What is the meaning of the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a)? (question)

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Upper entryMahdism / Preconditions for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a)
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Short Comprehensive Answer

The Meaning of “Reappearance”

• From a lexical point of view, the Arabic word “Ẓuhūr” (or “reappearance”) signifies the manifestation of anything that was previously hidden.[1].[2]. Within the study of Mahdism, the term in question represents two concepts and ideas. These are as follows:

1. The return and reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a) from his prolonged occultation with the purpose of starting an uprising and establishing a global government of justice.[3]

2. The proclamation of an armed uprising and revolution. This particular meaning is applicable to Imam Mahdi (a) as well because he will start and lead a great uprising and revolution against all tyrannical forces.[4]

• Both of the above-mentioned meanings are accepted and acknowledged by the Shi’ah school of Islamic thought. However, the Sunni school of Muslim thought only accepts and acknowledges the second of these meanings with regards to the promised savior.[5]

The Stages of the Era of Reappearance

• The era of Imam Mahdi’s reappearance can be divided into three stages. These are as follows:

1. The actual reappearance and manifestation of Imam Mahdi (a) which will occur at a time only known to God Himself.[6]

2. The uprising that shall occur by divine command and verdict, and will represent a movement and struggle against all tyrants and enemies.[7]

3. The establishment and consolidation of Imam Mahdi’s global government.[8]

How Will the Reappearance Occur Following the Occultation?

• There exist two concepts and meanings with reference to the idea of “reappearance’’ after “occultation”. The first of these entails a “physical” reappearance, while the second is more metaphorical in nature. Both these concepts apply to the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a), as is demonstrated in the following text:

1. The Physical Meaning: Herein, Imam Mahdi (a) will physically show and reveal himself to the people at the beginning of his emergence from occultation, and will introduce himself to them, calling upon them to support him in his cause.[9]

2. The Metaphorical Meaning: An ending of the tactic of occultation wherein the Imam had actively concealed his identity from other people while physically living amongst them. Herein, the personality and true identity of Imam Mahdi (a) will become manifest for all people to see, and they will recognize his merits as a result of this newfound understanding.[10]

• If we interpret the “occultation” as a physical concealment of Imam Mahdi (a), then his “reappearance” will signify a physical manifestation of his body before the eyes of all people. In such a circumstance, the Imam will also have to introduce himself so that people recognize him for who he truly is. However, if we interpret the “occultation” as a mere concealment of identity, wherein Imam Mahdi (a) is physically present amongst the people of the world but his identity is hidden from their knowledge, then his “reappearance” will mean that he will reveal his true identity to everyone, while presenting them with definitive proof in support of his claim. This second concept is supported by certain narrated traditions. These narrated reports inform us that, subsequent to Imam Mahdi’s reappearance, people will address one another and say, “Indeed, we had seen this man before.”[11]

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