A Comparative Study of the Application of Verse of Istid'āf to Mahdaviyya

The belief in the promised (Maw'ūd</em>) is common to the followers of all the divine religions. The doctrine of Mahdism is of special importance in Islam as the last heavenly religion. The present study intends to use a descriptive-analytical method and a comparative approach to assess the semantics of the verse of Istid'āf</em> (weakening) as one of the important verses related to Mahdism.  By analyzing the key meanings of the verse and relying on the internal and external contexts of the word, it has been concluded that the verse refers to a general law that the divine will is to help the oppressed lead and inherit the earth in their government. A complete example is the emergence and establishment of the government of truth and justice in the whole earth by Hazrat Mahdi, may Allah hasten his reapperance.