Signs of Imam Mahdi’s Return

The exact date of the public return of Imam Mahdi is known only to the Almighty. But several Hadith from Prophet Muhammad (S) and the twelve Imams point to signs of that will herald this return. Whilst some of these signs are general in nature and subject to variation, five signs are certain, according to Hadith.
General Signs
There are several Hadith which set out the general signs of the Mahdi’s return. They follow a consistent theme of a world that is severely blighted by tyranny and injustice. Immorality, overpopulation, major earthquakes, wars, extreme heat, epidemics and pandemics feature heavily in such signs. Hadith also state that the bedouins of the Arabian peninsula will build tall towers, and time will feel constrained such that days will fly by.
It has also been foretold that there will be a major war in which approximately one third of the world’s population will perish by red death, which has been interpreted by many to mean a nuclear war. Another one third of the world’s population will then perish by white death, which has been interpreted to mean an ensuing bacterial infection, or a plague of sorts.
Certain Signs

The definite signs of Imam Mahdi’s return are as follows:

1. The Uprising of Sufyani

One of the major signs of Imam Mahdi’s return is the uprising of Sufyani, a ruler from the lineage of Utbah ibn Abu Sufyan, who was a contemporary of Prophet Muhammad (S). Outwardly religious, Sufyani will in fact be a wicked and oppressive tyrant. It has been stated that he will emerge in the Levant, which is in modern-day Syria. He will lead a military campaign marked by brutality that will cause widespread destruction and chaos. His emergence represents a significant evil force that Imam Mahdi will confront upon his reappearance. The Sufyani’s reign will involve significant bloodshed, particularly targeting the Shia Muslim community, before his eventual defeat by Imam Mahdi.

2. The Rise of Yamani
Parallel to the Sufyani’s emergence is the rise of Yamani, another significant figure who, unlike Sufyani, is portrayed positively. Yamani will appear from Yemen and is seen as a righteous leader who will call people towards truth and justice. His uprising is considered a sign of hope and support for the followers of Imam Mahdi. The Yamani is expected to rally people against the injustices of the Sufyani and support Imam Mahdi in his mission to establish a just and fair society. The traditions emphasise that following Yamani is obligatory as his banner is the banner of guidance.
3. The Heavenly Cry
Another definitive sign is a supernatural event described as a heavenly cry or call. This event involves a loud, clear proclamation from the sky heard by everyone in their own language. This cry will announce the advent of Imam Mahdi and will serve as a divine signal of his imminent appearance. The content of this cry will be a declaration of truth and a call to support Imam Mahdi. The heavenly cry is intended to dispel doubts and reinforce the believers’ faith, making it clear that the time for Imam Mahdi’s reappearance has arrived. Several false messiahs will concurrently emerge to sow doubt into the hearts of the believers. A malevolent one-eyed figure possessing magical powers called Dajjal, whom some interpret to be the Antichrist, will fool a great number of people into following him. Dajjal will claim divinity and will reap chaos in his wake.
4. The Murder of the Pure Soul

The assassination of an innocent and pure individual, known as the Pure Soul (Nafs-e-Zakiyya), is another critical sign. This individual, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (S), will be murdered in Mecca, near the Kaaba, which will cause great outrage and sorrow among the believers. The murder of the Pure Soul is seen as a martyrdom that signals the rampant injustice and tyranny prevailing at the time. This event is significant as it marks a point of no return, prompting the imminent uprising of Imam Mahdi to avenge the blood of the innocent and establish justice.

5. The Earthly Collapse in Bayda

The final definitive sign involves a catastrophic event known as the Earthly Collapse (al-Khasf) in the desert of Bayda, located between Mecca and Medina. This event will see the earth swallowing a large army, specifically the forces of Sufyani, who are marching to attack Imam Mahdi. This miraculous occurrence will be a clear sign of divine intervention, protecting Imam Mahdi and his followers, and reaffirming the futility of opposing him.