The arrival of Imam Mahdi during the month of Ramadan is a subject of various interpretations within the Muslim community. Some Muslims believe that if a solar or lunar eclipse occurs on the first night of Ramadan and on the 15th day in the morning, Imam Mahdi will appear in that month. They cite a Hadith attributed to Muhammad bin Ali as evidence for this belief.
On the other hand, many scholars consider this Hadith to be fabricated and question its authenticity. They argue that the chain of transmission (sanad) of the Hadith is weak and raise doubts about the credibility of its narrators. Additionally, there is no clear mention in Islamic Sharia about the correlation between Imam Mahdi’s arrival and solar or lunar eclipses during Ramadan.
Therefore, it is not possible to definitively assert a connection between Imam Mahdi’s arrival and solar or lunar eclipses during Ramadan. However, it is true that there are many indications and descriptions regarding Imam Mahdi’s arrival.
Introduction to Imam Mahdi:
Imam Mahdi holds significant importance in Islamic beliefs as a just ruler who will establish peace and justice on Earth. There are various interpretations regarding Imam Mahdi’s arrival within different branches of Islam.
Name and Lineage of Imam Mahdi:
Name: Muhammad
Father’s Name: Abdullah
Lineage: Descendant of Hasan bin Ali (RA)
Birth and Upbringing of Imam Mahdi:
Birth: In 869 AD, in Samarra, Iraq
Upbringing: He went into hiding at the age of 5 and assumed the Imamate at the age of 7.
Arrival of Imam Mahdi:
When: There is no specific time known.
How: He will appear near Mecca, close to ‘Hajrul Aswad’.
Responsibilities of Imam Mahdi:
Establishing peace and justice on Earth
Fighting against the Dajjal (Antichrist)
Establishing the true values of Islam
Cautions Regarding Imam Mahdi:
False claims: Many false claimants have presented themselves as Imam Mahdi.
Misconceptions: There are many misconceptions regarding Imam Mahdi.
Sources:
Hadith: Descriptions of Imam Mahdi can be found in various Hadiths of Islam.
Books: Many books have been written about Imam Mahdi.
Special Note:
There are various interpretations within Islam regarding the arrival of Imam Mahdi.
Time of Imam Mahdi’s Arrival:
There is no clear information in Islam about the time of Imam Mahdi’s arrival. While some hints and descriptions about Imam Mahdi’s arrival exist in Hadiths, no specific date or time is mentioned.
Indications of Imam Mahdi’s Arrival:
The arrival of the Dajjal: Imam Mahdi will engage in a battle against the Dajjal, the false messiah, and defeat him.
Descent of Jesus (AS): Jesus will descend from the heavens and join Imam Mahdi in establishing justice on Earth.
Conversion of Jews and Christians to Islam: During Imam Mahdi’s time, Jews and Christians will embrace Islam.
Increase in natural disasters on Earth before Imam Mahdi’s arrival.
Various Interpretations Regarding the Time of Imam Mahdi’s Arrival:
Some scholars believe that Imam Mahdi has already been born and is currently in hiding.
Others believe that he has not yet been born and will appear close to the Day of Judgment.
Some scholars suggest that knowledge about the time of Imam Mahdi’s arrival is not essential for ordinary people.
Evidence for Imam Mahdi’s Arrival:
Imam Mahdi’s arrival is a significant subject in Islam. Various proofs and evidence are cited from reliable sources to support the belief in Imam Mahdi.
These proofs can generally be categorized into three parts:
1) Quranic Verses:
Surah An-Nisa, Verse 59: “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.”
The phrase “those in authority among you” is interpreted by many to refer to Imam Mahdi.
Surah Al-Kahf, Verses 86-98:
These verses narrate the story of Dhul-Qarnayn, and some believe that Dhul-Qarnayn is a reference to Imam Mahdi.
2) Hadith:
Sahih Muslim: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Certainly, there will come from my descendants a person who will fill the earth with justice and equity as it was filled with oppression and tyranny.'”
Sunan Abu Dawood: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Mahdi is from my descendants. His face will be bright, and his forehead will be broad.'”
3) Historical Accounts:
Throughout history, many false claimants have presented themselves as Imam Mahdi.
It is essential to acquire knowledge about Imam Mahdi from reliable sources and patiently await his arrival.
