Could He Be Mahdi?

In the contemporary Islamic world, few figures have generated as much attention, debate, and devotion as Sheikh Sayyid Sharif Hasan al-Tihami (Muhammad bin Abdullah), widely known as Hasan al-Tihami. Based on the documented narrative of his life, lineage, trials, movements, and influence, many followers and observers believe that his story aligns directly with the prophetic descriptions found in Islamic tradition regarding the awaited Imam Mahdi.

According to the transmitted accounts, Sheikh Hasan al-Tihami was born in Makkah al-Mukarramah on 9 July 1972 (28 Jumada al-Ula 1392 AH). His lineage traces back to the noble household of Ahl al-Bayt through Sayyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه and Sayyidina Hasan ibn Ali رضي الله عنه, establishing his descent from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His family roots extend into Tihama Yemen, particularly the region near al-Hudaydah, with well-known ancestral documentation and historical recognition within the region.

From an early age, he memorized the Qur’an, studied the foundational Islamic sciences in the Haram of Makkah, and later taught in mosques and institutes in both Makkah and Yemen. He became known for his deep focus on the sciences of Ashrat al-Sa‘ah (Signs of the Hour), Fitan (tribulations), and Malahim (end-time battles). His knowledge and dedication to these subjects shaped his message and his growing influence.

His life narrative is marked by continuous displacement, persecution, imprisonment, surveillance, and forced migration between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. He was repeatedly detained, pursued by intelligence agencies, forced to use secret routes for travel, and lived under constant threat. His family suffered collective arrests, imprisonment, and loss, including the death of his elderly father following the mass detention of relatives. Despite these pressures, his movement continued to grow, and his followers increased across different regions.

A defining moment in his public recognition came through the well-known account of his encounter with a figure described as bearing the signs of the Dajjal, later compiled into the book “Al-Masih al-Dajjal Yatufu bil-Ka‘bah” (The Antichrist Circles the Ka‘bah), published in 2018. This narrative further intensified public attention and spiritual interpretation surrounding his role.

According to the beliefs of his supporters, the prophetic hadith literature contains 72 distinct signs and characteristics describing Imam Mahdi — including lineage, character, trials, migration, persecution, spiritual qualities, leadership, and mission. It is firmly believed by them that all of these signs are fulfilled in Hasan al-Tihami, without contradiction. For this reason, they view his life not as coincidence, but as divine alignment with prophetic description.

It is also narrated in hadith traditions that Imam Mahdi will appear around the middle of the 15th Hijri century. The current Islamic year being 1447 AH, this period is viewed as extremely close to the prophesied timeframe, strengthening the expectation that the emergence is imminent.

According to these narrations and interpretations, Imam Mahdi’s mission will follow a defined global trajectory:

First, the opening (victory) of Saudi Arabia

Then, the opening of Iran

Then, the opening of Turkey

After that, the unification of the Islamic world

Finally, the beginning of global leadership and governance

This sequence is understood not merely as political expansion, but as spiritual, moral, and civilizational leadership, restoring justice, unity, and divine order in a world fractured by ظلم (oppression), فساد (corruption), and فتنة (tribulation).

Supporters of Sheikh Hasan al-Tihami emphasize that he does not publicly claim titles, power, or worldly authority, and that his path has been defined by hardship, exile, hunger, struggle, and constant movement rather than comfort or privilege. They view his life as one of sacrifice, spiritual discipline, reliance upon Allah, and dedication to the unity of the Ummah.

His message centers on:

Unity of the Islamic Ummah

Love and protection of Ahl al-Bayt

Revival of prophetic Sunnah

Rejection of sectarian extremism

Rejection of organizational fanaticism

Restoration of faith over factionalism

For his followers, this era represents “With No Contradiction” ; a phase where prophetic signs, historical events, spiritual narratives, and lived reality converge into a single unfolding truth. They see his journey not as a political movement, but as a divine process, guided by destiny, protected by Allah, and aligned with prophetic tradition.

In their view, the signs have appeared, the timeline has aligned, the characteristics have manifested, and the era has begun. The expectation is not merely of leadership, but of transformation — of faith, justice, unity, and global order; under the awaited figure who will restore balance to a divided world.

For them, this is not speculation; it is certainty.