|
A Critical Examination of the Authenticity and Content Analysis of the Hadith of “The Supplication of the Israelites” in Relation to the Concept of the Voluntary Nature of the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as)
|
Ali Sameni1   , Fahimeh Moradi , Mehdi Ahmadi |
|
|
|
Abstract: (63 Views) |
| The notion of the voluntary nature of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as)—which holds that the reappearance of the Twelfth Imam will occur only when people sincerely desire and will it—has long had its proponents and has recently gained renewed attention. Supporters of this theory have relied upon various Qur’anic and hadith-based evidences. Among the narrations frequently cited in contemporary studies to support this view is the hadith concerning the Israelites’ supplication (istighāthah) for deliverance from Pharaoh’s oppression. According to the content of this narration, divine relief was granted to the Israelites during the occultation of Prophet Moses (as) as a result of their earnest supplication. Some have consequently inferred an analogy, proposing that similar collective supplication could hasten the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as). This article critically examines the external authenticity (isnād reliability) and internal content of the hadith through documentary verification and content analysis, employing a library-based research method. The study aims to determine the extent to which this narration can credibly substantiate the aforementioned theological claim. The findings indicate that the Hadith of the Israelites’ Supplication suffers from weaknesses in its chain of transmission, including unreliable transmitters and discontinuity of the isnād. Moreover, its content-based implications for the voluntary nature of the reappearance face multiple problems upon textual, theological-rational, structural, lexical, and contextual examination. Consequently, the theory of voluntary reappearance cannot be adequately supported by this narration and requires corroboration from alternative lines of reasoning. |
|
| Keywords: Voluntary Reappearance, Hadith of the Israelites’ Supplication, Authenticity Criticism, Content Analysis, Comprehensive Relief (Faraj Kullī), Partial Relief (Faraj Juzʾī). |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 418 kb]
(45 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/11/21 | Accepted: 2025/11/21 | Published: 2025/11/21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
