Ibn-Khaldun's Views on Traditions Relating to Mahdism: A Critical Review

Belief in Mahdism is accounted as one of major Islamic tenets. Due to this importance, researchers have approached it from different aspects. Though, to some extent, there is a consensus among Moslem writers and scholars on the essentials of belief in a form of Mahdism, in the mean time, a few people have attempted to raise some questions and deny this belief. Ibn-Khaldun is thought to be the most prominent figure and the ringleader of those who have questioned and denied the basis of belief in Mahdism by discrediting traditions related to Mahdism.This essay discusses and reviews Ibn-Khaldun’s views and arguments on debilitating traditions supporting Mahdism.