Imām al-Mahdī (ʿatfs) – The Awaited One
The twelfth and final Imām, appointed by Allah, is Imām Muḥammad b. al-Ḥasan (ʿatfs). His most well-known titles are:
al-Mahdī – the one guided by Allah
al-Ḥujjah – the proof of Allah on earth
He shares the name of the Prophet (s), and he is our living Imām, who is in occultation (hidden from public view) until the time Allah wills for his return.
A Hidden Birth
Because the rulers of the time were hunting for any child that could succeed Imām al-ʿAskarī (as), Allah hid the pregnancy of Imām al-Mahdī’s mother. According to narrations, when the Imām was born, he spoke miraculous words like Prophet ʿĪsā (as) did, reciting the verse:
“And We wished to favour those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and inheritors.” (Qurān 28:5)
On one side, Imām al-ʿAskarī (as) had to hide his son from the spies of the ʿAbbāsid ruler.
On the other side, he had to ensure that trusted Shīʿa saw the child with their own eyes, so no one could deny his existence after Imām al-ʿAskarī’s martyrdom.
Some reports say the Imām was secretly sent to Madīnah to avoid being noticed. Imām al-ʿAskarī (as) also trained and prepared sincere followers to recognise and support the twelfth Imām.
The Minor Occultation (al-Ghaybah al-Ṣughrā)
After the martyrdom of Imām al-ʿAskarī (as), the Minor Occultation began. During this time, Imām al-Mahdī (ʿatfs) still stayed in contact with his followers—but through four special deputies.
When believers faced problems, they would write to the deputy, who would pass the letter to the Imām. The Imām would respond, seal it, and send it back through the deputy.
The Four Deputies were:
ʿUthmān b. Saʿīd
Muḥammad b. ʿUthmān (his son)
Ḥusayn b. Rūḥ al-Nawbakhtī
ʿAlī b. Muḥammad al-Samarī
When the fourth deputy was about to die, the Imām sent a letter saying:
“There will be no more special deputies after you. From now, my occultation will be complete, and I will not appear until Allah gives permission.”
This marked the beginning of the Major Occultation.
The Major Occultation (al-Ghaybah al-Kubrā)
Since the year 329 AH, the Major Occultation has continued. During this time, no one represents the Imām directly, but we are guided by the teachings of the Imāms and the trustworthy scholars.
All Muslims believe that before the end of the world, Imām al-Mahdī (ʿatfs) will return and fill the world with peace and justice, just as it had been filled with oppression and injustice.
While many Sunnīs believe the Mahdī will be born in the future, the Shīʿa believe that the earth can never be without a living proof (ḥujjah) of Allah—even if he is hidden.
Signs of the Reappearance
There are many signs that will appear before the return of Imām al-Mahdī (ʿatfs). Some are general, and others are very specific.
General Signs
Widespread sin and immorality
Disrespect of parents
Love of wealth and fame, materialism
Open disbelief in Allah
Alcohol and drugs used freely
Shamelessness, loss of modesty
Oppressors ruling while the good are powerless
People unable to tell right from wrong
Natural Disasters and World Confusion
Frequent earthquakes, floods, and landslides
Wars and civil unrest
Leaders replaced quickly, rulers overthrown
Nations fighting each other, chaos across the world
Definite Signs (Before the Imām Returns)
According to the Ahlul Bayt (as), there are some certain signs that must happen before the Imām returns:
The Sufyānī
A cruel man from the descendants of Abū Sufyān
He will rise to power and fight against Imām al-Mahdī
Eventually, he will be destroyed
The Return of Prophet ʿĪsā (as)
He will descend and support Imām al-Mahdī
He will pray behind the Imām, showing his obedience
The Dajjāl (Antichrist)
A great deceiver who misleads people, especially during times of hunger and hardship
Some believe Dajjāl may be a system or ideology that spreads falsehood
Our Role as Followers
We are waiting for the return of Imām al-Mahdī (ʿatfs) not just because we want justice, but because we want to live in a world where Allah is obeyed, and goodness is the way of life.
But the Imām is also waiting for us—to become pious, sincere, and not greedy for this world. The more we obey Allah, avoid ḥarām, and become role models for others, the closer we come to being ready for his return.
The Imām will only return when Allah gives permission—and when we are prepared to support him with full sincerity.
May Allah hasten his reappearance and make us among his true followers.