Question

A Scholar who doesn’t cite any source mentioned that Al Mahdi will be a regular person. When he discovers he is the Mahdi, Allah Ta’ala will rectify him. He will be a regular person who sinned etc.

Is this true?

 

Answer

Imam Ibn Majah, Imam Ahmad, Imam Abu Ya’la and other Muhaddithun have recorded the following narration on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu):

“The Mahdi is from us, the Ahlu Bayt. Allah will rectify him in a single night”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 4085, Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1, pg. 84, Musnad Abu Ya’la, Hadith: 465. Also see: Zawaid Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1371)

Hafiz Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) explains, “Allah Ta’ala will forgive him, grant him ability and understanding and inspire him”

(An Nihayah Fil Fitan Wal Malahim, vol. 1, pg. 45)

‘Allamah ‘Abdul Ghani Al Mujaddidi (rahimahullah) says, ‘Allah Ta’ala will make him suitable for leadership and khilafah suddenly. After quoting this explanation, Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) states, ‘This explains that the Mahdi himself will not know that he is the Mahdi.’

(Footnotes of Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah on Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 38799)

From this we understand that the Mahdi will be a regular person, living a regular life. When Allah Ta’ala wishes for him to emerge as the Mahdi, he will rectify him.

Disclaimer: In principle, the signs of Qiyamah are ambiguous and nuanced and only Allah Ta’ala Knows their precise timing and exact application. One should certainly take heed from such Hadiths and signs, despite their application to specific events being open to interpretation.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar