Development of the Doctrine of Mahdism in Faḍl Allāh al-Astarābādī’s Thought

After the fall of the Ilkhanate dynasty, Iran underwent periods of unrest. The turmoil intensified following Timur's attack and the ensuing brutal bloodshed. Subsequently, Iran witnessed significant upheavals in cultural, social, and political spheres. These events played a pivotal role in shaping religious extremist views, exemplified by the emergence of the Hurufists. Faḍl Allāh al-Astarābādī, the leader of Hurufism, initially engaged with Shiite slogans and held exaggerated (ghālī) ideas regarding Shiite Imams. Later, he focused on promoting the doctrine of Mahdism, garnering widespread public support. This article seeks to address the question: How did the doctrine of Mahdism evolve in the thoughts of Faḍl Allāh al-Astarābādī? The research methodology employed in this article is descriptive, relying on an analysis of historical data. The research findings highlight that political, social, and religious movements are responses to societal objectives and resistance against unjust and oppressive rulers. Faḍl Allāh, drawing from the grievances and injustices inflicted by the Mongols and the Timurid dynasty, utilized the motivating force of Mahdism to initiate an uprising aimed at establishing a "virtuous society" (utopia) and ensuring social justice. It is crucial to note that Faḍl Allāh's doctrines developed gradually over time.