Some Responses of Islamic Shi'i Messianism to the Challenges to the Meaning of Life

Document Type : Scholary

Author

Department of Theoretical Foundations of Islam, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Thoughts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

One of the most serious challenges facing humanity today is the question of the meaning of life, to which various solutions have been proposed by experts. This article employs an exploratory research method to examine different aspects of Messianism, particularly Islamic-Shiite Mahdism. It also seeks to identify the elements that enhance meaning in human life. According to this research, such a belief can provide meaning from a supra-religious perspective by offering hope, realizing humanity's long-standing ideals, and forming a universal government. Additionally, from the specific perspective of Islam, particularly Shiism, the beliefs surrounding Mahdism—such as a focus on justice, an emphasis on human dignity, the belief in Imam Mahdi, and the necessity for purposeful effort and patience—can profoundly enhance the meaning of life.

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