The Evolution of Mahdism Thought in Recent Century at Qom Seminary1

In recent century, Qom seminary has had the most prominent approach during its lifetime. Attention to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, relying on reason and revelation, has provided a valuable heritage for religious teachings. The concept of Mahdism is one of these teachings, which despite the ups and downs it has experienced in this century, has been accompanied by numerous developments and changes compared to the previous century. In this essay, five developments in the concept of Mahdism in recent century have been outlined: 1. Methodological development, 2. Scope development, 3. Explanatory development, which here focuses only on the two principles of waiting and deputyship for the general public, 4. Ultimate development, 5. Presentational development. The link among these five developments is the "ultimate evolution". Evidence and indications suggest that in recent decades, in the seminary of Qom, the ideology of Mahdism has been transformed from a purely doctrinal belief into a strategic ideology whose aim is not only to defend a certain belief, but also to manifest itself in all aspects of individual and social life, and to impact society in all its affairs. This essay aims to elucidate the path taken in these developments, relying on the written works of this era.