Iran broadcasts series on imminent appearance of apocalyptic Islamic 'Mahdi'
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Iran broadcasts series on imminent appearance of apocalyptic Islamic
'Mahdi'*
Posted: January 27, 2007
Official Iranian radio has completed broadcasting a lengthy series on
the imminent appearance of a messianic figure who will defeat Islam's
enemies and impose Islamic Shiite rule over the entire world – even
speculating on specific dates the so-called "Mahdi" will be revealed.
English-language transcripts of "The World Toward Illumination" programs
can be found on the website of IRIB, a public broadcast arm of Tehran.
"Be joyous my heart, miracles of the Messiah will soon be here," reads a
poem used to conclude the first broadcast. "The scent of breaths of the
One we know comes from near. Grieve not of sorrow and melancholy, as
assured I was … last night that a Savior will come, it's clear."
After the coming of the 12th imam, or Mahdi, "liberal democratic
civilization" will be found only in "history museums," explained the
program.
"Contrary to the views of western theoreticians, who usually depict an
ambiguous and dark future for mankind, Muslim experts believe human
history, despite its many ups and downs, has a very auspicious fate,"
explained the program. "Muslims believe hopes for the realization of
such a happy ending for the world are called 'Awaiting Redemption,' and
means waiting for man's problems to be solved by the Savior at the end
of time. This awaiting influences many, and inspired them with activity
and enthusiasm in confronting darkness and oppression for changing the
existing situation. …"
This messianic figure will be a direct descendant of Muhammad, according
to the broadcasts.
"In short, when he reappears, peace, justice and security will overcome
oppression and deceit and one global government, the most perfect ever,
will be established," it said.
The Mahdi will appear suddenly, according to the report, in Mecca.
Though no one can know the day, Shiites believe, the report actually
suggests possibilities in the Muslim calendar.
The Mahdi will lead a cataclysmic battle against a descendant of
Muhammad's archenemy, Abu Sofyan, culminating in the cities of Kufa and
Najaf. His enemy, though, is destroyed later in Jerusalem.
"Another beautiful moment of the Savior's appearance is the coming down
of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) from heaven," says the report. "Hazrat Mahdi
receives him courteously and asks him to lead the prayers. But Jesus
says you are more qualified for this than me. We read in the book
Tazkarat ol-Olia, 'the Mahdi will come with Jesus son of Mary
accompanying him.' This indicates that these two great men are (sic)
complement each other. Imam Mahdi will be the leader while Prophet Jesus
will act as his lieutenant in the struggle against oppression and
establishment of justice in the world. Jesus had himself given the
tidings of the coming of God's last messenger and will see Mohammad's
ideals materialize in the time of the Mahdi."
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appearing at "The World Without Zionism" conference
Oct. 26, 2005
As was reported last month, in a greeting to the world's Christians for
the coming new year, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he
expects both Jesus and the Mahdi, to return and "wipe away oppression."
"I wish all the Christians a very happy new year and I wish to ask them
a question as well," said Ahmadinejad, according to an Iranian Student
News Agency report cited by YnetNews.com
"My one question from the Christians is: What would Jesus do if he were
present in the world today? What would he do before some of the
oppressive powers of the world who are in fact residing in Christian
countries? Which powers would he revive and which of them would he
destroy?" asked the Iranian leader.
"If Jesus were present today, who would be facing him and who would be
following him?"
Ahmadinejad's mystical pre-occupation with the coming of the Mahdi is
raising concerns that a nuclear-armed Islamic Republic could trigger the
kind of global conflagration he envisions will set the stage for the end
of the world.
In a videotaped meeting with Ayatollah Javadi-Amoli in Tehran,
Ahmadinejad discussed candidly a strange, paranormal experience he had
while addressing the United Nations in New York last September.
He recounts how he found himself bathed in light throughout the speech.
But this wasn't the light directed at the podium by the U.N. and
television cameras. It was, he said, a light from heaven.
According to a transcript of his comments, obtained and translated,
Ahmadinejad wasn't the only one who noticed the unearthly light. One of
his aides brought it to his attention.
The Iranian president recalled being told about it by one of his
delegation: "When you began with the words 'in the name of Allah,' I saw
a light coming, surrounding you and protecting you to the end."
Ahmadinejad agreed that he sensed the same thing.
"On the last day when I was speaking, one of our group told me that when
I started to say 'Bismillah Muhammad,' he saw a green light come from
around me, and I was placed inside this aura," he says. "I felt it
myself. I felt that the atmosphere suddenly changed, and for those 27 or
28 minutes, all the leaders of the world did not blink. When I say they
didn't move an eyelid, I'm not exaggerating. They were looking as if a
hand was holding them there, and had just opened their eyes –
Alhamdulillah!"
Ahmadinejad's "vision" at the U.N. is strangely reminiscent and
alarmingly similar to statements he has made about his personal role in
ushering in the return of the Shiite Muslim messiah.
He sees his main mission, as he recounted in a Nov. 16 speech in Tehran,
as to "pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi, may
Allah hasten his reappearance."
According to Shiites, the 12th imam disappeared as a child in the year
941. When he returns, they believe, he will reign on earth for seven
years, before bringing about a final judgment and the end of the world.
Ahmadinejad is urging Iranians to prepare for the coming of the Mahdi by
turning the country into a mighty and advanced Islamic society and by
avoiding the corruption and excesses of the West.
All Iran is buzzing about the Mahdi, the 12th imam and the role Iran and
Ahmadinejad are playing in his anticipated return. There's a new messiah
hotline. There are news agencies especially devoted to the latest
developments.
"People are anxious to know when and how will He rise; what they must do
to receive this worldwide salvation," says Ali Lari, a cleric at the
Bright Future Institute in Iran's religious center of Qom. "The timing
is not clear, but the conditions are more specific," he adds. "There is
a saying: 'When the students are ready, the teacher will come.'"