Stating the Issue of Mahdiism in Imam Sādeqi's Approach based on the Book of Alghaybah Na'māni

The issue of Mahdiism is one of the most fundamental doctrines of the Shiite belief based on which one may draw a clear distinction between Shiite and other faithful schools of thought to the issue of the Promised Mahdism. However, the Shiite's pioneer reading of the Promised Mahdism is formed in the framework of believing the Twelefs Imam. During Imam Sadiq's imamate, the open political space gave him the chance to represent the belief in Mahdiism more clearly compare to the earlier periods. Using an analytical approach and by referring to the book of Alghaybah Na'māni, the present paperis to state Imam Sadiq's approach to the issue of Mahdiism. Na'māni is one of the leading Shiite Scholars who has gathered and narrated many traditions from Imam Sadiq. According to this book, Imam Sadiq's approach could be categorized in three sections of denial, affirmative, and explanatory. The denial approach reflects the negation of the Promised Imam's approach in the era of Imam Sadiq which is categorized in individual and behavioral denial. The affirmative approach includes three dimensions of proving the existence of Imam Mahdi, his occultation, and his coming awaiting. The explanatory approach, however, includes introducing Imam Mahdi, his absence, and the signs of his coming. This approach has led to the formation of a specific intellectual and belief school of thought about Mahdiism.