Characteristics of the Mahdi as a Just Ruler in Islamic Eschatology

In Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi is revered as a divinely appointed leader who will establish justice, restore the moral and religious order, and unite the Muslim Ummah. The concept of the Mahdi as a just ruler is derived from Hadith and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who emphasized the Mahdi's role in eradicating oppression and upholding righteousness. Traditional Islamic beliefs about the Mahdi's characteristics as a ruler are well-defined and serve to guide the Muslim community in recognizing this figure when he arrives. This section outlines the qualities of the Mahdi as described in Hadith and examines how these characteristics differ from the claims made by the "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" (ARPL).

A. The Mahdi's Mission of Justice and Peace

Eradicating Injustice and Oppression

Islamic sources consistently emphasize that the Mahdi's primary mission is to bring justice to a world that has become plagued with oppression and tyranny. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated:

This Hadith captures the core of the Mahdi's role as a just ruler who will confront and eliminate corruption, ensuring that justice prevails. The Mahdi's mission is characterized by a dedication to upholding the moral and ethical principles of Islam, which align with Allah's guidance in the Quran.

Bringing Peace and Unity to the Muslim Ummah

In addition to establishing justice, the Mahdi is expected to unify the Muslim Ummah, mending divisions and fostering harmony within the community. The Quran emphasizes the importance of unity among Muslims, as in Surah Al-Imran:

The Mahdi's mission is expected to embody this principle, uniting Muslims under a banner of shared faith and justice. This unity is integral to his role as a leader who not only brings peace but also restores the collective strength of the Ummah.

B. Characteristics of the Mahdi as a Moral and Righteous Leader

Piety and Adherence to Islamic Teachings

The Mahdi's character is rooted in piety, aligning his actions with the Quran and Sunnah. Islamic scholars have consistently underscored that the Mahdi will exemplify a high degree of faithfulness and righteousness, setting a moral example for others to follow. This adherence to Islamic teachings is crucial, as the Mahdi's authority is derived not from personal ambition but from divine guidance and moral integrity.

Commitment to the Sunnah and Restoration of True Islam

The Mahdi's role includes the revival of the Sunnah and the elimination of practices that have strayed from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Mahdi will call people back to the foundational principles of Islam, rectifying any deviations in religious practice. In a Hadith recorded in Musnad Ahmad, the Prophet is reported to have said:

This Hadith emphasizes that the Mahdi's mission is to renew and restore Islam to its original form.

C. Refutation of ARPL's Claims Based on Traditional Islamic Characteristics of the Mahdi

Absence of Verifiable Impact on Global Justice

A defining feature of the Mahdi's mission is to establish global justice and eradicate widespread oppression. Traditional Islamic teachings specify that the Mahdi will transform societies, bringing about a tangible and universal impact. ARPL's claims about Hashem lack this transformative quality.

Failure to Demonstrate Unity and Reformation Among the Ummah

ARPL's claims are further weakened by the lack of unity their leader has inspired within the Muslim Ummah. Traditional teachings depict the Mahdi as a leader who will heal divisions and foster unity among Muslims, yet ARPL's assertions have led to further fragmentation rather than cohesion.

D. Islamic Scholars' Perspectives on the Mahdi's Just and Righteous Nature

The Mahdi as an Exemplar of Prophetic Qualities

Scholars like Imam Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani have highlighted that the Mahdi will embody qualities closely aligned with those of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Upholding Moral Integrity and Rejecting Self-Promotion

Islamic scholarship asserts that the Mahdi will emerge in times of widespread corruption and will act selflessly, with the sole aim of establishing justice. The Mahdi's integrity will be apparent in his actions, as he rejects self-promotion and instead focuses on the welfare of the Muslim community.

Conclusion: Upholding the Characteristics of the Mahdi as a Just Ruler

The characteristics of the Mahdi as a just and righteous ruler are well-defined within Islamic teachings, emphasizing qualities such as justice, humility, adherence to the Sunnah, and the ability to unify the Muslim Ummah. The "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" claims concerning Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem as the Mahdi lack alignment with these characteristics, as they do not demonstrate a transformative or unifying impact on the Muslim community, nor do they embody the essential qualities of justice and adherence to Islamic principles expected of the Mahdi.