Biography of Imam al-Mahdi (as)

Birth and Lineage

Imam Muhammad ibn Hasan (AS), commonly known as Imam al-Mahdi (as), was born at dawn on the 15th of Sha’ban in the year 255 Hijri in Samarra. He is the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) and Lady Narjis (SA). As the twelfth Imam in the Shia tradition, he embodies a unique and central role in Islamic eschatology and leadership.

Imam Mahdi (AS) is distinguished by a range of titles that reflect his elevated status and his role as the Imam of our time. Among these titles are:

• Mahdi: "Guided One," signifying his divine leadership.

• Saahib al-Zaman: "Master of the Age," denoting his role as the spiritual leader of our time.

• Muntazar: "Awaited One," symbolizing the hope for his return and the justice he will bring.

• Hojjat Allah: "Proof of God," emphasizing his role as God's representative on earth.

• Baqeeyat Allah: "Whom God has left on earth," highlighting him as the final divine authority.

• Qa’em: "One who stands up (against injustice)," reflecting his mission to establish justice.

Unique Status and Role

Imam Mahdi (AS) holds a distinctive place among the Ahlulbayt (AS) as the youngest to assume the role of Imam while being the oldest living Imam today. He has performed the highest number of Hajj pilgrimages among all the Imams (AS), symbolizing his deep spiritual commitment and connection to the divine rites. He is uniquely destined to govern all of humanity, heralding a future era of universal justice and righteousness.

Occultation: Minor and Major

The Imam entered into occultation in 329 AH. This period is divided into two phases:

• Minor Occultation: The phase during which Imam Mahdi (AS) was in concealed contact with his followers through appointed representatives.

  
  

• Major Occultation: The ongoing phase, where direct communication with the Imam is not possible, and the Shia community awaits his reappearance.

  
  

Current Period: Minor Zuhoor

According to scholars such as Ayatollah Hasanzadeh Amoli (RA) and Ayatullah Sayyid Husayn Tihrani (RA), like the Imam (ajtfs) had 2 occultations, he (as) has 2 zuhoors- Minor & Major. We are currently experiencing the period of Minor Zuhoor. This phase is characterized by the presence of signs and preparations leading up to the Imam’s anticipated reappearance. It is a time marked by the hope and anticipation of his return to restore justice and righteousness across the world.

Imam Mahdi (as) remains a beacon of hope and a symbol of divine justice for the Shia community, guiding believers through his teachings and the anticipation of his return.