Examination of Ahmadi Claims on Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem's Role

The "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" (ARPL) presents Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem as the awaited Mahdi, attributing to him a significant eschatological role. In traditional Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi is expected to emerge as a divinely appointed leader who will restore justice, bring unity to the Muslim Ummah, and prepare the world for the return of Prophet Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him). However, ARPL's claims concerning Hashem's role and identity lack alignment with foundational Islamic teachings and characteristics associated with the Mahdi. This section critically examines the ARPL's assertions about Hashem's role, drawing on the Quran, Hadith, and the scholarly consensus in Islam to identify the points of divergence.

A. The Mahdi's Traditional Role in Islam vs. ARPL's Interpretation

Role of the Mahdi as a Divinely Appointed Leader of Justice

The traditional Islamic concept of the Mahdi is rooted in several Hadiths, which describe him as a righteous descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who will arise to fill the world with justice and equity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said:

This statement underlines the Mahdi's primary mission: to address global injustices, bringing about an era of peace and righteousness in line with Allah's will. Islamic scholars highlight that the Mahdi's leadership will be defined by fairness, adherence to the Quran, and a return to the original values of Islam. ARPL's claim that Hashem is the Mahdi, however, does not substantiate how he fulfills this role, either through his actions or through divine validation.

The Requirement of Lineage and Spiritual Characteristics

According to authentic Hadith, the Mahdi must be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), specifically through his daughter Fatimah. This lineage is a core criterion in identifying the Mahdi. In Sunan Ibn Majah, the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:

This requirement underscores the Mahdi's spiritual connection to the Prophet's family, which is integral to his identity and role. The Mahdi's bloodline is intended to assure Muslims of his legitimacy, linking him to the prophetic qualities of piety, trustworthiness, and commitment to Allah's guidance.

B. Self-Appointment vs. Consensus in Identifying the Mahdi

The Importance of Ijma (Consensus) in Islam

Islamic teachings emphasize that the Mahdi's arrival will be marked by broad recognition and acceptance within the Muslim Ummah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed the value of communal consensus, or Ijma, as a safeguard against misguidance. He is reported to have said:

Ijma is particularly relevant when it comes to recognizing significant religious figures such as the Mahdi, as it serves to validate his identity and protect the community from false claims.

Warnings Against Self-Appointed Claimants

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) provided warnings about individuals who would falsely claim to be prophets or divinely appointed figures. Although the Mahdi is not a prophet, these warnings remain relevant, as they caution Muslims to remain vigilant against unverified leaders. In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet said:

While the Mahdi's role is not that of a prophet, the same caution applies to self-appointed leaders who claim divine authority.

C. Comparative Analysis of Divine Appointment in Other Abrahamic Faiths

Lineage and Divine Legitimacy in the Bible and Torah

The importance of lineage and divine endorsement is emphasized in other Abrahamic scriptures, as well. In the Bible, the lineage of David is considered crucial in identifying the Messiah, who is expected to come from David's family line. The Book of Jeremiah states:

Warnings Against False Messianic Figures

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) warns his followers against false claimants who would attempt to mislead the faithful. He states:

This warning, while specifically addressing messianic figures, reflects a principle shared across Abrahamic faiths: the necessity of caution against self-proclaimed leaders.

Conclusion: Examining the Validity of ARPL's Claims

The claims made by the "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" regarding Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem as the Mahdi do not meet the requirements established by Islamic teachings. Traditional Islam expects the Mahdi to come from the Prophet's family, fulfill a divinely guided mission of justice, and be widely accepted by the Muslim Ummah. ARPL's assertions lack both the verifiable lineage and the communal consensus essential for validating the Mahdi's identity.