Describe the importance of the Mahdi for Shi'i Muslims.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] A01 - Knowledge and understanding
2. Mark according to the AO1 – 10-mark levels of response marking grid for knowledge and understanding.
3. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
4. • The Mahdi is an essential part of Shi'i belief, especially for Twelver Shi'i, the main branch of Shi'i Islam.
5. • The Mahdi was born in Samarra and kept hidden. When his father was killed by the Abbasids, he was hidden in the Minor Occultation. This was important in preserving Shi'i beliefs and leadership from political opponents and oppression.
6. • Four Imams in turn contacted the Mahdi; after this he entered the Major Occultation. The Mahdi roams the earth but is unknown. There are many traditions about individuals meeting the Mahdi, and these are important as spiritual inspiration for Shi'i Muslims.
7. • During the Major Occultation, jurists perform the role as guide for the Muslim community. This gives legitimacy to the leadership of the Imams who guide Shi'i Muslims.
8. • The Mahdi is regarded as the leader and single legitimate ruler of the Muslim world by Shi'i Muslims.
9. • Some traditions suggest that the Mahdi will return towards the end of time, to save the world from chaos, suffering and the abandonment of Islam by dark forces known by some as the Sufyani.
10. • The Mahdi will reappear with the sword of 'Ali, by the Ka'ba, and a divine cry will call people, angels and spirits (jinns) to help defeat evil and evil's supporters, according to some traditions.
11. • Isa will return and join the Mahdi to defeat evil in the form of the Antichrist (Dajjal). Some traditions suggest it is Isa who does this with Mahdi's support and others that it is the Mahdi who plays an essential role in defeating the Antichrist (Dajjal).
12. • The Mahdi then unites the world in a seventy-year reign of peace and justice, like paradise on earth, before the end of time. During this period all people are united under Islam and loyalty to 'Ali, in Shi'i belief.
13. • There are some variations in accounts and some differences between different Shi'i branches, such as Ismaili, about the Mahdi – credit alternative accounts where relevant.
14. [15] AO2 - Analysis and evaluation
15. Mark according to the AO2 – 15-mark levels of response marking grid for analysis and evaluation.
16. Answers may refer to any Islamic religious theory or teaching. Candidates may propose, analyse and evaluate some of the following arguments. All relevant arguments must be credited.
17. Definitions
18. • The Mahdi is a messianic figure explained in various sources by Sunni and Shi'i Muslims.
19. Similarities
20. • The Mahdi will appear in Mecca, or in Medina and then in Mecca, and be of good appearance and call the good to help in the fight against evil, at a time of great suffering, oppression and wickedness according to different Hadith and other traditions held by both Shi'i and Sunni Muslims.
21. • Towards the end of time, the Mahdi will return to oppose evil and unite the world in a reign of justice and peace, according to traditions in both Shi'i and Sunni Islam.
22. • The Mahdi will face and defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal) and other enemies, with the help of or in support of Isa, and will drive out corruption and wickedness.
23. Differences
24. • The importance of the Mahdi as leader of Shi'i Muslims is not paralleled in Sunni traditions. To Shi'i, the Mahdi is also the political leader and unifier and even recognised as leader of the Muslim world.
25. • To Sunnis, although popular, belief in the Mahdi is not considered essential. Scholar Ibn Khaldun suggested the important events at the end of time were completed by Isa and belief in the Mahdi was therefore not necessary.
26. • According to Sunnis, the Mahdi will descend from Hasan's family line; according to Shi'i he will be of Husayn's family line.
27. Conclusions
28. • An overall evaluation may conclude with the extent of the similarities and differences and their significance with regards to Islamic beliefs and practices.