A Look at the Approaches of Misguided Islamic Sects with Respect to the Concepts and Teachings Related to the Mahdi (a) with an Emphasis on Incorrect Interpretation and Application

The belief in a savior [that will come at the end of time and save humanity] and its prominent place [in the teachings of religion] has led many sects to interpret the teachings concerning this subject [in an incorrect manner] and to present interpretations of this verity that are harmonious with the content of their own perverse schools of thought. By such interpretations such schools of thought sought to convince those individuals who had a firm belief in the Mahdi (a) that they were rightly guided and thereby gain their assistance. This research project is a description and analysis of the actions of such perverse religious sects with respect to the teachings regarding the Mahdi (a). It has been deduced that such interpretations are not limited to the actual teaching concerning the existence of the Mahdi (a); rather, they also include his distinctions as well. Sometimes, such interpretations present a new type of ‘Mahdi’ and at other times it leads to the belief in a multiplicity of ‘Mahdis’. What is more, some interpretations – in effect – end up negating the very existence of the Mahdi (a) itself with the manifestation of his representative. Very often, such individuals interpreted the distinctions of the Mahdi (a), the place of his re-appearance, the ‘justice’ that he will implement, his victory and even the individuals who will assist him for their own advantage