An Analysis and Examination of the Solutions to Face People Claiming to be Imam Mahdi

Believing in the reappearance of Imam Mahdi is one of the most important beliefs of the Shia community, which provides the basis for getting rid of disappointment and failures. However, the reappearance of Mahdi Nama (Claiming to be Imam Mahdi) movements have always been a threat to this meaningful belief. From the very first days of the Occultation Age until now, individuals and groups in this regard have made claims such as succession, representativeness, prophethood, having relationship (with Imam Mahdi), representation, or even considering themselves as Imam Mahdi. The emergence of these movements may seem like a challenge to the religion at first, but in modern times, it can become a social challenge and provide the basis for the emergence of new sects as well as a social gap among Shias, and even a threat for the survival of society. For this reason, the confrontation and struggle with Mahdi Nama people has been the focus of theologians for many years, and has also been studied and considered in social sciences. However, there is still not much agreement on the most suitable solution for this confrontation. This study has tried to find the most appropriate solutions to face the phenomenon of Mahdi Nama people by using the elite interview method with experts from the field of sociology who have focused on this issue, and analyzing its content. These solutions sometimes refer to the teaching method of Mahdism and sometimes they refer to therapeutic procedures. Some experts emphasize changing the discourse of Mahdism and reducing its emotional strains, while others emphasize legal and judicial procedures. However, all experts consider Mahdi Nama people to be a social issue and not a theological one.