Antichrist: Islam's Awaited Messiah

Within the Shiite Sect, (which is predominate in Iran), it is prophesied that there is a coming 12th Imam who is the great spiritual savior. This Imam is named Abu al-Qasim Muhammad or also called Muhammad al Mahdi. He is said to have been born the son of the 11th Imam, Hasan Al-Askari and his wife, the granddaughter of an Emperor. There are conflicting statements of her name being either Fatima or Nargis Khatoon. Most accounts of the story say that al Mahdi went into hiding as a child around the age of 5 years (about 13th Century). It said he has been `in hiding' in caves ever since but will supernaturally return just before the Day of Judgment. According to the Hadith the criteria for the Hidden Imam are: He will be a descendant of Muhammad and the son of Fatima Will have a broad forehead and pointed nose Will return just before the end of the world His appearance will be preceded by a number of prophetic events during 3 years of horrendous world chaos, tyranny and oppression Will escape from Madina to Mekkah, thousands will pledge allegiance to him Will rule over the Arabs and the world for 7 years Will eradicate all tyranny and oppression bringing harmony and total peace Will lead a prayer in Mekkah which Jesus will be at his side and follow in Remarkably, the 12th Imam theory plays heavily into the world's current concerns with Iran. The Shiite Muslim President of Iran, Ahmadinejad, is deeply committed to the Islamic Messiah, al Mahdi. There have been many through the years claiming to be the Hidden Imam but Ahmadinejad believes he is yet to come. He claims that he is to personally prepare the world for the coming Mahdi. In order to save the world, it must be in a state of chaos and subjugation. Ahmadinejad claims he was "directed by Allah to pave the way for the glorious appearance of the Mahdi". This apocalyptic directive includes some very scary proclamations. The 12th Imam: Why Is This Especially Important Now? While Christians look for Jesus' 2nd coming, the Jews await the Messiah and Muslims await the 12th Imam. However, of the three, Allah's designated Mahdi is the only one who demands a violent path to conquer the world. Mr. Ahmadinejad, and his cabinet, say they have a `signed contract' with al Mahdi in which they pledge themselves to his work. What does this work involve? In light of concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reportedly stated Israel should be wiped off the map. He spoke to the United Nations in September '05. During that speech he claims to have been in an aura of light and felt a change in the atmosphere during which time no one present could blink their eyes. Iran's PM is also said to have spoken in apocalyptic terms and seems to relish conflict with the West whom he calls the Great Satan. This is while he proclaims he must prepare the world for the coming Mahdi by way of a world totally under Muslim control. He is working hard to bring about the world-wide horrors that must

This book is a fascinating, frightening comparative analysis of Islamic and Christian eschatology. The author is a Christian (Protestant) who has studied Islam during the course of his long-term involvement in interfaith dialogues. Drawing from the Koran and the Sunna--the two principle sources of Islamic doctrines--he has identified the prophesied Islamic Messiah, Muhammed al Mahdi, as a figure quite similar to the Christian "Antichrist," as described in the book of Revelations, and in the Judaic prophecies of Ezekial and Daniel. He then demonstrates that the returning "Jesus" (Isa) of Islamic eschatology is quite similar to the Christian "false prophet," who will, in fact serve the Antichrist in the conquest and destruction of Israel, presenting himself to the world as a non-divine "Jesus" who is subservient to Allah and his Mahdi. The author's interpretation of the two prophetic traditions is that the Mahdi will re-establish the Islamic Ottoman Empire, which was essentially built on the foundation of the Orthodox Christian Byzantine Empire. This book is particularly frightening in light of the current turmoil in the Persian Gulf. For example, the militias of the Shi'a leader of Iraq, Mohktada al Sadr, is now called the "Mahdi" army. Muhammed al Mahdi is supposed to return to earth, presumably reuniting the Sunna and Shi'a factions of Islam by his presence. The prophesied destruction of Israel in the end times is supposed to originate in Khorasan, modern day Iran. Skeptics will scoff at the whole concept of prophesy, and the perrenial concerns about the "end times," but, after reading this book, I certainly wonder if we are witnessing the beginning of a pan-Islamic reign of terror in the Middle East, and around the world.

This book is simply superb. I first read this book online, and just now re-read it. Simply stated, this is THE book that will change the way that we view many of todays world events. Mr. Richardson has brought the religious aspects behind the events of todays news into a very, very crisp focus. There are many books out there that discuss Islam from a comparative religious perspective, but what Joel has accomplished here is nothing short of astounding. It is as if he has cut through all of the peripheral issues and nailed only what needs to be said. Joel begins the book by discussing the growth rates of Islam, mostly due to births, but also due to new waves of conversions since 9-11. This fact is one that very little like to face. His presentation is very gentle yet direct. The research is also very impressive. Next Joel compares dozens of Islamic doctrines about the Islamic Messiah figure known as the Imam Mahdi. This chapter alone makes the book worth reading. Especially with the Iranian President's claims to be called to usher in the emergence of the Mahdi. Next he compares dozens of aspects of the Mahdi's life and mission to the Bible's end-time figure known as the Antichrist. The similarites between the two is simply stunning. You have to read this. After this, the subject of the Islamic Jesus of his end-time mission is discussed. Very frightening and fascinating stuff. Other apects of Islamic doctrines are analyzed such as the Muslim practice of beheading and Islam's plans for world domination. One chapter that I also really appreciated was his analysis of the Islamic practivce of al-taqiya, or the Islamic practice of lying. This chapter also should be read by every media person and every politically correct brain-washed person in the West. The book is not a comfortable read as it is also very challenging to ones own personal response to the material. Joel does not call for hatred against Muslims, but rather love. This is very difficult for me personally as I still have family who are missing or dead in Sudan today. My family still is unsure if my brother is alive. Nevertheless, since I am a Christian, this book speaks directly to what I need to do. This book is a must read. Good job Mr. Richardson.

This book was one of the most unique and powerful books that I have read in quite some time. The information here is clearly presented and so compelling that I could not put it down for two days. Mr. Richardson has written a well-researched, intriguing, insightful, frightening and extremely relevant book for these times. The only reason I am hesitant to use the word "masterpiece" is because I don't want to overdo it. Yet I cannot praise it enough. While the book is written for a Christian audience, I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested or concerned with the present situation in the world with the rise of Islamic extremism. Five stars for sure.

On the whole this book is really stunning ! The case made for an Islamic Antichrist is extremely convincing. The author shows a remarkable knowledge, not only of Islam's books but also of the prevailing Muslim mentalities. Incidentally, it was a relief for a Catholic, to read a book on End Times which implicitly ridicules the widespread claims that the Catholic Church was the Beast of the book of Revelation. The importance of the Imam Mahdi (or Hidden Imam) for Muslims, especially Shi'as, is clearly expounded. It resonates stunningly with several recent declarations of Iran's president Ahmadinejad. It is impossible to recall all the great insights found in this book. The one which impressed me the most is in the chapter about "Potential Problems With The Thesis". I had been wrestling for years with the impossibility for a Muslim to demand worship for himself, as prophesied by St Paul ! I could not understand how that could be possible, and the author provided a very plausible explanation involving a false resurrection. Amazing... . The last part of the book "How Should We Respond" is vital. These three chapters relieve the feeling of fear and helplessness brought about by this book, concerning the future that awaits us Christians. Being mentally and spiritually prepared to the looming hardship is crucial; This is why I recommend this book to my brothers in Christ so that they spread its thesis as much as possible among believers.