Who is Al-Mahdi Al-Qaim of Shia Muslims?

Al-Mahdi Al-Qaim, also known as the Mahdi, is a significant figure in Shia Islam, particularly in the Twelver Shia tradition. The Mahdi is believed to be the final and twelfth Imam, a messianic figure who is expected to reappear and bring justice to the world.

Key Beliefs about Al-Mahdi Al-Qaim:

Name and Lineage: His full name is Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Mahdi. He is the son of the 11th Imam, Hasan al-Askari, and is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and her husband Ali, the first Imam.

Occultation:

Minor Occultation: According to Shia belief, the Mahdi was born in 869 CE but went into hiding (occultation) at a young age. Initially, he maintained communication with his followers through a series of deputies during what is called the "Minor Occultation."

Major Occultation: In 941 CE, the Mahdi entered the "Major Occultation," a period in which he is believed to be hidden from the physical world and has no direct contact with his followers.

Role and Reappearance: Shia Muslims believe that the Mahdi will reappear at the end of times as Al-Qaim ("the one who will rise") to establish justice, defeat the forces of evil, and bring about a period of peace and righteousness. His reappearance is awaited with great anticipation, and his coming is seen as a fulfillment of divine justice.

Connection with Other Eschatological Figures: In Shia eschatology, the Mahdi is often associated with the return of Jesus (Isa), who is believed to join him in his mission to restore justice and righteousness.

The concept of Al-Mahdi Al-Qaim is central to the Shia understanding of history and the future, symbolizing hope for divine intervention and ultimate justice.

Who was Abdullah Ibn Saba?

Abdullah Ibn Saba is a controversial and somewhat enigmatic figure in Islamic history, primarily associated with early Shia Islam. His existence and role are subjects of debate among historians and scholars, with much of the information about him coming from later Sunni sources, which may have been influenced by sectarian biases.

Background and Claims

Origins: Abdullah Ibn Saba is said to have been a Jewish convert to Islam during the reign of the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (644–656 CE). He is often described as originating from Yemen.

Role in Early Islam: According to various historical sources, Ibn Saba is portrayed as a radical figure who spread dissent against the Caliph Uthman. He is accused of promoting the idea that Ali ibn Abi Talib was the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad, rather than Uthman or his predecessors. This belief is a foundational aspect of Shia Islam, which holds that Ali was the first legitimate Imam.

Allegations: Some sources claim that Ibn Saba went further, suggesting that Ali was a divine figure and that he would return in the future—a concept somewhat akin to the later Shia belief in the Mahdi. This extremist view led to accusations of heresy.

Controversy: The historicity of Abdullah Ibn Saba is highly disputed. Some modern historians and Shia scholars argue that he was either a fictional character or that his role was exaggerated by later Sunni historians to delegitimize Shia beliefs. On the other hand, some Sunni sources depict him as a real and dangerous agitator who played a key role in the unrest leading to the assassination of Uthman and the subsequent First Fitna (Islamic civil war).

Influence on Shia Islam

The stories surrounding Ibn Saba are used by some to criticize the Shia faith, claiming that it was influenced by non-Islamic ideas introduced by Ibn Saba. However, many Shia scholars reject this narrative, viewing it as a fabrication designed to undermine Shia legitimacy.

Conclusion

In summary, Abdullah Ibn Saba is a contentious figure whose historical existence and significance remain uncertain. Whether he was a real person or a literary creation, the stories attributed to him have had a lasting impact on the polemics between Sunni and Shia Muslims throughout history.

Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States by Trita Parsi

Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States is a book by Trita Parsi, an Iranian-Swedish author and expert on Middle Eastern politics. Published in 2007, the book explores the complex and often hidden relationships between Israel, Iran, and the United States over the past several decades.

Parsi argues that despite the public hostility between Israel and Iran, particularly after the Iranian Revolution in 1979, there have been periods of covert cooperation between the two countries, often facilitated by the United States. The book delves into how geopolitical interests, regional power dynamics, and shifting alliances have shaped these relationships.

Some key points covered in the book include:

Historical Context: Parsi examines the pre-revolutionary relationship between Israel and Iran, highlighting how the two non-Arab states found common ground against their Arab neighbors.

Post-Revolution Relations: After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, relations between Israel and Iran became more complex. The book discusses how ideological differences emerged, but also how pragmatic considerations led to covert cooperation, such as during the Iran-Iraq War.

U.S. Involvement: The role of the United States in mediating and influencing the relationship between Israel and Iran is a central theme. Parsi explores how U.S. foreign policy has fluctuated between support for Israel and efforts to contain Iran.

Iran-Israel Rivalry: The book also covers the intensifying rivalry between Iran and Israel, particularly after the 1990s, and how this has affected regional stability and U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Diplomatic and Strategic Implications: Parsi provides insights into how the shifting dynamics between these three countries have broader implications for global politics, especially regarding nuclear proliferation and regional security.

Treacherous Alliance is often praised for its detailed research and balanced analysis, offering a nuanced perspective on a highly complex and often misunderstood relationship.