Is the occurrence of transmogrification a sign of Imam Mahdi's reappearance? (question)

Is the occurrence of transmogrification a sign of Imam Mahdi's reappearance?
Upper entry	Mahdism / Preconditions for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a) / Signs for Imam Mahdi's reappearance
Main entry	Maskh

Maskh is frequently reported to be among signs for Imam Mahdi (a)'s reappearance. Maskh, in Arabic, denotes the metamorphosis or transmogrification ofappearance of any given creature. With respect to human-beings, it occurs when the human form transforms into a pig, a monkey or any other animal. It is probable that Maskh will take place in the years leading up to the year of Imam Mahdi’s reappearance or during the said year itself.

Short Comprehensive Answer

It is almost certain that "Maskh" (or transmogrification) shall be one of the events to precede Imam Mahdi (a)’s reappearance. "Maskh", in Arabic, denotes the metamorphosis or transmogrification of the nature and physical appearance of any given creature. With respect to human-beings, it occurs when the human form transforms into a pig, a monkey or any other animal. It is highly probable that such a divinely ordained transmogrification will take place in the years leading up to the year of Imam Mahdi’s reappearance or during the said year itself.

There exist several narrated traditions that speak of the occurrence of "Maskh" (or transmogrification) as one of the signs of Imam Mahdi’s reappearance. Some of these are as follows:

• The Holy Prophet (s) is reported to have said: "During the end of my nation’s (history) and before the Day of Judgement, Maskh (or transmogrification), sinking into the Earth and being thrown into the sea will take place".
• The Holy Prophet (s) is also narrated to have said: "From this nation as well, there shall be groups that will experience the "Maskh" (or transmogrification) and will morph into various forms. One of these groups will consist of scholars who act as courtiers (to tyrants) and another will consist of people who indulge in frivolity and libidinous amusement".

On the other hand, there exist a tradition narrated from Imam Kazim (as) that says: “… and "Maskh" (or transmogrification) occurs (only) amongst the enemies of truth and verity”. Therefore, it is argued that the Islamic nation will not suffer from such divine retribution. This is the reason why the Muslim nation is also called the “nation which received clemency”. However, it is academically inadmissible for us to accept this solitary narration while ignoring the numerous other narrated traditions that contradict its contents.

Conclusion: By taking into account the narrated traditions available to us in this regard, we can confirm that "Maskh" (or transmogrification) is indeed one of the signs of Imam Mahdi’s reappearance, and that this phenomenon will occur either in the years leading up to the year of the Imam’s reappearance or during that year itself.