Mahdi, ‘Isa and al-Dajjal in Islamic Eschatology: Classical ‘Aqīdah Debates, Hermeneutics and Contemporary Interpretations

Abstract

This article examines the doctrinal and hermeneutical debates surrounding three central eschatological figures in Islamic thought: al-Mahdi, the descent of Prophet ‘Isa, and al-Dajjal. The main problem addressed is that these motifs are often treated either as isolated beliefs or as contemporary political symbols, while insufficient attention is given to the classical evidentiary standards through which Muslim theologians assessed them. To address this gap, the study analyzes how Sunni and Shi‘i traditions construct the doctrinal status of these figures through the Qur’anic indications, Hadith transmission, claims of ijma‘, and literal or figurative interpretation. Methodologically, the article employs a qualitative historical-comparative approach based on textual analysis of selected tafsīr works, Hadith commentaries, creedal treatises and contemporary academic studies. The findings show that mainstream Sunni theology generally affirms the descent of ‘Isa and the reality of al-Dajjal as major end-times realities, while the doctrinal status of al-Mahdi remains more contested due to differing evaluations of Hadith reports. In Twelver Shi‘ism theology, Mahdism is closely linked to Imamate, occultation and authority. The article argues for a methodologically explicit and academically neutral approach to Islamic eschatology