An analytical study of the concept and instances of “Al-Qāʾim” (the Upriser) in Shiite Hadiths

The word “al-Qāʾim” is one of the most quoted titles in the narrations related to Mahdism; However, in Hadith-studies, this word has not been comprehensively and independently discussed. On the other hand, the abuse of related narrations to the issue of al-Qāʾim by some deviations through reconciling this title with some specific examples doubles the necessity of dealing with this term. The present article, by a descriptive-analytic approach and based on data-oriented information and through explaining the word “al-Qāʾim” and examining it in Shiite sources, it tries to depict as clear an image of this word as possible. This research shows that the mentioned word has been considered in two cases: the uprising of Ahl al-Bayt (the Infallible Imams of Shia) and the uprising of Imam Mahdi (pbuh). The second case, which has various functions, including the spread of justice and the stablishing of a world government, is only used for Imam Mahdi (pbuh) and other Infallible Imams, while denying to be the promised upriser, considered it exclusive to the last Imam, Imam Mahdi (pbuh); and there is not any Hadith about two or more uprisers at the Time of Appearance.