Fatwa's Insights - Aqidah

THE 66TH MEETING OF THE PERLIS STATE FATWA COMMITTEE / 2023

28 - 29 NOVEMBER 2023 / 14 - 15 JAMADIL AWAL 1445H

THE STANCE OF MUSLIMS TOWARDS AL‑MAHDI

The Perlis State Fatwa Committee views seriously the issue of claims by certain parties regarding al-Mahdi. Similarly, religious lectures or talks that directly or indirectly cause Muslims to await the emergence of al-Mahdi to resolve the crises faced by the ummah at this time. In addressing this phenomenon, the Perlis State Fatwa Committee has formulated several matters below as guidance for Muslims.

1. The emergence of al-Mahdi is mentioned in narrations accepted by the majority of scholars. However, it is not included in the fundamentals of creed.

2. Anyone who denies the emergence of al-Mahdi whilst believing in the authenticity of these hadiths may be led to disbelief. However, if he interprets these hadiths with a particular interpretation, then he does not become a disbeliever as long as he does not clearly deny the truth of Prophet Muhammad SAW. As for if he does not deny Prophet Muhammad SAW but does not believe in the authenticity of these hadiths based on scholarly reasons, then that constitutes a weak opinion but does not render him a disbeliever.

3. The belief regarding the coming of al-Mahdi is something that has not yet occurred; thus it must be based on what exists in authentic hadiths. Assuming something that has not yet occurred in the name of religion without authentic evidence can lead to superstition and falsehood attributed to religion.

4. A Muslim is not commanded to await and search for al-Mahdi. Rather, every Muslim is commanded to fulfil responsibilities as a Muslim, including defending and upholding the religion during his lifetime.

5. The victory of Islam is not necessarily linked to the emergence of al-Mahdi. It is not impossible for Muslims to achieve victory and dominate the world even before the emergence of al-Mahdi.

6. Making preparations awaiting the coming of al-Mahdi is a futile matter not commanded by religion. Rather, every Muslim is commanded to prepare his own righteous deeds.

7. The act of claiming oneself and certain persons as al-Mahdi has brought manifest corruption in the history of the Muslim ummah. Thus, such acts, if they cannot be proven with true and authentic evidence, must be acted upon by Ulil Amri.

8. The hadiths of the Prophet do not place al-Mahdi at an extraordinary level of veneration; rather, al-Mahdi is described as a righteous man who upholds Minhaj al-Nubuwwah.

9. During the time of al-Mahdi, the major signs of the Day of Judgement will occur, namely the emergence of Dajjal and Prophet Isa a.s. Thus, anyone who makes a claim of being al-Mahdi before these matters occur is making a false claim.

Any individual who makes false claims regarding al-Mahdi may be subject to legal action.

Attendance of Members of the Perlis State Fatwa Committee:

1. Sahibus Samahah Professor Dato' Arif Perkasa Dr Mohd Asri Bin Zainul Abidin;

2. Sahibul Fadhilah Ustaz Tajul Urus bin Abdul Halim;

3. Sahibul Fadhilah Dato' Dr. Johari bin Mat;

4. Sahibul Fadhilah Professor Dr. Muhamad Rozaimi bin Ramle;

5. Sahibul Fadhilah Professor Dr. Basri bin Ibrahim;

6. Sahibul Fadhilah Dr. Hj Zaharuddin bin Hj Abdul Rahman;

7. Sahibul Fadhilah Professor Dr. Azman Bin Mohd Noor;

8. Sahibul Fadhilah Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Akram bin Dato' Dahaman @ Dahlan;

9. Sahibul Fadhilah Dr. Ahmad Sufian bin Che Abdullah;

10. Sahibul Fadhilah Dr Kamilin bin Jamilin;

11. Sahibul Fadhilah Associate Professor Dr Ahmad Wifaq Bin Mokhtar;

12. Sahibul Fadhilah Ustaz Syed Abu Bakar bin Syed Kamal Bharin;

13. Sahibul Fadhilah Dr. Muhammad Lukman bin Mat Sin;

14. Al-Fadhil Ustaz Muhammad Khidhir bin Abdul Ghani – Secretary.

RESOLVED at the Meeting of the Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perlis Bil. 6/2023 on 4 December 2023.