Philosophic Conceptualities of the Self in Messianism Mahdism

Philosophic Conceptualities of the Self in Messianism Mahdism

What does it mean to be a “self” that waits for redemption? How is the believer’s inner identity shaped not only by faith but also by philosophy, preparing the ground for the coming of Imam al-Mahdi (may God hasten his noble reappearance)? This book invites readers into a journey of reflection on existence itself—what it means to act, to hope, and to live with purpose—while anticipating the universal justice of the awaited savior. About the Book First published in 2009 by the Al-Hassanain Cultural Network, this study offers a philosophical exploration of human identity within the framework of messianic expectation (Messianism, belief in a divinely promised savior; Mahdism, specifically the belief in the awaited Mahdi). It examines how the self is defined through both freedom and dependence, and how these dimensions interact with divine authority. Concepts such as ontological (relating to the nature of being) and metaphysical (concerned with ultimate reality) are explained clearly to show how the human person can reflect divine qualities while remaining a created being. Through this lens, the book connects eschatological hope (ʿilm al-ākhira, “knowledge of the end times”) to the believer’s daily moral responsibility. What You Will Discover

• Understand the distinction between divine action and human agency, and why it is central to faith and responsibility.
• Explore how the created self reflects traits of divine mercy and justice while retaining its human limitations.
• Discover Qurʾānic and prophetic insights that form a philosophy of the self rooted in the Imamate.
• Learn how spiritual self-awareness leads believers to anticipate not only the Imam’s reappearance but also the transformation of society under divine justice.

About the Author This work is the product of a collective scholarly initiative associated with the Al-Hassanain Cultural Network. The contributors seek to bridge philosophy and theology, presenting complex ideas in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and devotionally meaningful, while remaining faithful to Shīʿī teachings on Imam al-Mahdi (may God hasten his noble reappearance). Who Is This Book For? Philosophy students, theologians, and spiritually minded readers who wish to see how metaphysical reflection strengthens eschatological hope will find this book invaluable. It provides a clear yet profound introduction to the role of the self in anticipating the just and universal rule of the Imam.