A Comparative Study of Exegeses of Quranic Verses Concerning the Prevalence of Religion and Mahdism from Shiite and Ibadi Perspectives: A Case Study of Verses 32-33 of Surah al-Tawba and Verses 8-9 of Surah al-Saff

The interpretation of the Verses of Iẓhār al-Dīn (Prevalence of the Religion) has sparked extensive debates regarding the future global leadership and the concept of the "Promised al-Mahdī." These verses have been subject to interpretation by Quranic exegetes and scholars from different jurisprudential schools, resulting in a diverse range of approaches. This comparative study utilizes the descriptive-analytic method to delve into the exegeses of the Verses of "Iẓhār" as per Imami and Ibadi interpretations. The study also takes into account the hadiths from the Prophet and Imam ʿAlī agreed upon by both sects. The objective is to analyze the implications of these verses, from both Imami and Ibadi perspectives, in relation to the end of history. The article concludes that the Ibadi concept of Mahdism, shaped by their distinctive understanding of the Imamate, does not adhere to, and in fact rejects, the notion of the Promised al-Mahdī and an apocalyptic savior. However, Imami exegetes emphasize the divine promise of the future appearance of Imam al-Mahdī. Taking into account the literal meaning of the word "al-iẓhār," as well as other intellectual and textual evidence, it is understood that the complete and widespread dominance of Islam over other religions will occur during the period of the "reappearance" (ẓuhūr) under the leadership of Imam al-Mahdī (a), who belongs to the Prophet's Household and possesses a special connection to the Quran. A rational interpretation of these verses is yielded by referencing hadiths from Shiite Imams.