Foreword Part Two Characteristics of the Mahdi (peace be upon him) Personal, Temporal, and Spatial Characteristics Personal Characteristics of the Mahdi The knowledgeable scholars and the God-fearing saints can recognize the Mahdi at the time of his birth or during his lifetime.

And before his pledge of allegiance. Consider when Imam Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked: "Has the Mahdi been born?" He said, "No, and if I were to live to see him, I would serve him during my lifetime." This indicates that through the characteristics of the Mahdi, they can recognize him from birth. If it were destined that he was born in their time, they would have known him and served him. This is a refutation of those who deny the knowledge of the Mahdi before the pledge of allegiance, and who also deny the knowledge of the Mahdi himself before the pledge of allegiance. The many characteristics of the Mahdi were mentioned precisely so that his recognition would be easy. There is no doubt that those who live near him, or who have the opportunity to interact with him before the pledge of allegiance, will have their attention drawn to him through his characteristics, and they will recognize him. This will spread among the people, just as happened to those who mingled with the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) before his mission. His characteristics drew their attention, and through them, they realized that he was a person unlike other people.

Physical Characteristics of the Mahdi 1. He resembles the Prophet in character: meaning he resembles him in his behavior and dealings, but he does not resemble him in physical form: meaning he does not resemble him in his body, shape, and appearance. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, looking at his son Al-Hasan, "This son of mine is a master."