The Role of the Mahdi in Eradicating Innovations (Bid'ah) and Restoring Sunnah
The role of the Mahdi in Islam is not only to bring justice but also to revive the authentic teachings of Islam, free from any innovations or distortions that have crept into the faith over time. Bid'ah, or religious innovations, are practices introduced into Islam that have no basis in the Quran or Sunnah, and they are generally regarded as deviations from the true path. The Mahdi is expected to confront and remove these innovations, guiding the Muslim community back to the original practices prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This section evaluates the traditional role of the Mahdi in purging bid'ah and reinstating the Sunnah, contrasting these expectations with the claims made by the "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" (ARPL) regarding Aba Al-Sadiq Abdullah Hashem.
A. The Concept of Bid'ah in Islam
In Islamic theology, bid'ah refers to innovations in religious matters that lack support from the Quran or Sunnah. Islamic scholars differentiate between worldly innovations, which may be permissible, and religious innovations, which alter the practices or beliefs of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against bid'ah in religion, saying:
من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه، فهو رد.
"Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) something that is not part of it will have it rejected."
📔 Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2697B. Traditional Expectations for the Mahdi's Role in Purging Innovations
The Mahdi's mission is rooted in restoring Islam to its original form, as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions. Traditional Islamic sources describe the Mahdi as a figure who will revive the Sunnah, purify the faith from deviations, and correct any false practices that have developed over time. The Prophet (PBUH) stated:
بدأ الإسلام على شيءياً، وسيعود على ما بدأ عليه على شيءياً، فطوبى للغرباء الذين يصلحون ما أفسد الناس بعدي من سنتي.
“Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being strange, so blessed are the strangers who will reform what the people have corrupted after me of my Sunnah.”
📔 Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3986C. Analysis of ARPL's Claims in Light of the Mahdi's Role
The "Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light" promotes specific doctrines and interpretations that diverge from traditional Islamic teachings, including unique claims about the Mahdi's identity and mission. These claims and practices lack foundational support in the Quran and Sunnah, contradicting the established role of the Mahdi as a restorer of original Islamic practices. Traditional Islam emphasizes that the Mahdi will purge all bid'ah rather than introduce new or altered doctrines. ARPL's promotion of beliefs not found in the foundational texts of Islam places them at odds with this essential function of the Mahdi.
D. Conclusion: Upholding the Mahdi's Role in Eradicating Bid'ah and Restoring the Sunnah
The role of the Mahdi in Islamic eschatology is marked by a clear mandate to eliminate innovations (bid'ah) and to reinstate the Sunnah, ensuring that Islam is practiced as it was originally taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Traditional teachings emphasize that the Mahdi will purify the faith, removing all practices and beliefs that lack support in the Quran and Sunnah. This role aligns with the Prophet's warnings against innovations and underscores the importance of the Sunnah in maintaining Islam's integrity.