Examination and Analysis of the Mahdavi Views of Sheikh Uthman al-Fodi

The concept of the 'Mahdism' is one of the important topics in the discussions of Shia and Sunni scholars. Since ancient times, scholars from the Sunni tradition have been concerned with the issue of Mahdism alongside Shiite scholars and have spoken of the importance of belief in Imam Mahdi (AS), his birth, and lineage. In the meantime, the perspective of "Sheikh Uthman Ibn Fodi" (a prominent and renowned scholar of the Sunni community in Africa) on the concept of the Mahdi is similar to the Imamiyah perspective from various aspects. This article delves into the scientific discussion of the infallibility, birth, lifespan, and lineage of Imam Mahdi (a.s), examining the extent to which Sheikh Uthman Ibn Fodi accepts these elements. The approach of this article is analytical and library-based, focusing on the books of Uthman Ibn Fodi. The primary question of the article is the validation of the messianic belief of Sheikh Uthman Ibn Fodi in accordance with the perspective of the Shia Muslims. Investigation of Sheikh Uthman's beliefs regarding the topics of birth, the necessity of an Imam's existence, lineage, and the lifespan of Imam Mahdi (AS) discussed in his works are among the findings of this paper.