In the rich and complex traditions of Islamic theology, few topics evoke as much intrigue and mystery as the concept of the Mahdi, particularly within Shiite Islam. Among the many eschatological beliefs associated with the Mahdi, one that stands out is the idea—held by some within the Shiite tradition—that the original or complete Quran is preserved and will be revealed by the Mahdi upon his return.
This belief is often misunderstood or misrepresented, both within and outside Islamic circles. To understand it properly, one must first appreciate the Shiite concept of the Mahdi, the history of the Quran's compilation, and how Shiite theology diverges from Sunni orthodoxy on certain historical and eschatological points.
Who Is the Mahdi in Shiite Islam?
In Twelver Shiism—the largest branch of Shiite Islam—the Mahdi is believed to be Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Askari, the twelfth Imam, born in 868 CE. According to Shiite belief, he entered into occultation (ghaybah) at a young age and has remained hidden from the world ever since. He is not dead but in a divinely protected state, awaiting the right moment to reappear and establish justice on earth.
Shiites believe that during his reappearance, the Mahdi will:
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Defeat the forces of oppression and corruption,
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Restore pure Islamic teachings,
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Rule with justice,
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And reveal hidden truths, including certain religious knowledge that has been concealed.
It is within this eschatological framework that the idea of a "complete" or "original" Quran being with the Mahdi emerges.
The Compilation of the Quran: Sunni and Shiite Perspectives
To understand Shiite beliefs about the Quran and the Mahdi, we must first look at the history of Quranic compilation.
According to the Sunni tradition, the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 23 years and was memorized and recorded by his companions. After his death, during the caliphate of Abu Bakr and later under Uthman ibn Affan, the Quran was collected, codified, and standardized into the version we have today.
In contrast, early Shiite sources express skepticism about the integrity of the Quranic compilation under the leadership of those who, from the Shiite perspective, usurped the rightful leadership of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law.
Although mainstream Twelver Shiism today affirms the textual integrity of the Quran, historical sources indicate that some early Shiite thinkers believed that the original Quran—compiled as per the Prophet's instruction or by Imam Ali—included commentary, sequence, or interpretations that were excluded or altered in the Uthmanic codex.
Imam Ali’s Codex and the Original Quran
According to Shiite traditions, Imam Ali compiled his own version of the Quran shortly after the Prophet’s death. This version, known as "Mushaf Ali", was said to be arranged in chronological order of revelation and included the Prophet’s explanations and possibly references to the wilayah (divinely appointed leadership) of Ali and his descendants.
Most Shiite scholars do not claim that Mushaf Ali had different Quranic content in terms of verses, but that it may have included:
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Additional tafsir (interpretation),
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Contextual notes related to revelation,
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And possibly references to the rights and status of the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet), which were not emphasized in the Uthmanic version.
This Mushaf, according to Shiite belief, was rejected by the early political authorities and has since been preserved by the Imams.
The Hidden Imam and the "Real" or "Complete" Quran
Shiite eschatology holds that this special scripture—Mushaf Ali or another original version or complete knowledge of the Quran—is now kept by the Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam. Upon his return, he will reveal this hidden knowledge, correcting misunderstandings and restoring the true interpretation of Islamic teachings.
This does not necessarily mean that the current Quran is viewed as false or corrupted by most Shiites today. In fact, prominent Shiite scholars such as Allama Tabataba’i, Ayatollah Khomeini, and others have explicitly affirmed that the Quran in circulation today is complete and unaltered.
However, the belief that the Mahdi holds access to a fuller, more esoteric understanding of the Quran persists in Shiite theology. Some interpretations hold that:
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The Mahdi’s Quran is not a different text, but a divinely inspired commentary and perfect understanding.
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It may also include scrolls or scriptures passed down from the Imams, such as the mysterious Book of Fatimah (Mushaf Fatimah), which is also said to be in his possession.
What Is Mushaf Fatimah?
The Mushaf Fatimah is another esoteric text mentioned in Shiite hadith collections, said to have been dictated by the angel Jibra'il (Gabriel) to Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet, after his death. It is not a Quran, but a collection of divine knowledge, prophecies, and consolations.
Shiite traditions say that the Mahdi will return with this and other sacred texts, revealing their truths to the world. These are not seen as replacing the Quran, but complementing it with deeper knowledge and divine guidance.
Misconceptions and Clarifications
The belief that Shiites think the Quran has been corrupted is a common misconception. While early polemical literature from both Sunni and Shiite sources includes accusations of textual tampering, the majority of contemporary Shiite scholars assert that:
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The Quran used by all Muslims today is the same.
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The belief in a “complete” Quran with the Mahdi refers to interpretive clarity, not an entirely different scripture.
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The Mahdi’s role is to restore the proper understanding and implementation of Islam, not to rewrite revelation.
Shiite scholar Ayatollah Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei wrote extensively on the integrity of the Quran, affirming that “the Quran present today is the same Quran revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.”
Conclusion: Faith, Eschatology, and Hidden Knowledge
The Shiite belief that the Mahdi holds the original or complete Quran is part of a broader eschatological and theological framework in which the Ahl al-Bayt are the custodians of divine knowledge. The return of the Mahdi is not just about political justice, but about spiritual enlightenment — the unveiling of truths that have been hidden or obscured over time.
For Shiites, this does not negate the Quran used by Muslims today but complements it with a promise of future clarity and guidance. Like many eschatological beliefs across religions, this view is not grounded in empirical evidence, but in faith, tradition, and hope for divine justice.
Understanding this belief requires sensitivity to theological nuance and an appreciation of how deeply rooted it is in Shiite religious identity. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the doctrine, it reflects the richness and diversity of Islamic thought — a tradition still unfolding through both scripture and history.
