" All praise belongs to ALLAH. He does what he wishes. No one can object Him. He does not require anybody’s suggestion. He is not bound by anyone. He is not afraid of anyone. Indeed, all praises belongs to Allah who dominates all and no one can ever dominate Him. "

INTRODUCTION

   Today the Muslims are eagerly waiting for the coming of Imam Mahdi (A.S.) but at the same time we should also know that there are conflicting perceptions among the Muslim community relating to the identification of Imam Mahdi (A.S.), the reason being some weak and fabricated narrations and some stories heard from here and there.

   Therefore in this article it has been tried to clear those misconceptions and put forth correct basis for the identification of Imam Mahdi (A.S.) in the light of Quran and Sahih Ahadith (authentic ahadith), so that each and every individual get a correct understanding of Imam Mahdi (A.S.) and their waiting of 1400 years does not go in vain, as we all know that Hazrat Imam Mahdi (A.S.) is one of the greatest sign before the last hour (Qiyamah).

   Many people across the world had claimed to be Mahdi but we eventually came to know that they were liars. Due to this, we Muslims got a mindset that anyone claiming Mahdi would be false one and the true Mahdi's appearance is very far.

   But such thinking is not appropriate. If Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) has given the news of Imam Mahdi's (A.S.) arrival then he will surely come & it is our duty to recognize him and help him as Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said in one sahih hadith: " Helping Mahdi or following his orders is must(wajib) for every Muslim." - (Abu Dawood)

How to Identify Imam Mahdi (A.S.)?

l. Understanding Prophecies

   Prophecies are the knowledge of unseen (Ghaib). People used to form opinion regarding the hadith related to prophecies.

   Hence, generally when the 'awaited' comes, they look for the prophecies to happen as per the interpretation of their ‘Scholars’. However, one should analyse it with the actual words of Huzoor (S.A.W.) found in sahih ahadith (authentic ahadith).

   Also, as the prophecies are the knowledge of unseen, One cannot claim with guarantee that a hadith about a particular prophecy will happen as per his assumption.

   Hence, One should only analyse the hadith related to prophecies at the time when it is unfolding & as per rules laid down in Quran & sahih ahadith.

   So, to know about Imam Mahdi (A.S.), first we must know what is hadith & prophecy and rules to understand the prophecies.