The Evolution of the Doctrine of Mahdism in the Thought of Recent Century's Philosophers and Theologians at the Qom Seminary

The concepts of "vilayat" and "imamate" encompass the teachings of Shiism. The doctrine of the Mahdism, due to its association with the living and present Imam, has always been a focal point of the scholarly and practical efforts within the academic institutions of the Shi'a world and its esteemed figures throughout history. Scholars of the fourteenth century AH, who themselves were at the center of theoretical and practical transformations, have endeavored to not only address doubts and fulfill scholarly needs, but also provide leadership and guide the Shi'a community by theorizing about this lofty teaching. This research endeavors to examine the Mahdism thoughts of the scholars of the Qom seminary, while analyzing their most important theories and initiatives, investigating the process of their evolution, and elucidating their crucial points. In this regard, the most prominent views of the theologians and philosophers of the seminary on the subject of Mahdism are analyzed, and subsequently, the evolution of these views, especially in the three areas that have been the focus of their attention and contemplation, namely "Proof of the existence of Imam Mahdi (AJ)", "Awaiting", and "Ideal City of Mahdism", have been examined.