The author seeks to expound theoretical aspects and projected realities of the idea of Mahdism. In chapter one, the author briefly studies other religions' espoused perceptions concerning the idea of a universal reformer and then proceeds to conduct a careful review of the related verses of the Qur'an. In chapter two, a few thoughts on Imam Mahdi's (a) characteristics, analysis on Imam Hasan's (a) role in laying the foundation for the occulation of Imam Mahdi (a) and discovering reasons behind Imam Mahdi's (a) occulation are expressed. In chapter three, the author studies the four deputies and other deputies of Imam Mahdi (a), false claimants (those who fraudulently call themselves the "promised Mahdi") and the role of poets in advancing the idea of Mahdism. The final chapter deals with signs of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a), state of politics with respect to areas wherein the reappearance shall unfold, distinguishing qualities of Imam Mahdi's (a) Islamic government and general queries on Mahdism.[2]
