Mahdism in Ghadīr
In the Sermon of Ghadir, special attention is given to Imam Mahdi. The mention of the Promised Mahdi for those who found the guardianship (Wilayah) of Imam Ali difficult to accept, reflects the forward-looking vision of Islam and the long-term divine plan for Muslims. Even if the Muslims of that time did not accept Ali ibn Abi Ṭālib, the truths became clear over time for future generations. Since all affairs are in God's hands, one day the matter of the Ahl al-Bayt will be made manifest. On that day, the world will be entrusted to the true successors of the Prophet, and revenge will be taken for all the oppression they suffered over the centuries.
It is worth noting that the announcement of these matters in Ghadir also counts as a prophecy and news from the unseen (Ghayb). In the Sermon of Ghadir, 25 statements are made about Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him), which can be summarized under six headings:
1. Glad Tidings about Him
- It is stated: He is the one whom all previous prophets have given glad tidings of.
2. His Finality
Two key aspects are mentioned:
- The Imamate continues in a connected line among the appointed Imams until it reaches the last of them, Imam Mahdi.
- He will remain as God's proof (Hujjah) until the Day of Resurrection, and after him, there will be no other divine proof.
3. His Rank and Status
Two main dimensions are discussed:
- His Virtues and Merits:
- He is chosen, guided, and supported by God.
- A divine light has been placed in him, and there is no light except through him; there is no truth except with him.
- His Social and Political Status:
- He is God's representative on Earth and His judge among the people.
- Affairs have been entrusted to him; he is God's trusted one in both the hidden and apparent realms.
- He is the supporter of God's religion.
- He will identify each person of virtue according to their virtue, and each ignorant person according to their ignorance.
4. His Knowledge
Two core aspects are highlighted:
- He is the inheritor of all knowledge and is aware of all things.
- His knowledge is connected to the vast ocean of divine knowledge.
5. His Uprising
In two instances, the term "al-Qa'im al-Mahdi" is used in the sermon. It then refers to the absolute and unparalleled power granted to him by God, which no other power can withstand. Three aspects are mentioned:
- No one can overpower him; no one will be aided against him; he will conquer all fortified castles.
- He will prevail over all religions and all groups of polytheism; he will either guide them or eliminate them.
- God will destroy all the towns and cities of the world that rejected the truth until the Day of Judgment and place them under the control of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him).
6. His Vengeance
The Sermon of Ghadir emphasizes that although the rights of the Ahl al-Bayt and their followers have been trampled by oppressors, an avenger will rise who, beyond the punishment in the Hereafter, will bring joy to the hearts of the faithful by exacting justice in this world. This point is made in three statements:
- He will reclaim God's right and every right connected to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
- He will avenge every drop of unjustly shed blood of God’s friends.
- He will take revenge on all the oppressors of the world.
Source: Asrār al-Ghadir (The Secrets of Ghadir) by Muhammad Baqir Anṣāri
