Abdullah Hashem claims to be the Imam Mahdi, pope, and successor to Jesus and the Apostle Peter

Two readers tipped me off to the fact that a man who claims to be the Imam Mahdi has gotten some recent attention. Here is some information from a link one of them sent me:

This Man Claims To Be The Mahdi

April 26, 2025

Abdullah Hashem … openly claims to be “the successor to Simon Peter, the successor to Jesus Christ, and the true and legitimate Pope,” as well as the anticipated Mahdi. https://endtimeheadlines.org/2025/04/this-man-claims-to-be-the-mahdi/

Let me state that 1) Abdullah Hashem is NOT the successor to Jesus nor the Apostle Peter, 2) the title of pope was not taken by the Roman Catholics until the late 4th century–it is NOT a biblical title, and 3) you can find a list of apostolic successors in the article: Laying on of Hands Succession and List.

Here is more information about Abdullah Hashem himself:

Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq (Arabic: عبدالله هاشم أبا الصادق; born 1983), also commonly known as Abdullah Hashem, is an Egyptian-American religious leader and founder of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL).^[1]^[2] Adherents of the religion believe him to be the Qa’im of the Family of Mohammed and the second of twelve Mahdis appointed in the will of the Prophet Mohammed.^[3]^[4] On his YouTube channel he also claims to be “the successor to Simon Peter, the successor to Jesus Christ, the true and legitimate Pope” …

In 2022, Abdullah Hashem published The Goal of the Wise, the official gospel of the religion (Arabic: غاية الحكيم). The book, which has 40 “doors” or chapters, has been translated into Arabic, Urdu, Spanish, French, German, Turkish, Azeri, and Persian.

Hashem, Abdullah (2022). The Goal of the Wise: The Gospel of the Riser of the family of Mohammed Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. ISBN 978-1-7392629-0-7. (in English)

Hashem, Abdullah (2024). The Mahdi’s Manifesto. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. (Abdullah Hashem. Wikipedia, accessed 04/27/25)

the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), a Shia-derivative new religious movement not to be confused with the Sunni-derivative Ahmadiyya Community that is heavily persecuted in Pakistan. AROPL originated from the teachings in Iraq of Ahmad al-Hassan, whom devotees regard as the Yamani, a John-the-Baptist-like character who paved the way for the appearance of the Imam al-Mahdi, the eschatological figure who will restore a Divine Just State in the end times. The AROPL identifies the Qaim, “The Riser of the Family of Mohammed,” the end-times character who leads the actual rise for Imam Mahdi for the establishment of the Divine Just State, with Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, a college-educated American citizen with an Egyptian father and an American mother. He is also the second in a list of twelve Mahdis (Ahmad al-Hassan being the first), and the AROPL believes he is mentioned in the will of Prophet Mohammed, a document accepted as authentic in Shiite sources. …

In 2012, even before Abdullah Hashem revealed himself as the second Mahdi in 2015, he and his followers had gathered in Egypt and had established there the first Shia-inspired school in the country. …

The Muslim Brotherhood is notorious for its anti-Shia policies, and their regime created a climate of suspicion and violence against the Shiites. On June 23, 2013, in what became known as the Abu Musallam incident, a mob of 3,000 radical Sunni Muslims attacked a gathering of Shiites, killing Shia leader Hassan Shehata and some of his followers.

It is not surprising that as a consequence of this climate the Shia-derivative AROPL was also harassed, and its community had to repeatedly relocate to escape neighbors’ hostility. 07/12/24 https://bitterwinter.org/ahmadi-religion-of-peace-and-light-members-persecuted-in-egypt/

Now, unless he changes, I do not believe that Abdullah Hashem is the Imam Mahdi that many in Islam are hoping for.

Here is information in my free ebook Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century, related to the Imam Mahdi:

Islam, to a significant degree, considers itself a prophetic religion. Taken a step further, many have claimed “Islam is the religion of all Prophets,”[i] basically meaning that all the biblical prophets and any other true prophets were Muslim.

That said, when it comes to prophetic events, most Muslims seem to be looking for a leader who will arise in these end times, who is sometimes called the Imam Mahdi:

In a 2012 Pew poll, in most of the countries surveyed in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, half or more Muslims believe that they will personally witness the appearance of the Mahdi. In Islamic eschatology, the messianic figure known as the Mahdi (the Guided One) will appear before the Day of Judgment. This expectation is most common in Afghanistan (83 percent), followed by Iraq (72), Tunisia (67), and Malaysia (62).[ii]

Mahdi means the “Guided One.” The Imam Mahdi is believed to be a leader who will unite Muslims and eliminate Islamic poverty.

Although most Muslims expect the Imam Mahdi to arise, various Islamic scholars question that and assert he is not mentioned in the Quran:

Since the Qur’an, the primary source of Islam, does not explicitly use the term “Mahdī” even though it uses words derived from the root h-d-y, the issue becomes somewhat complicated. Many questions arise regarding the person of the Mahdī, the number of the Mahdīs, and the time of his/their appearance. …

Perhaps because some traditions associate the Mahdī with caliphs, the Mahdī came to be seen as a great Muslim leader at the end of time. [iii]

So, yes, there are differences in Islam related to the Imam Mahdi and other prophetic matters. Like the Quran, the Bible does not directly use the term Mahdi.

[i] A Beneficial Summary of Rulings for New Muslim”, translated by Shaikh Muhammed Daniel and published by The Ministry of Endowments & Islamic Affairs, Kuwait- 2nd Edition 1436/2015, p. 14

[ii] Stern J, Berger JM. ISIS The State of Terror. C. 2015, p. 219

[iii] Saritoprak Z. The Mahdī Tradition in Islam: A Social-Cognitive Approach. Islamic Studies, Vol. 41, No. 4 (Winter 2002), pp. 652, 654

…

Shi’ite Differences

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 that will be addressed later in this chapter.

More on the Mahdi

According to the following hadith, the Mahdi will not be a good Muslim to start with:

The Mahdi shall be from the Ahlal Bait. Allah SWT will rectify him one night, and make him good in one night. (Sunnah of ibn Maajah[iv])

Muslim scholars tend to interpret the above as saying that the Mahdi was not a good Muslim as a young man, but he gets changed to be a very good one. They also believe he will be alive when the Dajjal is alive. [v]

Here is an Islamic report related to conditions that lead to the emergence of the Imam Mahdi:

Conditions before the Advent of Al Mahdi:

Amongst other things injustice, harm, starvation, murder and continuous trials will be prevalent and religious innovations common. Forbidden things will be practiced, and it will be said that wine is permitted and most do not pray. [vi]

The above is consistent with biblical prophecies on famines (Matthew 24:7), selfishness, and various forms of immorality in the last days (cf. Timothy 3:1-7). Many Muslims have rightly denounced the West for immorality and depravity. For example, Esra Erdoğan, the daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, even declared that immoral Western values will result “in the ultimate victory of the Islamic crescent over the cross of the West.”[vii] Some believe a/the Mahdi will accomplish that—yet the Bible shows a different end for the crescent, while also pointing to the end of the cross of the West.

Regarding the background and appearance of the Imam Mahdi here are some Islamic assertions:

Mahdī has been described in detail. He will have brown eyes, teeth of extreme whiteness, a beauty mark on his cheek, and will be born in Madīnah of a slave-girl. There has been some controversy as regards the place of his appearance, but Morocco, Kufah, and Damascus are mentioned among the possible places. [viii]

In traditions from the Prophet (peace be It is generally believed that the Mahdi will appear at a time of anarchy and chaos that will precede the end of the world.[ix]

Should the Madhi also be the biblical “King of the South,” he might arise instead from Egypt or the Arab peninsula or elsewhere in the Middle East.

Muhammad reportedly said that the Mahdi’s name is to be Mohammad Ibn Abdullah and he will fill the earth with justice.[x] Shi’ite Muslims point to Muhammad al-Muntazar al-Mahdi. Others have other views.

Here are some hadiths related to the Imam Mahdi, who also looks to be the Caliph with wealth mentioned below as well:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The Mahdi will be of my family, of the descendants of Fatimah. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The Mahdi will be of my stock, and will have a broad forehead a prominent nose. He will fill the earth will equity and justice as it was filled with oppression and tyranny, and he will rule for seven years. (Sunan Abi Dawud 4284-5, Book 38, Hadiths 6-7)

“The Mahdi will be among my nation. If he lives for a short period, it will be seven, and if he lives for a long period, it will be nine, during which my nation will enjoy a time of ease such as it has never enjoyed. The land will bring forth its yield and will not hold back anything, and wealth at that time will be piled up. A man will stand up and say: ‘O Mahdi, give me!’ He will say: ‘Take.'”

“Three will fight one another for your treasure, each one of them the son of a caliph, but none of them will gain it. Then the black banners will come from the east, and they will kill you in an unprecedented manner.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 4083-4, Book 36, Hadith 158-159)

“A man will come to him and say: O Mahdi! ‘Give to me, give to me! So he will fill in his garment whatever he is able to carry.'” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2232, Book 33, Hadith 75)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “From your caliphs there will be one in the Last Days who will distribute wealth without counting it.” (Riyad as-Salihin 1824, Book 18, Hadith 17)

“The Prophet (ﷺ) looked out at us from a room, when we were talking about the Hour. He said: ‘The Hour will not begin until there are ten signs: Dajjal, (False Christ), the smoke, and the rising of the sun from the west.'” (Sunan Ibn Majah 4041, Book 36, Hadith 116)

He is to arise when there are “black flags” arising from Khorasan [xi] (an area covering parts of Iran, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan).

The Mahdi is to be the leader of all the Muslim ummah (meaning Muslim world). [xii]

The Mahdi is to arise after a time of turmoil, [xiii] and that is consistent with the rise of the biblical King of the South who, I believe, arises during what Jesus referred to as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:4-8) which has “wars and rumors of war” (Matthew 24:6), a time we now seem to be in.

The Mahdi is believed to be a type of savior for Islam as well as an eliminator of Islamic poverty:

Mahdi … some time after being in place, is expected to basically eliminate Islamic poverty and hunger, plus reign for seven years. [xiv]

Based on various biblical prophecies, I do not believe that the one the Bible calls the King of the South in the latter portion of Daniel 11 will be able to reign that long—unless he reigned only in one land or smaller confederation for a time first.

That being the case, when the King of the South is defeated (Daniel 11:40-43), some Muslims will likely conclude that he was not the Imam Mahdi. Others will likely realize that Sunni Islam does teach that the Mahdi will be defeated by the Dajjal and that the Dajjal is the European King of the North (Daniel 11:40), also called the Beast (e.g. Revelation 13:4).

Chaos, the Mahdi, and Jesus

A time of sorrows and chaos is coming.

Notice the following from the New Encyclopedia of Islam:

The last days, as described in Islam, are marked by the figures of Gog and Magog (Juj wa Jajuj), the Mahdi, the Antichrist (Dajjal), and Jesus … Gog and Magog, representing the forces of chaos, have been kept at bay … At the end of time, chaos will break through the wall of Divinely imposed order, and the world will succumb to “outer darkness”. At the same time, it is believed, there will be a countercurrent, or a brief return to the state of spiritual lucidity and primordial integrity that obtained at the dawn of time. This is the reign of the Mahdi, the “rightly guided one”…

The reign of the Mahdi will be followed by that of the Antichrist … once the Antichrist has led away his followers, Jesus will then come to destroy the Antichrist in the closing moments of the cosmic drama.

Belief in the Mahdi has been rejected by noted Sunni authorities …[xv]

The Bible points to Gog and Magog coming after the demise of Antichrist and after the millennium (Ezekiel 38:2-16, Revelation 20:7-8).

Now, related to difficulties in the end times before then, Jesus taught:

9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:9-11)

A hadith states:

The hour will not come till … earthquakes are become many, … senseless killing increases (Hadith from Abu Hurayrah[xvi]).

But notice concerns from some Roman Catholic prophecies:

Trappistine Nun of Notre Dame des Gardes. “Chastisement will come when a very large number of bad books have been spread.” [xvii]

Abbe Voclin (19^th century). “Horrible books will be freely available. Intellectuals will argue fiercely among themselves. Then war will break out that will see the rise of the Great Monarch.” [xviii]

So, the Great Monarch is to arise during a time of chastisement. The Bible teaches that the King of the North will arise during a time of troubles (cf. Mark 13:8-14; Daniel 11:31).

Might some of the claimed “bad books” contain actual knowledge?

That would seem to be likely.

A hadith states:

The hour will not come till knowledge is taken … (Hadith from Abu Hurayrah[xix]).

Could that mean some type of censorship is to come?

Well, the Hebrew scriptures warn:

11 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God,

“That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord. 12 They shall wander from sea to sea, And from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, But shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

While the above is not how many have traditionally viewed the hadith, knowledge being taken away is consistent with the “famine of the word” as well as censorship. As far as Amos’ writing is concerned, this looks to foretell more censorship of biblical knowledge — “the word of the Lord” — in the media as well as on the internet.

Various hadiths indicate that the time will come when the Quran will be taken and Islam will be wiped away.[xx]

This seems to be tied in with the rise of the Beast. Notice also the following Roman Catholic prophecy:

St. Francis de Paul (1470) … the Great Monarch … he will destroy the Mahometan sect and the rest of the infidels. He shall annihilate all the heresies and tyrannies of the world.[xxi]

John of the Cleft Rock (1340): The White Eagle (Great Monarch), by order of the Archangel Michael, will drive crescent from Europe where none but Christians will remain–he himself will rule from Constantinople. An era of peace and prosperity will begin for the world. There will no longer be Protestants {there were no “Protestants” then and author Connor of that book suggests that perhaps this word should have been translated as heretics} or schismatics…God will raise up a holy Pope. [xxii]

Some massive type of censorship would seem to be needed to try to “annihilate all the heresies.” The reference to “the crescent” is pointing to eliminating Islam from at least Europe.

Yes, censorship and the elimination of Islam is included in what that Roman Catholic prophecies are pointing to.

Prophetic Similarities

The Quran teaches:

When the sky splits open, and when the stars fall away, and when the seas burst forth, (Sura 82:1-3)

Jesus taught:

²⁹ Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Matthew 24:29)

The Quran teaches:

When the earth will be violently shaken, and the mountains will be crushed to pieces, (Sura 56:4-6)

The New Testament teaches:

¹⁸And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. ¹⁹ Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. ²⁰ Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (Revelation 16:18-20)

Notice also:

The Qur’an says: “When the earth shall be shaken to its depths and the mountains shall be crumbled to atoms, becoming dust scattered abroad” (Surah 56:4-6). Or, as previously quoted: “When the oceans are suffered to burst forth; and when the graves are turned upside down” (Surah 82:3-4). Finally, “What is the Day of noise and clamor? … It is a Day whereon men will be like moths scattered about and the mountains like carded wool” (Surah 101:1-5).

One is reminded of Biblical references, first from the Old Testament: “Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the Lord Almighty, in the day of his burning anger” (Isaiah 13:13). Also, the words of Jesus: “Immediately after the distress of those days, “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken” (Matthew 24:29). And, “There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events, and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:11).[xxiii]

So, there are some similarities related to end time disastrous events.

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,[xxiv] 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.[xxv]

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.[xxvi]

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 …

[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] Yasseen, The Signs, p. 90

[v] Yasseen, The Signs, p. 90

[vi] Identification of the Prophesied Imam Mahdi. The Muhammadan Reality,

https://www.muhammadanreality.com/ImamMahdiSignsfortheSavoir.htm#Top, accessed 12/07/2023

[vii] Mek A. Erdoğan’s Daughter Takes Aim at Christianity: ‘The Crescent Will Win over Cross of the West’. RAIR, May 19, 2023

[viii] Saritoprak, p. 657

[ix] Saritoprak, p. 659

[x] Yasseen, The Signs, p. 88

[xi] Yasseen, The Signs, p. 92

[xii] Yasseen, The Signs, p. 95

[xiii] Yasseen, The Signs, p. 96; Sadr Sayyid Sadruddin. Published by Naba

[xiv] Yasseen, The Signs, p. 96

[xv] Glasse C. New Encyclopedia of Islam: A Revised Edition of the Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, 3rd edition, 2008, pp. 143, 316

[xvi] Zayed, 222

[xvii] Dupont, p 114

[xviii] Dupont, p. 114

[xix] Zayed, 222

[xx] Yaseen, The Signs, pp. 266-267

[xxi] Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, pp. 158-159

[xxii] Connor E. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, pp. 33-34

[xxiii] Larson W. Signs of the Islamic End Times. Zwemer Center for Islamic Studies.

https://www.zwemercenter.com/signs-of-the-islamic-end-times/ accessed 04/08/24

[xxiv] North Thunder ‘achieved more than desired results.’ Arab News, March 5, 2017

[xxv] Abidi S. Imam Mahdi in 2023 AD. https://www.scribd.com/document/239739419/Imam-Mahdi-in-2023-AD accessed 12/04/22

[xxvi] Thiel B. Can Jesus return in 2023 or 2024? COGwriter, January 1, 2023

The Mahdi, Euphrates, and the Beast

Some in Islam seem to believe that the reign of the European Beast (Revelation 13:1-10) and Antichrist (Revelation 13:11-17; 1 John 4:1-3) will happen around the time the Mahdi‘s death.

Now, biblically, this looks to be true, to a degree, for the Arab lands. However, the Bible shows that the Beast of Revelation (also called the King of the North in Daniel 11) and the final Antichrist (a European-supporting false religious leader) will rule in Europe and also over some of the American lands (Daniel 11:39), prior to the European reign over Arab lands (Daniel 11:40-43). Hence, the Bible teaches that the final Antichrist will have power prior to the death of the biblical King of the South.

Although the belief in a “Mahdi” apparently had been a minority Sunni view and has had rejection by some Sunni authorities, “the Muslim World League issued a fatwa in October of 1976 commanding Sunni Muslims to believe in the concept of an Islamic Savior called the Mahdi.”[i]

It should also be noted that some Sunni groups want a Caliph to arise and rule an Islamic caliphate that includes all the territory from northwest Africa through the Middle East and even further east.[ii]

However, Sunnis (who vastly outnumber the Shi’ite Muslims) should not change their anti-Mahdi views (various Sunni scholars also agree[iii]) or want such a Caliph, because of what the Bible shows will happen. Shi’ites also would do well to recognize that just because someone may claim to be the final Imam (or Mahdi), does not mean that God will agree that he should be followed. Neither Sunnis nor Shi’ites should support one who will appear to possibly be the final Imam/Caliph in the next decade or so. A major leader of Islamic lands will apparently make such claims and rise up, but will be defeated soundly (Ezekiel 30:2-8).

There is a hadith that says:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The Hour will not come to pass before the River Euphrates dries up to unveil the mountain of gold, for which people will fight. Ninety-nine out of one hundred will die (in the fighting) and every man amongst them will say: ‘Perhaps I may be the only one to remain alive.”‘ (Riyad as-Salihin 1822, Book 18, Hadith 15)

This defeat is supposed to come before Armageddon, according to Muslims, and according to other hadiths, the Mahdi will be there at Armageddon.[iv] However, the Bible points to the Euphrates drying up when kings from the east (Eurasian forces) are heading towards Armageddon per Revelation 16:12-16. And if the Mahdi is the biblical King of the South, he will have been defeated long before then. Some Muslims have interpreted a hadith which says, “Gog and Magog dig until they reach the water, whereupon they drink thereof” (Sahih Muslim, Book 41, Hadith 6931) to suggest this makes the Euphrates dry (some others interpret this to mean they make the Sea of Galilee dry instead, “Hadiths clearly mention that Gog and Magog will drink from Sea of Galilee and make it dry.”[v]). Anyway, it is possible that efforts by Eurasians could be a factor in the Euphrates river drying up.

Now let’s look at a battle-related hadith which shows a lower level of defeat than the 99%:

The Last Hour would not come until the Romans would land at al-A’maq or in Dabiq. An army consisting of the best (soldiers) of the people of the earth at that time will come from Medina (to counteract them). When they will arrange themselves in ranks, the Romans would say: Do not stand between us and those (Muslims) who took prisoners from amongst us. Let us fight with them; and the Muslims would say: Nay, by Allah, we would never get aside from you and from our brethren that you may fight them. They will then fight and a third (part) of the army would run away, whom Allah will never forgive. A third (part of the army) which would be constituted of excellent martyrs in Allah’s eye, would be killed and the third who would never be put to trial would win and they would be conquerors of Constantinople. … The Dajjal has taken your place … (Sahih Muslim 2897, Book 54, Hadith 44)

The above sounds a lot like a battle between the European King of the North and the Arabic King of the South that the late Raymond McNair mentions first below and that the Bible prophesies in Daniel 11:

Daniel 11 … mentions some of the Mideast peoples who will be involved in that struggle among the nations at the close of this age. The belligerents will include the “King of the North,” the leader of the European Union (or its final outgrowth, called the “Beast”). The “King of the South” (an Islamic leader—apparently from Egypt {or} some other Muslim state) is also referred to. The following lands/peoples are specifically mentioned: Egypt, the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine), the Ethiopians (modern Cushites, south of Egypt {like the Sudanese}), Libya {would also include Algeria, Tunisia}, Edom, Moab and Ammon. Many descendants of the ancient peoples known as Edomites or Idumeans now live in the West Bank, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Arabia, Yemen, the Persian Gulf states, etc.[vi]

²⁵ “He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. ²⁶ Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. (Daniel 11:25-26)

⁴⁰“At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. ⁴¹ He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. ⁴² He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. ⁴³ He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. (Daniel 11:40-43)

This defeat also comes before the gathering at Armageddon, probably 1-3 years prior to it (neither the Bible nor the hadiths clearly specify how much before).

That is consistent with the European reorganization prophecies in Revelation 17:12-13.

It should be pointed out that the Muslim Brotherhood wants a confederation of lands consistent with those that will be dominated by the coming King of the South:

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?

The world’s largest and most influential Islamist movement. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the group was originally focused on ridding the country of corrupting secular influences brought by British colonial rule. Over the years, it established branches and affiliates in many countries to promote traditional Sunni Islamic morals, social justice, and the eradication of poverty and corruption. “The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law.[vii]

While it will not end up with Spain, and how far east its rule will extend can be debated, some type of confederation of Islamic lands in the Middle East and North Africa will form.

[i] Reagen DR. Further Thoughts About a Muslim Antichrist. Bible Prophecy Today, March 16, 2009.

[ii] Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood, IKWANWEB, The official website of the Muslim Brotherhood, February 14, 2011

[iii] Nayouf, Hayyan. Translated from Arabic by Sonia Farid. Shiite scholar denies Obama link

to Muslim savior. Dubai. November 4, 2008.

http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/11/04/59490.html viewed 05/19/09

[iv] Yaseen, The Signs, pp. 191-193

[v] Mohammad (note that is a 21^st century person, not the Prophet of Islam) post under: Where are Gog and Magog? Allah mentions them in the Quran. Why can’t we find them? Are they humans or beasts as one hadith even mentions that they will drink a whole sea? Quora, June 13, 2023 (https://www.quora.com/Where-are-Gog-and-Magog-Allah-mentions-them-in-the-Quran-Why-can-t-we-find-them-Are-they-humans-or-beasts-as-one-hadith-even-mentions-that-they-will-drink-a-whole-sea). However, there appears to be NO hadith that teaches that, so while that is an interpretation, it is not clear from a hadith.

[vi] McNair R. Solving the Arab-Israeli Impasse! Copyright Raymond F. McNair 2005, Church of God—21st Century

[vii] Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011

Anyway, it does not look like Abdullah Hashem is the Imam Mahdi that Islam expects.

However, his public assertions are likely getting many Muslims to wonder if someone like the Imam Mahdi will rise up soon to lead the Islamic world.

The Continuing Church of God put together this sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:10:57

Imam Mahdi, women, and prophecy

What are some reasons many Muslims are devout? Does Islam consider Jesus and Muhammad prophets? Many Muslims believe that a leader called the Imam Mahdi will arise and cause poverty to cease in Islamic lands. Shiites and some Sunnis believe he is also prophesied in the Hebrew scriptures as well as being called the Son of Man in the New Testament. Is Iran using Artificial Intelligence to ensure women wear the Hijab? What is the Western view of Islam and women? Who were the four ‘”perfect women” according to Muhammad? What is the Islamic view of Western women and their dress? Did the old Worldwide Church of God suggest that the coming ‘King of the South’ of Daniel 11 may bear the title ‘Mahdi’? What about the Dajjal? What about the Beast and the Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies about the ‘Great Monarch’? Dr. Thiel address these issues and more.