A Coming Together of Sunnite and Shiite Masses on Welcoming Imam Mahdi through Authentic Ahadith and Constructive Role of Media

Abstract

The modern period has surpassed every other period in the matter of material progress and scientific explorations. The means of communication have improved so much that it leaves no doubt that we are now in that particular age about which the Prophet (SAW) said: ‘Islam will enter each and every house of the world, either by honoring or humiliating its dwellers’. It will honor those who will be ready to welcome it, and it will humiliate the rest. This powerful re-appearance of Islam is in reality the coming of Imam Mahdi. The Sunnites and Shiites both strongly believe in the coming of Imam Mahdi. Now the question is whether we are ready to welcome him or not? There are apparently some differences found in the Sunnites and Shiites narrations regarding Imam Mahdi. What are those differences? Are those differences genuine or artificial? This paper will look into the primary sources of Sunnites and Shiites, collect the authentic Ahadith and sayings of the Imams (Four from Sunnite Jurisprudence and Twelve from the family of the holy Prophet), conduct ten interviews; five from the Sunnite and five from the Shiites scholars, and try to bridge the gap, if any, between the two. Some social scientists and religious scholars solemnly believe that enlightenment of the masses through the constructive role of media can be very helpful in reaching this goal. Unfortunately, the media that is never resting and never allowing respite, until now it has been successful in corrupting Muslims’ identity, spreading indecency, and excelling in presenting of falsehood in the form of virtue. All these are anti Mahdawi characteristics pushing away the audience of media in particular and masses in general from welcoming Imam Mahdi. This paper will discuss how the role of media can be given a positive direction so that it may be helpful in preparing the Muslims, both Sunnites and Shiites, in coming close to each other and getting ready for welcoming the sacred coming of Imam Mahdi