The belief in the coming of a great savior at the end of history is one of humanity’s deepest and most widespread beliefs. This idea that a divine or chosen person will come in the future to save the world from oppression and corruption has existed since ancient times in most religions and ancient cultures. This common belief shows that the expectation of a savior is rooted in human nature, and all people, regardless of their culture, nationality, or religion, sincerely desire the realization of peace, friendship, and justice throughout the world and nurture the expectation of such conditions.
The news of the appearance of a savior in the end times is one of the common teachings of Abrahamic religions. In Christianity, the belief in the return of Jesus Christ (as) and his final judgment over human deeds and the establishment of God’s Kingdom is accepted as a definite belief. In Judaism, the Messiah is presented as a person from the lineage of David (as) who will restore the governance of the Children of Israel and rebuild Solomon’s Temple (as). Eastern religions have also spoken about the coming of a promised savior. In Hinduism, it is said that Kalki, the tenth and final incarnation of Vishnu, will come riding a white horse and will destroy evil and darkness. In Buddhism, Maitreya is spoken of as the future Buddha and teacher of truth and salvation, who will bring peace, harmony, kindness, and liberation from suffering for all. In Zoroastrianism, the promised savior is called Saoshyant and is presented as being from the lineage of Zoroaster and the final victor in the battle between good and evil, who will revive purity and truth.
In Islam, belief in the promised savior is one of the essential beliefs about which there is no disagreement, and even Sunnis consider the appearance of a person named Mahdi (aj), who is from the descendants of Prophet Muhammad (s) and from the progeny of Fatima (sa), as certain.
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The above content was published on 20/3/2025 on Imam Ali (AS) Foundation Library