Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
When the Mahdi returns will he rule the whole world or just a certain part? How exactly will this happen? Isn’t this then a hugely awaiting event for the Muslims?
Answer:
Jazākumullāhu Khayran/ Thank you for your question.
The awaited Mahdī will rule the entire world. It will be a gradual process with the masses recognizing his leadership. There will be various confrontations and opposing parties; however they will be challenged by Imam Mahdī and his forces. This is indeed a major event forecasted by the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him)
Kindly refer to the narrations below:
“If there was only a day left of this world, Allāh would extend it until He would send a man who is from me; or from my family. His name will be the same as my name and his father’s name will be the same as my father’s name (i.e. Muḥammad ibn Abdullāh). He will fill the world with fairness and justice just as it will be filled with tyranny and injustice. (Sunan Abī Dāwūd)
“The Mahdī is from my progeny; from the descendants of Fāṭimah.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd)
“The Mahdī is from me. He will have a high forehead and a curved nose. He will fill the world with fairness and justice just as it will be filled with tyranny and injustice and he will rule for seven years.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd)
“There will be a dispute following the death of a ruler (khalīfah). A man from the residents of Madīnah will emerge and run to Makkah. [Once in Makkah] some Makkans will approach him and bring him out against his will. They will then pledge their allegiance to him between the [Black Stone] corner and the Maqām [of Ibrāhīm].” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd)
“ …Thereafter a man from the Quraysh will arise, whose maternal uncles will be from [the tribe of] Kalb. He will send an army against them (i.e. the Mahdī and those who have pledged their allegiance to him) [to destroy them] however [the Mahdī and his followers] will prevail against them. That [defeated army] will be the forces of Kalb. The true loss will be for he who will fail to witness the spoils of Kalb. The Mahdī will distribute the wealth [acquired from the battle] and will govern the people in accordance to the practice (sunnah) of their Prophet. Islam will become established on the earth and the Mahdī will remain for seven years. He will then die and the Muslims will offer his funeral prayer.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd)
And Allāh Knows Best
