Shafaqna English- The book “The Sun of the West” (Khurshid‑e Maghrib in Persian) written by the late Allama Mohammad Reza Hakimi explores issues related to the Islamic belief in the occultation of Imam Mahdi (AJ), the concept of awaiting him, and the associated religious duties. The title is derived from narrations about the rising of the sun from the west as a major sign before the Day of Judgment, a topic discussed in Shia sources. Shafaqna English selected some parts of the book and translated to English.
Imam Mahdi (AJ) in Judaism
The Jews, followers of Prophet Moses (AS), are also awaiting a promised figure. Their sacred texts, including the Torah and other prophetic writings, frequently mention the coming of a savior. In some works, there are references to:
• The advent of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
• Historical events surrounding the Prophet’s mission
• Signs of the End of Times
• The return (Raj‘at)
• The personality of Imam al-Hujjah ibn al-Hasan al-Tahdi (AS)
• Even references to the events of Ashura
The Jews, however, did not recognize Prophet Jesus (AS), so their promised figure has not yet appeared. When examining Jewish sacred texts, three promised figures are outlined:
1. Prophet Jesus (AS)
2. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
3. The Mahdi (AJ)
Thus, the concept of expectation in Judaism exists in a latent or incomplete form. This people did not acknowledge Jesus (AS) or Muhammad (PBUH), so regarding the awaited savior, they must be extremely cautious and attentive. They must not disregard the signs and prophecies in their own books and scriptures.
Although they rejected the first two, they will not escape the third: the Mahdi (AJ). It is stated in the traditions that a group of Jews will support the “Dajjal.” With the appearance of the Mahdi, the descent of Jesus (AS), and the killing of the Dajjal, these people will also face destruction, and the course of human history will be freed from their mischief.
Some Jewish texts that refer to the promised one include:
• Book of Daniel
• Book of Haggai
• Book of Zephaniah
• Book of Isaiah
In the Psalms of Prophet David (AS), there are also references to this matter, as the Holy Qur’an mentions the triumph of the righteous:
“And We wrote in the Psalms, after the Reminder, that My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.”
All these prophecies in Jewish sacred texts are valid: some have already been fulfilled, others will be fulfilled. Although they did not recognize the truth from Jesus (AS) or Muhammad (PBUH), they will acknowledge it through the sword of the Mahdi (AJ).
After Moses (AS), Jesus (AS) came, and his religion superseded Moses’s law. After Jesus (AS), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) appeared, and his religion superseded Christianity. From the rise of Islam until the end of time, the only existing heavenly religion on earth, based on prophecy and spiritual guidance, is Islam, and the book of God among humanity is the Qur’an.
The awaited one is now the Mahdi (AJ), and all prophecies and indications from previous prophets and sages refer to him and his advent. He is their true manifestation.
Part of a series: The Sun of the West by late Allama Mohammad Reza Hakimi