Summary
Kayhan highlighted the importance of the Annual Pledge of Allegiance to Imam Mahdi, linking it to Iran’s broader religious and strategic goal of eliminating Israel. The article asserts that Israel’s existence disrupts Islamic unity, and its removal is essential for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi and divine justice. This messianic vision shapes Iran’s strategy of exporting its revolution, which is evident in its active support for groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Houthis.
Hezbollah’s missile strikes, timed with Arbaeen in response to Fuad Shukr’s assassination, reflect this religious-historical mission. Both Iran and Hezbollah frame their struggle against Israel not just as political but as part of a divine, messianic mission aimed at bringing justice and unity to the Muslim world.
Kayhan’s Perspective on the Annual Pledge to Imam Mahdi
Kayhan published an explanation about the philosophy behind the Annual Pledge of Allegiance to Imam Mahdi, emphasizing the importance of renewing this covenant every year as a demonstration of devotion and readiness to follow the Imam’s path. The report highlights that the pledge is not about recognizing the Imam’s position, as God appoints him, but about committing to support his mission, even to the point of sacrificing one’s life.
The report also discusses the strategic and religious significance of eliminating Israel (the Zionist regime) as a precursor to the reappearance of Imam Mahdi. It draws on statements from Imam Khomeini and other scholars, asserting that the unity of the Islamic world is essential for the appearance of the Mahdi and that Israel’s presence stands in the way of this unity and peace in the region.
“Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Reza Nasouri, deputy head of the Maktab Mahdi Cultural Foundation, notes: ‘Certain events, such as the Gaza War, are pivotal on the path to the appearance of Imam Mahdi, as they have awakened and unified Muslims globally in an unprecedented manner. Just as we saw unity in Ashura, we now see it in Gaza, where, despite attacks and displacement, Palestinian Muslims continue to hold congregational prayers.’”
strategic and Religious Importance of Eliminating Israel
Regarding Israel: “Hojjat al-Islam Ali says: ‘The issue of the End Times is significant for the enemies, as they aim to break the unity of Islamic countries and prevent the appearance from happening. They have an apocalyptic perspective, but we often lack this perspective. If Israel is eliminated, the region will experience peace, and the relative security needed for Imam Mahdi’s appearance will be established.’”
Regarding the Reappearance of the Mahdi: “In 2006, the Supreme Leader stated that the issue of Palestine is the key to the appearance, meaning that Israel must be eliminated for the appearance to happen. It is said in narrations that Jerusalem will be liberated before Imam Mahdi’s appearance, which will pave the way for his reappearance.”
Eschatological Significance of Israel’s Elimination
The driving force behind Iran’s ideological framework is deeply embedded in Twelver Shia eschatology, which revolves around the belief in the eventual return of the Twelfth Imam, Imam Mahdi. This messianic vision holds that Imam Mahdi will reappear as the savior of humanity, ushering in an era of justice, peace, and divine governance. This belief is theological for Iran and shapes its political and strategic objectives. The commitment to preparing the groundwork for the Mahdi’s return influences both domestic policies and regional actions.
Tehran sees the Gaza conflict as part of the larger ideological struggle against Israel, viewing it as a necessary step toward the eventual dismantling of the Zionist regime. This vision is deeply intertwined with Iran’s broader belief in the reappearance of Imam Mahdi, with the war in Gaza seen as another sign of divine intervention towards the eventual liberation of Palestine and the establishment of divine justice. Iran positions itself as a critical player in the fight against perceived injustice and oppression, symbolized by the existence of Israel, which is seen as an obstacle to Islamic unity.
This eschatological perspective adds a profound meta-historical dimension to Iran’s intervention and subversion activists in the Middle East, where every step is perceived as part of a broader mission to hasten the Mahdi’s reappearance. The intertwining of religious duty with political objectives makes this ideological force uniquely potent, as it combines both a sense of divine purpose and historical destiny, driving Iran’s pursuit of regional hegemony and its stance against Western powers and Israel‘s presence in the region. This messianic narrative is fundamental to understanding Iran’s long-term goals, its unwavering approach to international and regional conflicts, and its willingness to support state and non-state actors in fighting Israel and the West, even at the expense of the welfare of its citizens.
Hezbollah’s Role and Actions in Arbaeen
The missile fire by Hezbollah (August 25) Iran’s creation in response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, on the 40th day (Arbaeen) after the death of Imam Hussein at the Battle of Karbala, is profoundly symbolic and aligns with Hezbollah’s historical and ideological mission. The response to Shukr’s assassination on such a meaningful date reflects Hezbollah’s narrative of resistance, not just against Israel but as part of a larger, divinely inspired struggle against oppression. By timing its retaliation on Arbaeen, Hezbollah underscores its view that its military actions are not merely political or strategic but rooted in a more profound historical and religious mission inspired by Imam Hussein’s fight against injustice.
In this context, Hezbollah’s missile strikes are framed as part of a larger narrative of martyrdom, sacrifice, and resistance that dates back to Karbala and continues today in their ongoing conflict with Israel. It aligns Hezbollah’s modern actions with the broader Shia eschatological vision, which sees these acts of resistance as paving the way for the eventual return of Imam Mahdi and the establishment of divine justice.
The Broader Narrative of Martyrdom and Resistance
The narrative of the Mahdi in Iran and Hezbollah’s actions during Arbaeen both reflect a deep-rooted perception of a historical and religious struggle. In Iran, the belief in the coming of the Mahdi portrays a fight aimed at ending tyranny and bringing divine justice to the world, with the dismantling of Israel seen as a crucial step towards realizing this vision.
Hezbollah, in its responses to the assassination of key figures during significant events such as Arbaeen, frames its fight against Israel within a similar religious-historical context. This narrative draws on the legacy of the Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussein sacrificed his life for justice and against tyranny.
Actions like Hezbollah’s missile fire on Arbaeen emphasize the blending of religion and politics, with Hezbollah viewing its struggle not merely as a military conflict but as part of a messianic religious mission akin to Iran’s Mahdi vision, ultimately leading to liberation and redemption in the Muslim world.
Iran Dossier Iran and Hezbollah frame their struggle against Israel not just as political but as part of a divine, messianic mission