These descriptions and judgments were based on acts of deception attributed to the Mahdi, which he was said to have committed, and events of camouflage and trickery in which he was said to have played a role in inciting and overseeing them. Among these was his claim that he was the awaited Mahdi, who was commanded by a type of divine revelation and inspiration, and his adoption of future prophecies, and his indication of coming events.

Also among these was his agreement with Abu Abdullah Al-Wansharisi, one of his companions, to feign ignorance and lack of knowledge of the Quran and science. He appeared in the guise of an imbecile, with his saliva running down his chest. Then he began to draw him near and say: Allah has a secret in this man that will soon be revealed.

Al-Wansharisi was committed to studying the Quran and science in secret, so that no one would know about it from him. He conspired with him to reveal his virtues all at once, so that it would serve as a miracle to win over the hearts of those who had not yet pledged allegiance to him. One day, after the dawn prayer, Al-Wansharisi revealed his matter publicly. The people were amazed by his condition and his memorization of the Quran in one night, and thus everything difficult became easy for the Mahdi.

Among the events attributed to him was that he took some of his followers and buried them alive. He made a breathing hole for each of them in their graves and told them: If people ask you, say: We have truly found what our Lord promised us of multiplied reward for the jihad of the steadfast (Al-Murabitun), and we have attained through our martyrdom in that cause high ranks. So strive in your jihad against your enemy, for what the Imam Mahdi, your master, has called you to is the truth. He told them: If you say this, I will bring you out, and you will have among me the highest and most esteemed position.

In contrast to these judgments and descriptions based on these attributed events, we perceive in the personality of the Mahdi a deep inclination towards piety, righteousness, fear of God, and excellent obedience.

See: Ibn al-Athir, Al-Kamil: (11) Ibn al-Khatib, Al-Hullal: (10). Al-Nuwayri, Nihayat al-Arab: 5/48, and Ibn Khallikan, Wafiyat al-A'yan: 8/297. See: Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmu' al-Fatawa: (12) Ibn Abi Zar', Rawd al-Qirtas: 11/477, and Al-Harawi, Risalah fi al-Imam al-Mahdi: 129. 22 Al-Salawi, Al-Istiqsa: 1/134.