Signs of the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.j.)

The signs of the reappearance are divided into definite and non-definite signs. Definite signs are those whose occurrence is certain, and Imam Mahdi (a.j.) will not reappear until they take place. Non-definite signs, on the other hand, are those that are not confirmed to be certain, and the Imam Mahdi (a.j.) may reappear even if they do not occur.

The Definite Signs

According to a narration reported by Sheikh Saduq, some of the definitive signs are:

  • The appearance of Sufyani
  • The uprising of Yamani
  • The heavenly cry
  • The killing of the Pure Soul (Nafs al-Zakiyyah)
  • The swallowing of the army in the desert of Bayda

The Non-Definitive Signs

Sheikh Mufid, in his book Al-Irshad, provided a list of the signs of the reappearance. Referring to the phrase “Wallahu A‘lam” (And Allah knows best) at the end of the list, some have suggested that Sheikh Mufid expressed doubt about some of these signs.

  • Eclipses
  • Widespread deaths
  • Wars and widespread turmoil
  • Black flags from the East
  • Continuous rainfall

Similarly, other religious sources mention additional non-definitive signs, some of which include:

  • An unusual voice from the sky will be heard throughout the world, so that everyone, regardless of their language, hears it in their own tongue.
  • Disputes among the Abbasids over worldly leadership and the fall of their rule
  • The killing of the last Abbasid ruler, named Abdullah
  • A solar eclipse in the middle of Ramadan, contrary to the usual pattern
  • A lunar eclipse at the beginning or end of Ramadan, contrary to the usual pattern
  • The appearance of redness in the sky, spreading throughout the atmosphere
  • Widespread destruction in Syria and Iraq
  • The flooding of the Euphrates River, to the extent that its waters flow through the streets of Kufa.
  • And more...

Signs of the Reappearance in Other Religions

In Judaism and Christianity, certain signs have been mentioned regarding the coming of the savior, some of which are similar to the signs of reappearance mentioned in Islamic traditions.

  • Jews believe that the spread of corruption and the prevalence of war and chaos are among the signs of the coming of the Messiah (Mashiach).
  • Christians, on the other hand, believe that the Antichrist—or Dajjal—is a person or group who denies or rejects the messiahship of Jesus (pbuh). The Antichrist will rise at the end of times, and when Jesus (pbuh) returns, he will defeat him.