Savior Exemplar in Religions
In the belief of several faiths—especially within Shi’a Islam—the Promised Savior is none other than Imam al-Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance).
He is the son of Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (peace be upon him) and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Shi’a tradition holds that he was born in 869 CE and has lived in this world ever since, though, by God’s will, he remains hidden from the eyes of humankind.
Core Beliefs About Him:
Alive and present on earth: Imam Mahdi (aj) has been living on this very earth for centuries, fully aware of the state of the world.
Occultation and waiting: Due to unfavorable conditions, he is hidden from view until the time comes for the world to be ready for universal justice.
The great reappearance: At the divinely appointed time, he will reemerge and cleanse the world of oppression and tyranny.
Establisher of global justice: He will fill the earth with equity and fairness, just as it had been filled with injustice and corruption.
Hope of the nations: In Shi’a belief, he is not only the savior for Muslims, but a source of hope and deliverance for all humanity.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) gave many glad tidings of his coming. In a well-known tradition, he said:
“If only a single day remains of the world’s life, God will prolong that day until a man from my family arises and fills the earth with justice as it had been filled with oppression.”
From the Shi’a Perspective, Imam Mahdi (aj) is:
Alive and present: Though in occultation, he remains a real presence on earth, unseen by most.
Spiritually accessible: Throughout history, many saints and righteous believers have been granted the blessing of encountering him.
A refuge and support: Believers turn to him in times of hardship and supplication, seeking his intercession.
The fulfillment of prophecy: His appearance is the continuation of the promises foretold by all prophets throughout history.
According to Shi’a Islam, Imam Mahdi (aj) is not the savior of Muslims alone, but of all humankind. His justice will embrace the entire world, transcending borders and divisions.
Praying for his reappearance is more than a ritual phrase—it is both a declaration of hope and a readiness of the heart.
Through prayer, the believer kindles his soul with anticipation, while also demonstrating a willingness to align his life with the mission of the Savior.
Our duty, then, is twofold:
Self-reformation: To purify ourselves by avoiding sin, falsehood, betrayal, and all that distances us from truth and purity.
Supplication to God: To sincerely ask for the day of reappearance to come, and to be found worthy of accompanying him when it does.
