<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> In Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi (Arabic: مهدي ‎ ‎, ISO 233: mahdī "guided one") is the prophesied redeemer of Islam who will rule for five, seven, nine, or nineteen years (according to differing interpretations) before the Day of Judgement (yawm al - qiyamah, literally, the Day of Resurrection) and will rid the world of evil . </P> <P> There is no explicit reference to the Mahdi in the Quran, but references to him are found in hadith (the reports and traditions of Muhammad's teachings collected after his death). According to Islamic tradition, the Mahdi's tenure will coincide with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Isa), who is to assist the Mahdi against the Masih ad - Dajjal (literally, the "false Messiah" or Antichrist). Both Sunni and Shia Muslims agree that there is to be a Mahdi in Islamic eschatology, and that he will rule over the Muslims and establish justice; however, they differ extensively on his attributes and status . For Sunnis, the Mahdi is the Muslims' future leader who is yet to come . For most Shia Muslims, the Mahdi was born but disappeared and will remain hidden from humanity until he reappears to bring justice to the world, a doctrine known as the Occultation . For Twelver Shia, this "hidden Imam" is Muhammad al - Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam . According to Shia Quran commentators, implicit references to the Mahdi can be found in the Quran . </P>

Who is al mahdi and what will he accomplish