Re: THE TRUE MEHDI
Has Mahdi already passed in the previous generations
A view is that the Mahdi which is mentioned in the Ahaadith refers to a ruler from amongst the Bani Abbaas, who lived in some past era. In substantiation of this view, the proponents have quoted the two Ahaadith which mention regarding the carriers of the black flags, who will come from Khurasaan or the east.
Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) has categorized both these Ahaadith as weak. He has also cited the substantiating views of other Muhaditheen. He says that even if these narrations are accepted as true and reliable, then too, it cannot be held as proof that the Mahdi has al- ready passed in the previous era and that he was from the Bani Abbaas. He states that these Ahaadith refer to a specific person who will emerge during the final era. The term “Mahdi” is also a general term which can be used more loosely to apply to many other personalities as well. For example, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “My Sunnat is binding upon you and the Sunnat of the Khulafaa Raashideen Mahdiyeen, those who come after me…” This Hadith refers to the Khulafaa-e-Rashideen as also being Mahdis. Imaam Ahmad Ibn Ham- bal (rahmatullahi alayh) also stated that Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdil Azeez (rahmatullahi alayh) was also a Mahdi from amongst the Mahdis.
Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) states that there is no doubt that Hadhrat Umar Bin Abdil Azeez (rahmatullahi alayh) was also a Mahdi, but he is not the Mahdi of the final era, who is referred to in the Ahaadith. Just as there are many small dajjaals and liars besides the big Dajjaal, who is to come before Qiyaamah, there are many Mahdis besides the actual Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam).
Mahdi will be in the final era and from the Ahle Bait
The view is that Imaam Mahdi (alaihis salaam) will be in the final era and he will be from the progeny of Hadhrat Hasan Ibn Ali (radhiyallahu anhuma). Allamah Ibn Qayyim (rahmatullahi alayh) states that this view is the best and most preferred view, which is substantiated by the many Ahaadith narrated in this regard. Most of the Ahaadith indicate to the fact that he will be from the family of Hadhrat Hasan Bin Ali (radhiyallahu anhuma).