Religious consequences of prediction of the time of Messiah’s arrival in Islam

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the phenomenon of prediction of time of Messiah’s arrival in Islam. This phenomenon led to a range of consequences in the Islamic societies, which can be divided into several categories of sociopolitical and religious nature. The goal of this research consists in examination and analysis of religious consequences caused by prediction of the date of arrival of the Savior in Islam. The relevance of this work is substantiated by the fact that the theme of belief in the Savior has always been of utmost importance and dynamically present in the Islamic tradition; currently it stirs even greater interest. The scientific novelty consists in making emphasis on the consequences of prediction of time of the arrival of Mahdi, as well as comprehensive inductive conclusion and application of historical approach to the topic. The research results demonstrate that prediction of the date of Savior’s arrival in Islam had such consequences, as appearance of false messiahs, establishment of new religious sects, theological disputes, spread of despair among those who expect arrival of the Savior. It cannot be regarded that predictions equally contributed to the emergence of each of the aforementioned consequences, but their role is reflected in a range of the key, favorable or complementing factors. However, the fact of their impact is beyond the question.