Shia Interpretation of Past, Present, and Future

The worldview and history of Shia Islam differ significantly from those of other Islamic denominations. Shia Muslims emphasize a forward-looking perspective, particularly regarding the reappearance of Imam Mahdi, who is believed to be in occultation. According to Shia theology, the Mahdi is a figure who will return in the future to avenge the injustice, oppression, and brutality of the past. His reappearance is expected to occur during a time when the earth is engulfed in chaos, evil, falsehood, and a degeneration of religion. This event, which is anticipated to happen at the end of human history, will fulfill the divine authority established by the prophets and represent the final hope for Shia Muslims (Ayoub, 221).

Additionally, a Sunni source, Sahih Tirmidhi (74-75), records a tradition regarding Imam Mahdi in which the Prophet Muhammad stated, "Even if the entire duration of the world's existence has already been exhausted and only one day is left before Doomsday, Allah will extend that day long enough to accommodate the kingdom of a person from my Ahlul-Bayt who will be called by my name. He will fill the earth with peace and justice, which will have been filled with injustice and tyranny before then."

Past events have significantly shaped the Shia understanding of history and time. This perspective will continue to be influenced by future occurrences. Events serve as signs and guidance for believers as they navigate their spiritual journeys and seek assistance from Imam Mahdi. The concept of limited time will ultimately come to an end with the Mahdi’s reappearance and his unwavering quest for vengeance for the martyrdom of Hussain, the master of martyrs. Imam Mahdi will bring justice to all oppressed individuals and rectify the injustices faced by those in need.

According to Sunan Ibn Majah, Volume 2, the vision of a just and ideal society, which Imam Mahdi will establish, is characterized by peace and equality. This government will endure for a hundred years without any rivals, culminating in the Day of Judgment.

Shia Hiero-history centers around the divine status of the Imams, who are considered the personalities for whom the universe and everything in it have been created. The Prophet Muhammad explained the significance of the Imams to his daughter Fatima, saying: "O daughter! God, praised and exalted be He, looked upon the inhabitants of the earth and chose your father, making him a prophet. He then cast a second glance, chose your husband, Ali, and appointed him as my brother and vicegerent (wasi). He cast a third glance and chose you and your mother, making you the two mistresses of the women of the world. Finally, He cast a fourth glance, chose your two sons, and made them the two masters of the youths of paradise" (Ayoub, 55).

Shia doctrine places significant importance on the Imams, believing that there must always be an Imam in this world for humanity's survival. Without an Imam, the cosmos would vanish, and the existence of the world itself serves as proof that a Hidden Imam must be present.

The concept of origin and return is central to the Shia worldview. This narrative manifests through the Prophets and Imams, who were chosen by God to communicate His divine attributes. As stated in the Quran, "Truly, God chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran above all the worlds, as offspring one after the other" (3:33-34). God created Imams and Prophets to propagate the oneness of God and His attributes. Each prophet and imam faced opposition and condemnation from forces of ignorance.

In Shia belief, the concept of the reappearance of the Mahdi represents the culmination of this struggle. The Mahdi is expected to eliminate all evils and ignorance in the world, reestablishing God's just and divine authority. This authority fosters the attributes of God while removing evil forces from the earth. As a result, Imams hold a highly esteemed and divine status within Shia theology.

The tragedy of Karbala is particularly significant in the Shia interpretation of sacred time. The Mahdi is believed to avenge the suffering and oppression experienced there. According to *Tahdhib* (p.404), there is a tradition from the Prophet Muhammad regarding the sacrifice made by Hussain in Karbala: "When al-Khidr met Moses, he explained and foretold the catastrophe of Karbala (the site of this tragedy) on the day of Ashura, including the calamities that would occur then. Both al-Khidr and Moses then cried and screamed in distress."

The concept of sacred time in Shia theology significantly influences their understanding of history, justice, and the ideal society. The fourteen infallibles hold great importance within this framework. They are referred to as "masum," meaning they are protected and immune from error and sin. The Imams are considered the heirs of God's religion, a legacy passed down from the Prophet Muhammad. They possess a divine status as interpreters and preservers of harmony and goodness in the world after the Prophet, endowed with revelation, and acting as vicegerents.

According to Sahih Muslim and various other sources, after his final pilgrimage, the Messenger of Allah (S) delivered a speech beside a pond known as Khum (Ghadir Khum), which is situated between Mecca and Medina. He praised Allah and reminded the people of His greatness, saying: "O people! Behold! It seems the time has approached when I shall be called away (by Allah). I shall answer that call. Behold! I am leaving you two precious things: the first is the Book of God, which contains light and guidance, and the second is my Ahlul-Bayt. I remind you in the name of Allah about my Ahlul-Bayt. I remind you in the name of Allah about my Ahlul-Bayt. I remind you in the name of Allah about my Ahlul-Bayt." (repeated three times).

The twelve Imams are often referred to as the House of Sorrow because all of them experienced martyrdom, except for the twelfth Imam, Mahdi, who entered a period of occultation. It is believed that he will also face martyrdom upon his reappearance to claim his title. This Shia interpretation of history is similar to the...

The hidden Imam represents hope against the injustices and misinterpretations of divine revelations introduced by the Prophets, as well as the persecution faced by the infallible Imams. Article 5 of the Iranian Constitution grants the hidden Imam divine status by designating him as the "True Head of State" (Halm, 34). The reappearance of the Twelve Imams is expected to create an ideal society where justice, intended by God to be realized in the world through His prophets and Imams, can finally be established. This justice has been thwarted by evil, ignorance, and corruption, but it will be restored by the Imam. 

The goals of reconciliation, unification, and the resolution of divides and succession disputes within Islam will culminate in the triumph of original Islam associated with the Twelve Imams (Halm, 34). According to Fatah al-Bari, "The Ahlul-Bayt are like stars that guide us in the right direction. If the stars are taken away or hidden, we will directly encounter the signs of the Almighty as promised (i.e., the Day of Resurrection). This will occur when the Mahdi comes, as described in the traditions. The Prophet Jesus will pray behind him, the Dajjal will be defeated, and then the signs of the Almighty will unfold one after another."

The Quran contains verses that refer to a future world where both believers and disbelievers from every era will be resurrected. This event is known in the Quran and Hadith as al-Raja. The period during which the Mahdi rises is also considered al-Raja. The Mahdi is believed to seek vengeance against all tyrants throughout history, aided by divine power, and will establish a government of justice over the entire universe.

According to Abu Basir, when he inquired about the interpretation of the verse "And on the day when We will gather from every nation a group" (27:83), Imam Sadiq, the sixth Shia Imam, responded by asking what people thought it meant. When Abu Basir mentioned that people believe it refers to the Day of Judgment, Imam Sadiq said, "Do you think Allah will gather only a group from every nation and leave the rest? This verse is about al-Raja."

Additionally, according to the Sunni source Hanbal, p. 84, the Messenger of Allah stated, "A Mahdi from my family will bring about a revolution and will fill the world with justice and equity, in a time when it has been filled with injustice and inequity."