Chapter One: The Mahdi

At the end of time, a man from the Prophet’s Household will emerge, through whom Allah will strengthen the religion. He will rule for seven years and fill the earth with justice, just as it had been filled with tyranny and oppression. Under his rule, the Muslim community will enjoy prosperity unlike anything it has ever known: the earth will yield its vegetation, the sky will pour down its rain, and wealth will be given without measure.

Ibn Kathīr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “In his time, fruits will be plentiful, crops abundant, wealth ample, authority mighty, religion firmly established, the enemy subdued, and goodness enduring throughout his days.” (1)

• His name and description:

This man will bear the same name as the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his father will bear the same name as the Prophet’s father. His name will therefore be Muhammad—or Ahmad—ibn Abd Allah. He will be a descendant of Fātimah, daughter of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and specifically from the offspring of al-Hasan ibn Alī, may Allah be pleased with them.

Ibn Kathīr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said concerning the Mahdi: “He is Muhammad ibn Abd Allah