Imam Mahdi (aj): The Twelfth Imam and Promised Savior in Shia Islam

Explore the life and significance of **Imam Mahdi (aj)**, also known as **Imam Zaman** and **Hujjat ibn al-Hasan**. As the **Twelfth and Final Imam** of Twelver Shia Islam, he is the **Promised Mahdi** who, according to Shia belief, was born in 255 AH and is currently alive in a prolonged period of **absence (ghayba)**. This episode delves into the history of his hidden birth in Samarra due to the Abbasid government's search for him. We discuss the period of the **Minor Occultation (Ghayba Sughra)**, during which he communicated with his followers through **four special deputies**, and the role of his letters (**tawqi'at**) in stabilizing Shia beliefs after the passing of his father, Imam Hasan al-Askari (a). The episode also covers the beginning of the **Major Occultation (Ghayba Kubra)** in 329 AH and the Shia belief that he will reappear (**zuhur**) after a long absence to establish a **global government of justice and equity**. Learn about the importance of **waiting for his advent (intizar al-faraj)** in Shia culture, which is described with immense spiritual rewards. We also touch upon some **Sunni perspectives** on the Mahdi and where they converge or differ from the Shia view. Relevant places associated with Imam Mahdi, such as Samarra, the Cold Cellar (Sardab al-Ghayba), Masjid Jamkaran, and Kufa, are mentioned. Discover key information about his identity, lineage from Prophet Muhammad (s), and references to him in Islamic texts.