A Depiction of Imam Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib –the 1st Imam
(Public domain via Wikipedia)
Some Shi’ite Muslims believe that the time for the rise of the 12th Imam is here:
The Mahdi is Near: Is Trump the Shiite Antichrist?
March 10, 2026
For hardline Shiite ideologues from Tehran to Dearborn to northern Virginia, the focus of America’s war on Iran is the arrival of the Mahdi, Islam’s awaited messianic figure, whose reappearance, they believe, will be preceded by the emergence of the Dajjal — Islam’s version of the Antichrist. And the name they attach to the Dajjal is Donald Trump.This is being preached on American soil, in American cities, to American children. Sara Ghorbani, a writer and women’s rights activist who fled Iran’s theocratic rule in 2010, stated, “ “We’re fighting an evil that the world doesn’t truly comprehend in its belief that it has a divine mandate to usher in a day of apocalypse,” adding, “Our brave people in Iran are fighting a tyranny that believes it is God’s salvation for this earth when, in fact, it is a cruel and ungodly regime that is actually their own prophecy of Dajjal.” …
At a recent Friday sermon at a local Shiite mosque in northern Virginia, an imam closed prayer with an earnest plea: “May Allah destroy all the nonbelievers — or kafiroon or munafiqoon,” using Arabic words that refer to “nonbelievers” and “hypocrites.” He asked for this victory “before the arrival of Imam Mahdi.” … After the recent Friday service, two community leaders at the Manassas mosque declined to speak for attribution but told Fox News Digital that the rhetoric of destroying “nonbelievers” and the photos of Khamenei and the terrorist group leaders are meant to challenge “injustice” before the Mahdi appears. That is the institutional defense: mass prayers for the destruction of nonbelievers are framed as social justice activism in anticipation of a messianic arrival.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned about this theological dynamic in early February, noting that Iran’s leaders are guided not merely by geopolitics and national security considerations, but by “pure theology.” “We have to understand that Iran ultimately is governed, and its decisions are governed by Shiite clerics — radical Shiite clerics — who make policy decisions on the basis of pure theology,” Rubio said. …
Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency has also been repeating the end-times narrative, quoting Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem claiming that the regime is the “government of Imam Mahdi” and that its anti-U.S. “resistance is the path to hastening his reappearance.” After war broke out, pro-regime chats on messaging platforms like Telegram filled with prayers awaiting “the arrival” of Mahdi. “We need Al Mahdi… His return with Jesus will be the final win permanently,” one read.
In Twelver Shi’ism — the dominant form of Shiite Islam, practiced in Iran — the Mahdi is the 12th Imam, a direct descendant of Muhammad who went into occultation (divine hiding) in the 9th century CE and is expected to return to establish a global Islamic caliphate. The Dajjal‘s appearance is one of the key signs of the Mahdi‘s imminent return.
A Shiite hadith attributed to Muhammad states: “Whoever denies al-Mahdi has denied God, and whoever accepts al-Dajjal has denied God.” The theological stakes could not be higher. Before the Mahdi‘s reappearance, Islamic tradition holds, the world will descend into total moral collapse: immorality and ignorance will be universal, the Quran will be forgotten, and religion will be abandoned. Then come the plagues, earthquakes, floods, and wars.
According to Islamic eschatology in both Sunni and Shiite traditions, the sequence of events unfolds as follows: The Mahdi will emerge and lead his army from modern-day Iran toward Damascus, Syria. At the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Jesus — whom Islam holds did not die on the cross but was raised to heaven and will return — will descend and pray behind the Mahdi, submitting to his leadership. The combined forces will then march to defeat the Dajjal in a final battle, with his death occurring near Lod, Israel. … Jesus returns not as the divine Son of God but as a Muslim prophet who was never crucified. His mission upon return is to abolish the Christian cross, kill the pig, and call all Christians to convert to Islam. https://israel365news.com/416677/the-mahdi-is-near-is-trump-the-shiite-antichrist/
As far as Donald Trump goes, no, he is not the Islamic Antichrist–here is a link to a recent post related to that: Iran, Chaos, Donald ‘Trump of God’ “to cause Armageddon”.
Shi’ite Islam is the form of that religion that dominates Iran. Most Muslims, however, are Sunnis, and do not share the prophetic teachings of the Shi’ites.
Regarding the Imam Mahdi and some of his connections to prophecy, here is some information in my free eBook Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century:
Islam is divided into basically three pieces, with Sunni Muslims being the majority, with Shi’ite Muslims being the next large group, and a third smaller group knows as Sufis (who often are considered as a type of Sunni Muslim). Shi’ite Muslims tend to be considered, overall, stricter Muslims than the other groups.
The nation with the most Shi’ite Muslims is Iran. Consider also:
Shi’a Islam is distinguished from Sunni Islam mainly in its interpretation of the role of the imam in the Islamic social order. The essential distinction between Shi’a and Sunni Islam is the doctrine of the imamate, which is essential for all Shi’a.
The Shi’a believe that the human race needs divinely guided leaders and teachers, who are the imams who continue the mission of the prophets in every respect, except bringing new scriptures. The imams are endowed with ‘isma, i.e., immunity from sin and error in order to fulfill their divine mission. All Shi’a believe that without the imams the world would cease to exist, …
The imams are not only the religious teachers, they also have an eschatological significance, for they can intercede for believers on Judgment Day. Therefore, knowing the imam is necessary for salvation. This point is especially emphasized by the messianic belief in the hidden imam, Muhammad al-Muntazar al-Mahdi, who is alive and in occultation. Beginning in 872 a.d. and during the minor occultation the imam would communicate with his followers through four direct representatives from among them. Since 941, he has been in major occultation and will only reappear when the world is filled with injustice and oppression in order to establish justice and to prepare the second coming of Christ.[i]
The Shi’ites claim descent though Muhammad’s cousin Ali, whom they consider to have been a great early Imam (an Islamic leader) and then through the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Muntazar al-Mahdi—who they claim is still alive. Some have suggested he is in some type of suspended animation, usually called “major occultation” of the “Hidden Imam” (occultation means hidden) until he officially returns to rule.
Because of Shiite views of imams, some Sunni’s consider that Shiites are idolators and polytheists. In 2024, the Sunni-connected group ISIS went so far to set off bombs in Iran to kill Shiites, that they referred to as “polytheists.” [ii]
It should be mentioned that another of the differences between the Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims is that most Shi’ites strongly believe that their great leader will rise up, help destroy the West, and ultimately force everyone to become Muslim or die.
On the other hand, many other Muslims believe that Jesus returns after a Mahdi comes, and then the world will basically become Muslim; hence they tend to see the coming of a future Mahdi is simply a necessary step.
Shi’ite Claimed ‘Mahdi’ Scriptures
A Shi’ite Iranian professor named Reza Rezaie Khanghah wrote various claims related to the Imam Mahdi:
Imam Mahdi In The Books Of Other Religions …
Judaism
Qaem (Qa’im) Messiah
The Prophet Isaiah
He will judge the needy in justice, and will honestly rule for the oppressed of the earth. His belt will be fair and honest. The wolf will live with the lamb. (part 11, paragraphs, 1-10)
Psalms Of David
The wicked are cut off, but those who trust in God, the humbled will be the heirs of the earth, will benefit from abundant health. The righteous will inherit the earth forever. (Old Testament, Psalms 37 P9-38)
Psalms Of David
He will judge the people fairly. The sky rejoices and the earth exerts, the sea roars. The desert and everything in it is delighting. Then all the trees will sing because he comes. (Old Testament, Psalms 96)
Daniel Prophesy
The great king who stands for the sons of your people is the Qa’im (Qaem). Many of them who are asleep will wake up, but for eternal life and their eternal shame and humiliation…Happy are those who wait. (page 1309, page 12, paragraph 1-12)
The Prophet Habakkuk
Though he may delay, wait for him, since he will certainly come and delay, but he will gather all the nations together. (Chapter 2, paragraph 3-14)
The Prophet Isaiah
He has to be the one who takes care of others. The doors will open. Cities will be welcomed first. The people of the universe will find peace in it. He is a man whom God has chosen and directed to conquer victory after victory and fulfill his real mission. (part 45)
Christianity
The last Mahmid Son Of Man
The Gospel of Luke
You should be like those who are waiting for their mistress to come back from wedding, so whenever he comes and knocks on the door, he immediately opens the door for him…so you also be ready because at a time when you do not think the Son Of Man comes. (page 116, part 12, paragraphs 35-40)
The Gospel of Matthew
See the Son Of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven with great power…but no one knows of that day and hour … at an hour you do not think the Son of Man is coming… (page 41, part24, paragraphs 1-37)
The Gospel of Mark
Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. (page 77, part13, paragraphs 1-9)
The Gospel Of John
And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out. (page 152, part 5, paragraphs 26-28)
Epistle of Paul
One who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope. (Page 261, part 15, Section 12)
{ Gospel of Matthew}
Then he (Jesus) left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field. He answered, The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. … (Matthew 13:36-37) …
There have been some speeches about him in various Gospels:
“For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man…Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24: 27, 30)
And the same Gospel talks about ‘expectation’: “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you did not expect.” (Matthew 24: 44)
And the Gospel of Mark talks about the responsibilities of those awaiting the savior:
But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Be on guard, keep awake. Because you do not know when the time will come. (Mark 13:32, 33)
An interesting point regarding the Gospels: “According to American Max in the “Lexicon of the Holy Bible”, the word ‘Son of Man’ is repeated 80 times in the Gospels and accessories (New Testament), of which 30 are adaptable to Jesus Christ and the other 50 are descriptions of the Savior who will come in apocalypse; And Jesus Christ will come with him and glorify him, and no one knows the date and time of his coming but great God.” [iii]
Jews and Christians would NOT agree that these passages are references to the Imam Mahdi, nor would most Sunni Muslims. Christians, for example, consider the “Son of Man” to be Jesus as He repeatedly applied the term to Himself (e.g. Matthew 8:20, 9:6, 11:19, 12:8, 12:40, 16:28, 17:9, 17:12, 20:18, 24:27, 24:30), and most Sunni Muslims would also agree with that. Let me also add that the second chapter of Habakkuk mainly discusses what is going to happen to a highly indebted nation in the end time and does NOT resemble Islamic prophecies related to the Imam Mahdi.
That said, some Muslims (whether Shi’ite, Sufi, or Sunni) may refer to those passages as support of the biblical importance of a pan-national Islamic leader once he is on the scene. Additionally, the Bible does tell of a coming leader with certain similarities to the Imam Mahdi …
Timing of the Mahdi/King of the South?
The Bible tells of a leader called the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43) that sounds similar to the Mahdi that various ones in Islam are looking forward to. Even without this Mahdi, 2016 saw the world’s largest military exercise (called North Thunder) composed of 20, basically Sunni-Muslim, nations,[iv] which are consistent with the peoples prophesied to get together later (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:2-8). As far as the timing of chaos goes, we appear to be in the time of “troubles” that Jesus referred to as the “beginning of sorrows” (Mark 13:8).
So, when might the Mahdi arise? Probably within the next seven years, if he is also the biblical King of the South.
A Muslim source, pointing what he considered to be numerous proofs, asserted:
The Second Coming of Jesus and the Mahdi (AS) ………… is in the year–2023 A.D.[v]
In 2022 and 2023, this author denounced that as well as some Protestant declarations pointing to Jesus’ returning in 2023 or 2024 as biblically impossible.[vi]
At this instant (mid 2025), the earliest return date for Jesus would be 2032—and that would only be the case if the deal of Daniel 9:27 is confirmed in 2025 by the prince who will become the King of the North of Daniel 11 (more on that later).
Truces/Deals Between the Europeans and the Muslims
Notice the following Islamic prophecies which may involve the Mahdi:
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: you will make a secure peace with the Byzantines, then you and they will fight an enemy behind you, and you will be victorious, take booty, and be safe. (Hadith of Sunan Abi Dawud 4292, Book 39, Hadith 2)
And the sixth is a truce between you and Banu Al-Asfar (white Europeans). They march towards you (joining you) under eighty flags, each flag has twelve thousand underneath it. The country of Muslims will lie in a land called Ghoutta. It will be a city called Damascus. (Hadith from Aouf Ibn Malik[vii]).
Here are comments from Muslim writer Moustafa Zayed on the last one above (who is the same one who put in the above parenthetical comments):
The alliance between the Muslims and the Romans will help fight a major enemy … [viii]
It is possible that this could relate to some biblical prophecies.
One set is found in the Book of Daniel:
15 So the king of the north … 24 shall devise his plans against the strongholds … 25 … And the king of the South … 27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. (Daniel 11:15,25, 27)
In the above passages, we see that a lying deal is made between the king of the north (who is a European power) and the king of the south (who is a power of nations in the Middle East and North Africa)—but what the deal itself is all about is not specified. If it has to do with the power with the strongest fortresses (Daniel 11:39), that would be a major power they would be agreeing to defeat.
[i] SHIĪ’ITES. Encyclopedia.com accessed 02/14/23
[ii] Kourdi E, Deaton J. ISIS claims responsibility for deadliest attack in Iran since 1979 revolution. CNN, January 4, 2024
[iii] Khanghah RR. Who Is Imam Mahdi, Prophesied In Other Religions, And From Holy Fatima lineage? September 2022, pp. 18-19, 23
[iv] North Thunder ‘achieved more than desired results.’ Arab News, March 5, 2017
[v] Abidi S. Imam Mahdi in 2023 AD. https://www.scribd.com/document/239739419/Imam-Mahdi-in-2023-AD accessed 12/04/22
[vi] Thiel B. Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024? COGwriter, January 1, 2023
[vii] Zayed, 236
[viii] Zayed, 236
Yes, an Islamic leader looks to rise up in time. But no, it is not someone who is in suspended animation like various Shi’ite Muslims believe.
Related to the Imam Mahdi and the King of the South, the old WCG published the following:
But who is the “king of the south”?…in verse 40 we skip to “the time of the end”…The verse undoubtedly found partial fulfillment in the offensive of 1896…But Mussolini did not finish the prophecy…Just as there is yet to be a final “king of the north”…there may very well emerge in the same manner a final “king of the south”–an overall leader of an Arab-Moslem confederation, possibly bearing the very title Mahdi…a prophetic psalm (Psalm 83) provides additional insight into the Mideast picture. Germany (Assyria in Bible prophecy) and perhaps the rest of Europe will be in league in the future with a union of Arab nations…But in the end, this European-Arab alliance will prove short-lived…And the king of the north shall come against him [the king of the south]…Daniel 11:40-41…The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the fact of invasion. (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, pp. 11-12).
Yes, there is a leader that will arise in the Middle East and North Africa per Daniel 11:40-43 and Ezekiel 30.
In the 11th chapter of Daniel he is called the King of the South.
It is likely that at least some will call him the Imam Mahdi.
He is NOT, however, about to deliver Iran.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century This is a free online book which helps show where biblical and Islamic prophecies converge and diverge. Here are links to related sermons: Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes, Imam Mahdi, women, and prophecy, and Terrorism, Iran, and Fatima, Dajjal, Antichrist, Gold, & Mark of the Beast?, and Jesus and God’s Plan for Muslims. Here is a link to a sermon in the Spanish language: El Imám Mahdi las mujeres y la profecía bíblica. Here is a link to the book in Spanish: Profecías islámicas y bíblicas para el Siglo 21°.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? Two videos of related interest are: The Future King of the South is Rising and The Rise and Fall of the King of the South. Here is a version the Spanish language: ¿Esta Surgiendo el Rey Del Sur?
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Is Donald Trump going to save the USA or are there going to be many disastrous unintended consequences of his statements and policies? What will happen? This is a free eBook.