Muhammad al-Mahdi

Muhammad al-Mahdi is a central figure in Shia Islam, particularly among the Twelver Shia sect, believed to be the twelfth and final Imam. According to Shia belief, he was born in the 9th century but went into occultation at a young age and remains hidden from the world, destined to return at the end of times as the Mahdi, or guided one, to bring justice and peace. His anticipated return is a significant aspect of Shia eschatology and informs much of the political and religious discourse in Iran, where leaders claim to govern on behalf of him.