The return of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) — the 12th and awaited Imam — is not just a prophecy; it is a divine promise. His mission is unlike any political or military revolution. It is a spiritual uprising, a divinely guided movement that begins not in a palace or parliament, but in Mecca, at the Kaaba, the heart of monotheism.
This article explores where Imam Mahdi’s journey to establish divine governance begins, how it spreads, and the key roles of his headquarters, and the support from Yemen and Iran — two regions that play significant roles in Islamic eschatology.
It All Begins at the Kaaba
According to authentic traditions, Imam Mahdi’s public appearance will begin at the Kaaba in Mecca, where he will stand between the Rukn and Maqam, announce his identity, and call people to truth and allegiance.
“He will stand between the Rukn and the Maqam and call out: ‘O people of the world! I am the Mahdi. I am the one who will fill the earth with justice as it has been filled with oppression.’”
~Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 52
From this sacred ground, his government’s spiritual foundation is laid. However, the structure of his rule — his governing base, military support, and administrative systems — will develop in stages.
The Central Government: Imam Mahdi’s Seat of Power
After his emergence, Imam Mahdi’s capital and administrative center will be established in Kufa, Iraq. Kufa, once the capital of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), holds profound historical and spiritual significance. From here, Imam Mahdi will rebuild the broken structures of governance based on divine justice.
According to narrations:
“Kufa will be the capital of the Mahdi’s government, and the Imam’s governing house will be the Grand Mosque of Kufa.”
~Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 52
This Grand Mosque will become his ruling court, his center of divine law, and the house of consultation for his appointed governors across the world.
The Army of Truth: Help from Yemen and Iran
In his global mission, Imam Mahdi will not rise alone. Allah will prepare sincere, divinely chosen individuals and communities to support him. Among these, two key forces will be central: the armies from Yemen and Iran (Khurasan).
The Yemeni Army: The Righteous Caller
The narrations mention a righteous leader from Yemen, often referred to as the Yamani, who will rise just before the appearance of the Mahdi. He will not call people to himself, but directly to the Mahdi. He is considered one of the sure signs of the Mahdi’s near reappearance.
“There is no banner more guided than that of the Yamani. It is the banner of guidance because he invites people to the Mahdi.”
~Bihar al-Anwar (vol. 52, Hadith of the Yamani)
The Yamani’s army will play a major role in confronting regional tyranny, cleansing the Arabian Peninsula from corruption, and joining the Mahdi in Mecca.
The Army from Iran (Khurasan): The Black Flags
Another critical force will rise from the region of Khurasan, which includes parts of present-day Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. The hadiths speak of Black Flags emerging from this region, symbolizing a pure, unwavering army that will march to support the Mahdi.
“Black flags will come from Khurasan. Nothing will stop them until they are planted in Jerusalem.”
~Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 4082)
This army is not just physical, but deeply spiritual, trained in sacrifice, loyalty, and discipline. The people of this army will join the Mahdi in Iraq, help establish his rule, and defend the global revolution against all worldly powers.
Governors and Global Administration
Imam Mahdi will appoint righteous governors to lead various parts of the world — not based on tribalism or nationalism, but on merit, sincerity, and piety. These governors will be scholars, warriors, and caretakers — chosen to mirror the divine justice he embodies.
- Justice will not be delayed in courts.
- Wealth will not be hoarded by elites.
- Religion will not be distorted for political ends.
From his base in Kufa, Imam Mahdi will send letters to world leaders, offer truth peacefully, and only confront those who oppose justice. His revolution will be balanced, not aggressive — and yet firm, never compromising on divine principles.
Final Thoughts: The World is Preparing — Are We?
Imam Mahdi’s journey begins at the Kaaba, but spreads to Kufa, Yemen, Iran, and eventually the entire world. His leadership is not one of greed or nationalism — it is the return of God’s justice on earth.
His supporters will come not from political parties but from the oppressed, the sincere, and those whose hearts burn for truth.
We must ask ourselves:
- Are we spiritually aligned with the Mahdi’s cause?
- Will we recognize the Yamani or deny him?
- Will we aid the black flags of truth or remain in fear and silence?
The time is coming. And when it does, may we be among those who do not ask, “Is this real?”
But say with certainty, “This is the truth we waited for.”
