Scholars estimate that a fifth of the world's population is Muslim, a figure that is rapidly growing. In an increasingly interconnected society, there is a rising interest in understanding Islam's specific beliefs. This text, authored by an American scholar, focuses on Mahdism, a lesser-known aspect of Islam centered on the belief in a rightly guided one, a prophet who will return to rally Muslims and restore order to the world. This belief is powerful and potentially dangerous, warranting the attention it receives in this volume. Before September 11, 2001, many Western scholars dismissed Mahdism as a relic of the past. However, the events of that day highlighted the urgent need to understand how religious beliefs can lead to violence. The Mahdist movement aims to create a global Muslim community, a cause for which many would willingly sacrifice their lives. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to Mahdism, covering its origins, historical movements, counter-Mahdist rationales, and its relevance today. The writing is richly detailed yet accessible, making it suitable for students of religious philosophy, those seeking to understand the roots of religious conflict, and all Americans navigating the post-9/11 landscape.
