Examining the Teachings of Mahdism from the Perspective of the Qur’an and Nahj al-Balagha

Abstract

Almighty God is the Light of the heavens and the earth, and He is Absolute Perfection; therefore, He has directed the course of the universe towards Himself. Since all affairs of the world are under His control, He alone is the true guide. However, as human beings are incapable of directly meeting and communicating with God, the Almighty has appointed intermediaries of grace to convey the truth to people and prohibit falsehood. These intermediaries, engaged in guiding humanity along the path of righteousness, acquire a divine character and are illuminated by divine light. The followers of truth and the sincere adherents of the prophets also benefit from this divine light in both this world and the hereafter, attaining eternal felicity. However, since the chain of prophethood comes to an end, and on the opposing front, the people of disbelief exert all their efforts to extinguish the light of God, the Almighty has designated twelve successors for the Prophet (PBUH) and introduced them to complete His light. The primary objective of this study is to examine the teachings of Mahdism from the perspective of the Qur’an and Nahj al-Balagha. The research methodology employed in this study is descriptive-analytical, utilizing documentary and library-based techniques. The findings indicate that the path of truth continues through the institution of Imamate, and with the emergence of the rightful successor of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and the dominance of the front of truth, the entire world will be illuminated by divine light, rendering the enemies powerless to extinguish it.