Book Review: Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi

An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi

Book Review: Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi

Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi by Legaproblema.com - Have we ever wondered why the topic of Imam Mahdi always sparks lively discussion among Muslims? book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi emerges as a monumental work offering an in-depth analysis of the figure of Imam Mahdi, both from theological and historical perspectives. This book not only discusses the existence of Imam Mahdi but also examines the arguments and evidence underlying the belief in his coming as the awaited leader of the end times for Muslims worldwide.

In book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi, the author invites us to explore critical questions about how the belief in Imam Mahdi was formed, how his existence is believed both scientifically and religiously, and how the narrative about Imam Mahdi develops across sects, both Sunni and Shia. This book also presents interesting statistical data, such as the existence of more than 6,000 hadith narrations discussing Imam Mahdi, making it one of the most frequently discussed topics in Islamic literature.⁷

Book Details

Author

Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir as-Sadr

Original Language

Arabic.¹

Translation

English

Publisher

Ansariyan Publication, 2004.¹

ISBN

13: 9789644380648.¹

Length

100-120 pages

Genre

Islamic Studies, Theology, Eschatology (End Times Studies).¹

Structure and Contents of the Book

What exactly does book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi discuss? Here is the structure and main contents of this book:

• Introduction to the importance of the concept of Imam Mahdi in Islam.
• Theological and historical arguments regarding the existence of Imam Mahdi.
• Discussion about the childhood and leadership preparation of Imam Mahdi.
• Analysis of hadith narratives about Imam Mahdi, from both Sunni and Shia sources.⁶
• Discussion on occultation (ghaybah) and reasons behind Imam Mahdi concealment.
• Explanation of the signs of Imam Mahdi emergence and his role in the end times.
• Philosophical and scientific reflections on the possibility of Imam Mahdi long life.
• Conclusion on the significance of Imam Mahdi presence for humanity.

Strengths of the Book

Why is book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi so influential and often used as a reference? This book has several main strengths:

• Systematic arguments based on primary Islamic sources.¹
• Cross-sectarian discussion, citing hundreds of hadiths from Sunni and Shia, providing a broad perspective.⁶
• Critical analysis of the possible existence of Imam Mahdi from scientific and historical viewpoints.
• Presentation of statistical evidence, such as more than 6,000 narrations about Imam Mahdi, reinforcing the author claims.⁷
• Clear and accessible language, suitable for both general readers and academics.

“This book places the discussion about Imam Mahdi in a logical and argumentative position, not merely dogmatic.” – Comment from a reader in an Islamic study forum.²

Impact and Legacy

What is the impact of book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi on contemporary Islamic thought? This book has become a primary reference in the study of Imam Mahdi, both in pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), universities, and general Muslim discussions. Its impact is strongly felt in:

• Raising awareness of the importance of understanding leadership concepts in Islam.
• Encouraging interdisciplinary studies, from theology, history, to Islamic philosophy.
• Strengthening dialogue between Sunni and Shia in understanding the figure of Imam Mahdi.⁹
• Becoming a reference in academic writing and religious lectures in various countries.

The legacy of this book is also evident from many subsequent works that cite and develop the arguments built by Muhammad Baqir as-Sadr.¹

Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr

Criticism of the Book

What criticisms have been directed at book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi? Although recognized as an important work, this book is not without critique, including:

• The strong emphasis on Shia narratives is considered to give less space for more diverse Sunni interpretations.
• Some scientific arguments about Imam Mahdi long life are viewed as speculative by some academics.
• The discussion on occultation (ghaybah) is considered too philosophical and difficult for general readers to understand.
• Lack of discussion on current socio-political dynamics relevant to the concept of Imam Mahdi leadership.

Comparison with Similar Books

How does book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi compare with other books about Imam Mahdi? Here is a comparison table with two similar works:

Book	Author	Focus	Strengths	Weaknesses
An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi	Muhammad Baqir as-Sadr	Theological, historical, and philosophical analysis of Imam Mahdi	Systematic argumentation, cross-sectarian, strong statistical data	Leans Shia, some speculative arguments
Al-Mahdi (a.s)	Sadruddin Sadr	Narrations and signs of Imam Mahdi emergence	Many hadith quotations, detailed occultation discussion	Lacks historical context, more narrative
Mawsu'at al-Imam al-Mahdi	Al-Sayyid Muhammad al-Sadr	Encyclopedia of Imam Mahdi from various aspects	Comprehensive, wide references	Very thick, less practical for general readers

About Imam Mahdi

Who exactly is Imam Mahdi according to book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi? Imam Mahdi is an eschatological figure in Islam believed to appear at the end of times as a leader who brings justice and peace. In this book, Imam Mahdi is described as a descendant of Prophet Muhammad SAW through Fatimah lineage, who will lead Muslims after times filled with trials and injustice.¹

The author emphasizes that belief in Imam Mahdi is not exclusive to Shia, but also found in Sunni literature, although with different interpretations. Imam Mahdi is believed to bring great change in the world order, establish justice, and eliminate tyranny.⁴

Imam Mahdi in Quran

Is Imam Mahdi explicitly mentioned in the Quran? In book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi, the author explains that there is no Quranic verse explicitly naming Imam Mahdi. However, several verses are often interpreted by scholars as indications of the coming of a guided leader (al-mahdi) in the end times.⁵

These verses are usually supported by hadiths of Prophet Muhammad SAW that discuss the characteristics and role of Imam Mahdi. For example, verses about the victory of Allah religion and the establishment of justice are often linked to Imam Mahdi mission.⁸

Coming of Imam Mahdi

When and how will Imam Mahdi appear according to book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi? The book discusses that the exact time of Imam Mahdi emergence is Allah secret, but there are many signs mentioned in hadiths, such as increasing injustice, social chaos, and the emergence of great trials.⁶

• The rise of tyrannical leaders and widespread oppression.
• Natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
• The appearance of the Dajjal and the descent of Prophet Isa AS.
• Signs in the sky such as eclipses and mysterious sounds.

The book emphasizes the importance of the attitude of intidhar (awaiting) with hope and spiritual readiness, without falling into speculation about the exact timing.

Hadith of Imam Mahdi

What are the main hadiths about Imam Mahdi quoted in book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi? This book collects hundreds of hadiths from various sources, both Sunni and Shia, discussing the characteristics, role, and signs of Imam Mahdi emergence.

• “The world will not perish or be destroyed until someone from my Ahlul Bayt rules the Arabs, whose name is the same as mine.” (Narrated by Ibnu Mas’ud)⁶
• “At the end of my nation, the Mahdi will appear. Allah will send rain upon him, the earth will produce its crops, wealth will be distributed evenly, livestock will increase, and the nation will become noble.” (Narrated by Abu Sa’id Al Khudri)⁶
• Hadiths about justice, Islamic victory, and Imam Mahdi leadership in the end times.

The author highlights that the validity of these hadiths is strengthened by many chains of narration and variations found in various classical Islamic literatures.¹

Final Ruling

So, what is our final assessment of book Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr  An Inquiry Concerning Al-Mahdi? This book deserves to be mandatory reading for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the concept of Imam Mahdi, both theologically, historically, and philosophically. With strong arguments, statistical data, and cross-sectarian discussion, this book successfully bridges dialogue among various groups within Islam. Although not without criticism, the contribution of this book in enriching the Islamic intellectual heritage about Imam Mahdi is very significant and remains relevant today.

For those of us who want to deepen our insight about Imam Mahdi, understand the hadiths about him, and explore symbolic meanings in the Quran related to end-time leadership, this book is the right choice to be the main reference.

Citation

1. al-islam.org/inquiry-concerning-al-mahdi-sayyid-muhammad-baqir-al-sadr
2. alhassanain.org/english/?com=book&view=category&id=88
3. hajij.com/library/english-library/item/193-an-inquiry-concerning-al-mahdi--pbuh
4. id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imam_Mahdi
5. islamqa.org/hanafi/askimam/2795/one-of-the-verses-in-the-quran-pointing-to-the-coming-of-mahdi-as-refers-to-a-messenger-who-will-appear-after-the-prophet-muhammad-saas/
6. kumparan.com/berita-terkini/kumpulan-hadist-tentang-imam-mahdi-dan-tanda-tanda-kedatangannya-1v3fElTtSTV
7. mahdi-lib.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/An-Inquiry-Concerning-Al-Mahdi.pdf
8. tempo.co/info-tempo/imam-mahdi-dalam-perspektif-al-quran-1229962
9. wikishia.net/view/Al-Sayyid_Muhammad_al-Sadr