Messianism in the Shiite Crescent

From Current Trends in Islamist Ideology, Volume 11

April 8, 2011
by David Cook

Expectations that the world is soon to end are rife throughout the contemporary Muslim world. Because so many Muslims today face such a dismal situation, the religious climate is primed with anticipation and popular longings for the appearance of the Mahdi, or the Muslim messiah. Books, pamphlets, and internet chat rooms are replete with stories of the Mahdi and speculation about the coming time when he will finally appear to usher in the messianic state and sweep away the modern world's suffering and injustice.

To read the full article, please click here

David Cook is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Rice University

Featured Publications

Email List

Messianism in the Shiite Crescent

Share