The Signs of Reappearance

It has been over 1100 years since Imam Al-Mahdi [atf] went into occultation. There are copious traditions, narrated by Shias and Sunnis, to the effect that Imam Al-Mahdi [atf] will reappear when the earth is filled with injustice and oppression, and he will come to fill the earth with justice and equity. No one knows that exact timing of his reappearance, as this knowledge is reserved solely to Allah [swt]. However, in the narrations of Ahlul Bayt [a], many signs of his reappearance have been mentioned. These signs indicate that his reappearance is drawing closer and closer. Some of these signs are definite and indicate that he will reappear within a number of years or months only, while others are indefinite and generally state the pervasive condition of the world as his reappearance draws closer.

These signs first serve to corroborate the veracity of the holy Prophet [s] and the infallible Imams [a], and second to prepare us and raise awareness amongst us so that once they do occur we are alert to them and know how to react. When one knows what to expect, he or she will generally be confronted with less problems, and matters will go as planned.