Messianism
Definition
Messianism is the belief that a religio-political figure will appear at the end of time to lead society to justice. This concept is shared by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Etymology
The term “Messianism” is derived from the word “Messiah,” which comes from the Hebrew “mashiach” (מָשִׁיחַ), meaning “anointed one.” This concept has been adapted into various languages and traditions, such as Arabic (مَسِيحِيَّة, “Masihi-yah”) and Turkish (Mesihçilik).
Messianism in Islam
Islamic messianism uniquely combines the belief that Jesus (Isa in Arabic, عيسى) is the Messiah (Masih, المسيح) who will return at the end of time with an additional belief in the Mahdi (المَهْدِيُّ), a divinely appointed guide. Unlike in Christianity and Judaism, the Islamic tradition includes the coming of both a Messiah and the Mahdi who are expected to deliver people from tyranny, restore justice, and establish an era of peace.
- Jesus in Islam: Muslims believe that Jesus (Isa) will return at the end of time to fulfill his role as the Messiah and bring justice.
- The Mahdi: The belief in the Mahdi is more pronounced in Shia Islam, where he is considered the divinely guided, awaited savior. Sunni Islam also recognizes the concept of the Mahdi, though interpretations and traditions may vary.
Further Studies
For an in-depth understanding of Islamic Messianism, the following books and resources are recommended:
- “Islamic Messianism: The Idea of Mahdism in Twelver Shi‘ism” by Abdulaziz Abdulhussein Sachedina.
- “The End of Time: The Hidden Imam and the Islamic Revolution” by Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Al-Imami.
- “The Messiah in Early Islam” by Damian Howard.
Takeaways
- Messianism is a shared concept across major Abrahamic religions with unique adaptations within each faith.
- In Islam, messianism includes the return of Jesus and the emergence of the Mahdi.
- The understanding of the Mahdi varies between Sunni and Shia interpretations.
Conclusion
Messianism in Islam is a multifaceted belief system that intertwines the idea of Jesus as the prophesized Messiah with the distinctive Islamic expectation of the Mahdi. These figures are awaited as sources of ultimate justice and peace at the end of times, reflecting a deep connection between divine justice and Islamic eschatological thought.
By exploring messianic beliefs through the lens of Islamic thought, one gains valuable insights into how doctrines of hope, justice, and divine intervention shape religious perceptions across the Muslim world.
