The Mahdi’s Mission for Spiritual Revival and Purification of Faith

In Islamic eschatology, one of the Mahdi’s primary roles is to bring about a spiritual revival within the Muslim Ummah, restoring the original teachings of Islam and eliminating innovations, misguidance, and corrupt practices. This mission is rooted in the Mahdi’s divinely guided role as a reformer who will purify the faith, unify the community, and re-establish an unadulterated form of worship that aligns with Allah’s guidance. By examining the traditional expectations of the Mahdi's mission for spiritual revival and purification, we can assess the claims made by the "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" regarding their leader, Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem, and determine whether they align with the established Islamic vision of the Mahdi.

A. The Mahdi as a Reformer of Faith in Traditional Islam

Restoring the Teachings of the Quran and Sunnah

Traditional Islamic sources describe the Mahdi as a reformer who will call Muslims back to the Quran and Sunnah, the foundational texts of Islam. In doing so, he will eliminate any distortions or innovations (bid'ah) that have crept into the faith, returning it to its original purity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

This Hadith highlights the Mahdi’s mission as one of re-establishing Islamic teachings by strictly adhering to the Prophet's example. His role as a reformer is characterized by a commitment to preserving the authentic message of Islam, protecting it from deviations and returning the Muslim community to a path of obedience to Allah. The traditional understanding of the Mahdi’s mission, therefore, centers on a complete revival of Quranic and Prophetic teachings.

Purging Innovations and Restoring the Faith’s Purity

Islamic scholars have emphasized that the Mahdi’s mission will involve purging the community of innovations and practices that have altered the essence of Islam. Innovations, in this context, refer to beliefs or rituals that have no basis in the Quran or Sunnah and detract from the original teachings of Islam. The Mahdi’s role is thus understood as that of a purifier who will renew faith in its unaltered form, reflecting the guidance provided by Allah and His Messenger.

The Mahdi’s mission aligns with this principle, as his task is to discard any practice or belief that deviates from the original teachings. His reformative efforts are therefore not only restorative but also protective, ensuring that Islam remains free from misguidance.

B. The Mahdi’s Role in Uniting the Ummah Spiritually

Reviving Spirituality and Strengthening Faith

In addition to eliminating innovations, the Mahdi is expected to inspire Muslims to deepen their spirituality and renew their commitment to Allah. His mission includes rekindling the Ummah's connection to Allah through sincere worship, piety, and adherence to Islamic principles. This spiritual revival is meant to restore Muslims' sense of purpose and bring them closer to their Creator. The Quran emphasizes this process of renewal:

The Mahdi’s call to Allah will resonate with Muslims, encouraging a return to spiritual life that centers on the teachings of Islam. By uniting the Ummah spiritually, the Mahdi will fortify the community's resilience against misguidance, strengthening their collective faith.

Guiding the Ummah to Tawheed (Monotheism)

The Mahdi’s role also involves reinforcing the principle of Tawheed, or monotheism, which is the foundation of Islamic belief. In traditional Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi will guide Muslims back to the core of Islamic monotheism, correcting any deviations that may have led to idolatry, polytheism, or associating partners with Allah. His mission will be one of purification, focusing on cleansing the community from practices that contradict Tawheed. This return to pure monotheism is essential for establishing an Islamic society that fully embodies Allah’s commands.

C. Evaluation of ARPL’s Claims Against the Traditional Mission of Spiritual Revival

Lack of Evident Impact on Widespread Spiritual Renewal

The "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" claims that Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem fulfills the role of the Mahdi. However, there is limited evidence of a widespread spiritual revival or purification of faith under his leadership. Traditional Islamic teachings about the Mahdi emphasize that his influence will lead to a noticeable and broad-based return to the Quran and Sunnah, inspiring Muslims worldwide to reject innovations and renew their faith. Without observable impact on the spiritual lives of Muslims globally, ARPL’s claims fail to meet the Quranic and Prophetic expectations for the Mahdi’s mission.

Absence of Efforts to Eliminate Innovations and Restore Original Teachings

In traditional Islam, the Mahdi’s commitment to removing innovations and returning to the original teachings is an essential part of his mission. However, ARPL’s promotion of Hashem as the Mahdi lacks a focus on purifying the faith or eliminating practices that deviate from the Quran and Sunnah. The Ahmadi interpretation, instead, introduces unique doctrines and practices that diverge from mainstream Islamic teachings. This divergence contradicts the role of the Mahdi as a restorer and protector of the faith's original purity.

The failure to prioritize this foundational aspect of the Mahdi’s mission suggests that ARPL’s claims are inconsistent with Islamic teachings. Traditional expectations of the Mahdi’s mission require him to actively restore the faith to its unaltered form, something ARPL has not demonstrated in practice.

D. The Significance of Traditional Scholarship on the Mahdi’s Mission

Consensus of Islamic Scholars on the Need for Purification

Islamic scholarship has long maintained that the Mahdi’s mission is one of revival and purification. Scholars such as Ibn Kathir and Al-Ghazali emphasize that the Mahdi's arrival will mark a period of moral and spiritual renewal, returning Muslims to the path of true worship. This consensus, or ijma, is critical in establishing the Mahdi’s legitimacy. The absence of such a consensus on Hashem’s mission among recognized scholars suggests that ARPL’s claims lack the necessary scholarly validation.

In addition, the consensus on purification and renewal provides a benchmark for assessing any claimant to the title of Mahdi. Without efforts to bring the faith back to its original principles, ARPL’s claims lack the authority required to position Hashem as a legitimate leader in Islamic eschatology.

Warnings Against Introducing New Doctrines and Practices

Both the Quran and Hadith warn against the dangers of innovation and the introduction of new practices into Islam. The Mahdi’s mission is understood as a protection against such deviations, preserving Islam’s integrity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that innovation would mislead the Ummah, underscoring the need for a leader like the Mahdi to maintain the faith’s purity.

By promoting doctrines that do not align with the Quran and Sunnah, ARPL’s claims diverge from the Mahdi’s role as a reformer who protects the Ummah from misguidance. Traditional Islamic teachings view the Mahdi as a leader who discards innovations rather than introducing them, providing clarity and assurance to Muslims.

Conclusion: Upholding the Mission of Spiritual Revival and Purification in Islam

The mission of the Mahdi in Islamic eschatology is centered on spiritual revival and the purification of faith, grounded in a return to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. This mission involves eradicating innovations, strengthening Tawheed, and uniting the Ummah through a renewed commitment to Allah. The "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" claims concerning Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem lack alignment with these core aspects of the Mahdi’s mission, as there is little evidence of a spiritual transformation or a revival of Quranic and Prophetic principles under his leadership.

Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of consensus, adherence to the original teachings, and the rejection of innovations as indicators of the Mahdi’s legitimacy. By maintaining these criteria, the Muslim community can protect itself from unsubstantiated claims, ensuring that the Mahdi’s mission aligns with the purpose set forth by Allah and His Messenger. ARPL’s claims, which do not fulfill the requirements of spiritual revival and purification, highlight the need for a careful and Quranic-based approach to recognizing the true Mahdi.