears the weight of the final divine plan.
Continuation of the Prophetic Mission
He does not bring a new religion but revives the true teachings of Islam, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and preserved through the Twelve Imams.
A Global Mission
His reappearance will mark the collapse of tyranny across the globe — not just in one region. He will lead the world into a just system where truth triumphs over falsehood.
Unity of Heavenly Figures
When Jesus (AS) returns, he will follow the Mahdi, solidifying the Mahdi’s unique position as the divinely mandated leader of the end times.

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Signs of His Reappearance

The world today is witnessing increasing signs foretold in Islamic traditions: widespread injustice, economic and moral collapse, oppression of believers, the rise of tyrannical systems, and a deep spiritual void across nations. These are not mere coincidences — they are the very indicators mentioned in hadiths regarding the time close to the Mahdi’s return.

Despite the darkness, believers are filled with hope, for these signs also signal the nearness of divine intervention. As the hadith states:

“When the Earth is filled with injustice and oppression, he will fill it with justice and equity.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4282)

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The Role of Believers During Occultation

During this long period of waiting, believers are not left without responsibility. Imam al-Mahdi’s occultation is a test of faith, sincerity, and endurance. Muslims are urged to:

Strengthen their belief in the unseen
Uphold justice in their own lives
Spread awareness about the Mahdi’s mission
Remain spiritually prepared and morally upright

The Prophet (PBUH) once said:

“The best of my nation is those who will live in his time, who will believe in him though they haven’t seen him.”
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 52)

Final Thoughts: Awaiting the Sun of Justice

The return of the 12th Imam is not merely a religious belief — it is the hope for all humanity. As tyranny and deception grip the modern world, the promise of the Mahdi shines like a beacon, reminding us that truth will prevail and divine justice will be established.

His return is not a matter of if, but when.

Let us live with hope, act with responsibility, and pray with sincerity — for the world is not forgotten, and the only promised savior is destined to rise.

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