Representing the Position of Messianic Idea in the Uprising of Zaid ibn Ali

The failure of “Tawwābin uprising” and “Mukhtār uprising” led Zaid ibn Ali to rise up against the increase of Umayyad’s corruption and oppression in 122 AH. Although this uprising was unsuccessful and short-lived, it paved the way for the formation of Zaidiyyah sect and the uprising of other Zaids such as Yahya ibn Zaid, Nafs-e-Zakkyeh (pure soul) and other Shiites. These uprisings failed in most cases and were temporary though some of them led to the establishment of a government like Alid dynasties of Tabaristan, Zaidiyyah of Yemen, and Idrisids of the West. Zaidiyyah has the beliefs different from Shi’as with regard to the discussion of Imamates and Mahdism, like typical Mahdism. “Typical Mahdism” is of beliefs, which is largely compatible with the teachings of Sunnis. However, there are several evidences illustrative of the presence of this belief among Zaidyyah sect as a branch of Shiite. This article intends to clarify the position of Imamates and Mahdism and the intention behind the personal and typical Mahdism.