Mah·di (mä d )n. pl. Mah·dis Islam 1. a. The messiah prophesied to appear at the world's end and establish a reign of peace and righteousness. b. In Shia belief, the 12th imam, who is expected to emerge from occlusion to fulfill this role. 2. A person who claims to be or is seen as the messiah. [Arabic mahd  , rightly guided one, Mahdi, passive participle of had , to lead; see hdy in Semitic roots.]Mah dism n.Mah dist n. |
Mahdi [ˈmɑːdɪ]
n
1. (Biographies / Mahdi (?1843-1885) M, Sudanese, POLITICS: military leader) the title assumed by Mohammed Ahmed. ?1843-85, Sudanese military leader, who led a revolt against Egypt (1881) and captured Khartoum (1885)
2. (Non-Christian Religions / Islam) Islam any of a number of Muslim messiahs expected to forcibly convert all mankind to Islam
[Arabic mahdīy one who is guided, from madā to guide aright]
Mahdism n
Mahdist n & adj
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | Mahdi - (Islam) a messianic leader who (according to popular Muslim belief) will appear before the end of the world and restore justice and religion Mohammedanism, Muhammadanism, Muslimism, Islam, Islamism - the monotheistic religious system of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran; "Islam is a complete way of life, not a Sunday religion"; "the term Muhammadanism is offensive to Muslims who believe that Allah, not Muhammad, founded their religion" |
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