Refutation of Ahmadi Deviations from the Collaborative Roles of the Mahdi and Prophet Isa

In Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi and Prophet Isa (Jesus) are divinely appointed figures whose roles are deeply interconnected. Together, they are prophesied to lead the faithful through the end times, restore justice, and ultimately defeat the Dajjal (Antichrist). Their mission is collaborative, with each figure serving complementary roles that reinforce the unity, justice, and guidance that Islam aims to uphold during periods of tribulation.

However, the “Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light” (ARPL) diverges from this foundational narrative by promoting a reinterpretation of the Mahdi’s role that is detached from Prophet Isa’s mission and the traditional expectations of their partnership. This section refutes ARPL’s deviations, demonstrating how their portrayal of the Mahdi misaligns with both the Quranic and Prophetic teachings regarding the Mahdi and Isa’s cooperative eschatological mission.

The Mahdi and Isa’s Complementary Roles in Islamic Eschatology

Traditional Islamic Teaching on the Mahdi and Isa’s Cooperation

Islamic sources clearly delineate the interconnected missions of the Mahdi and Prophet Isa, with the Mahdi leading the Muslim Ummah and preparing the way for Isa’s descent to confront the Dajjal. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

This Hadith highlights that the Mahdi’s role is not an isolated one but is integrated within the larger divine plan that culminates in Prophet Isa’s arrival. The Mahdi is expected to lead the Muslim community until Isa’s return, after which Isa assumes leadership and completes the mission. This shared mission emphasizes unity, coherence, and harmony within the eschatological framework, ensuring that both figures fulfill their roles in bringing justice and truth to the world.

The Significance of Isa’s Role in Defeating the Dajjal

Prophet Isa’s mission in Islamic eschatology includes his unique role in directly confronting and defeating the Dajjal. This responsibility is exclusive to Isa, symbolizing divine justice prevailing over deception and oppression. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

This Hadith establishes that it is Prophet Isa, not the Mahdi, who will ultimately defeat the Dajjal. The Mahdi’s role is to support and prepare the Muslim community, but Isa’s role is to deliver the final victory. By introducing a Mahdi figure who operates independently of Isa’s role, ARPL’s interpretation deviates from the established mission described in authentic Islamic sources. Their portrayal lacks the essential collaboration and shared purpose expected of the Mahdi and Isa in the end times.

Refuting ARPL’s Independent Depiction of the Mahdi

Traditional Islamic teachings present the Mahdi as a preparatory leader who stabilizes the Ummah, paving the way for Prophet Isa’s return and the subsequent defeat of the Dajjal. By omitting Isa from the Mahdi’s mission, ARPL’s doctrines disregard the collaborative nature that is central to Islamic eschatology. Their depiction of the Mahdi as an independent, self-contained leader with no connection to Isa’s mission contradicts the Hadith literature that emphasizes this cooperation.

Prophetic Warnings Against Self-Proclaimed Mahdis and False Claims

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cautioned the Ummah against individuals who might falsely claim to be the Mahdi or distort Islamic teachings. He warned that in the end times, people would arise claiming to have a special divine role, causing confusion and division among the faithful. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

Although this Hadith refers to false prophets, its warning against misleading claims applies to any figure who distorts the traditional Islamic teachings about the end times. The Mahdi, as a divinely appointed figure, will conform to the descriptions in the Quran and Sunnah, and his role will be supported by the broader Muslim community. ARPL’s introduction of a Mahdi figure who diverges from the traditional collaborative mission shared with Prophet Isa contradicts these descriptions, raising questions about the authenticity of their claims.