Today, The Bible & You

Today’s Front Page

The Nation’s Christian Newspaper

July 2025

Muslim “Messiah” Calls for Arabs to

Build Jewish Temple:

Could the predicted Islamic Mahdi (Messiah)

be the long-awaited Antichrist?

 Why does Islam hate Israel and Biblical Christianity so much?  We can clearly see the reason for the worldwide activity of the rise of Islam in this article.

  Twelver Shia Islam is the dominant religion in Iran.  This is a place where there is a strong belief in the Imam Mahdi, the twelfth and final Imam.  He is believed to be the divinely guided leader who will emerge at the end of time to rid the world of evil and injustice and establish a just global society.

  What is Iran’s connection to Mahdism?:  Twelver refers to those who believe in the 12th Imam, who is to rise upon the world scene and bring world conquest of Islam.  Some Bible students believe this 12th Imam could be the predicted Antichrist.

• Twelver Shia Islam: Iran’s government and power structure are primarily “twelvers,” who believe in the Mahdi’s eventual return.
• Mahdism as a guiding ideology:  The belief in the Mahdi, known as Mahdism plays a significant role in  Iranian political and religious discourse.  It is seen as a source of hope and inspiration, particularly in times of difficulty.
• Preparing for the  Mahdi’s return: According to Mahdism, preparing for the Mahdi’s reappearance involves removing obstacles to his return.  This can be interpreted in various ways and has sometimes been linked to political goals.
• Religious occasions and celebrations: The birthday of Imam Mahdi is a major religious occasion celebrated across Iran, highlighting the importance of this belief in the country’s culture.
• 

  Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith and are the two main in Islam.  Their main difference is a political one.  These political differences have spawned several varying practices and positions that have come to carry spiritual significance.  For example, Sunni Muslims emphasize the authority of the elected caliphs, whereas Shia Muslims hold that leadership should have remained within the Prophet Muhammad’s family, specifically with his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.  Despite these differences, both groups continue to uphold the core tenets of Islam. 

  The call for the Mahdi’s return:  While the exact time of the  Mahdi’s reappearance is unknown, the belief in his coming is a central tenant for Twelver Shias, including those in Iran.  The “call for the Mahdi to come” refers to the fervent expectation and longing for his return, which is believed to bring about an era of justice and peace.

  Several weeks ago, Israel365 News published an article about Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, commonly known as Abdullah Hashem, an Egyptian-American and the founder of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL).  Abdullah Hashem claims to be the “living successor of both Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ,” and his sermons bring “a divine message to the global Christian community.”  He also claims to be “the successor to Simon Peter, the successor to Jesus Christ, the true and legitimate Pope.” [That statement alone reveals that Abdullah is as false as a $3.33 bill.]  He claims to be the Mahdi, a Messianic figure and a redeemer of Islam who will come as an end-of-days ruler.

  After the article was published, Israel365 News was contacted by Arnaud al Almahdi, a spokesperson for the organization.  He released a statement outlining a proposal by Abdullah Hashem for peace between the Palestinians and Israel based on the Arab world joining with Jews in the construction of the Third Temple in Jerusalem:

  “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Groundbreaking Solution Proposed for Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Call for Unity and Peace [May 2025] — In a bold and defining development, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq (From Him is Peace), identified as the Riser of the Family of Mohammed in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has presented a compelling vision for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”

  This initiative calls for a joint effort between the Arabs and Jews to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.  It also calls for the exodus of the Palestinians from Gaza and the creation of a new state headed by a descendant and heir to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH  and his family.)

  In a direct appeal, Aba Al-Sadiq calls upon Benjamin Netanyahu to grant freedom to the two million Palestinians, envisioning their secured future in a new, Divine Just State.  He also calls for recognition from both sides that he, as a representative of Mohammed, be the negotiator between the two parties.  Contact: [The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light]

  Opinion: He claims to be the Mahdi.  I have often credited Muslims for knowing Islamic eschatology while criticizing Christians for not knowing Bible prophecy better than most Christians.  I will come back to that in a moment.

So who is the Mahdi?

 Iranians believe that Muslims should prepare the world for the coming of the Imam Mahdi, who will establish Islamic rule around the world and clean up the planet from those who do not practice Islam.

  Apocalyptic Muslims have long believed that the appearance of Mahdi would coincide with a civil war in the lands of Sham (Syria), which will destroy the country.

  The Shiite clerics of Iran believe that Mahdi is the child of Muhammad, the “hidden Imam” and the twelfth Imam. They argue that Muhammad al Mahdi was born thousands of years ago and disappeared to reappear later when certain signs emerge.  Shiites believe that at the end of times, the 12th Imam will appear with Jesus Christ at his side, kill all the infidels and raise the flag of Islam in all four corners of the world.

   Ayatollah Khamenei told Iranians back in July 2010 that he personally met with the Twelfth Imam.  He also claimed to  be the personal representative of the Mahdi on earth, and said all Muslims must “obey him.”

   “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”(Revelation 6:2)

  The conqueror’s crown (stephanos) is a dead giveaway of a false messiah.

  Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq is paraphrasing (Daniel 9:27):

  “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’  In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering.  And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”  This is the NIV text that was used.

   In this prophecy, a 7-year (Hebrew shabua = week or 7, or a week of years) peace treaty is made between Israel and her neighbors (many).  That he, Antichrist, will bring an end to animal sacrifice indicates the 3rd temple, the only place sacrifices can be made. 

  How clever.  We have often speculated that Antichrist will have to find a way to allow a Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount while placating Arabs. 

How does the Islamic Mahdi compare

with the Biblical definition of Antichrist?

   Muslims are trying to bring their messiah into the world Pastor Michael Youssef wrote a book entitled, The End Times & The Secret of the Mahdi, where Pastor Youssef suggests that Antichrist will be the Mahdi of Islam.

  Pastor Michael describes in his book how worldwide events occurring right now are leading to those events in prophesied in the Book of Revelation and elsewhere in the Bible.

 “I came to the conclusion that we are coming into the period of time like we have never seen before in history,”  Youssef said.  He is from Cairo, Egypt, and said he deeply loves the Islamic people but believes Islam is leading toward the dark days of the Antichrist.  Youssef says, “He will lull the world into believing in him, even worshipping him as their messiah. But he will end up abusing humanity like it’s never been tormented before. 

  Most people who haven’t even read the Bible have heard of the man known as “The Antichrist.” According to the Bible, the Antichrist will be possessed by Satan, who will rule on earth during the Great Tribulation.  The Antichrist is only referred to once by that specific name (1st John 2:18).  Some of the various various names Scripture uses to identify the Antichrist are the “the Beast” (Revelation 13:4), “the abomination that causes desolation” (Matthew 24:15), “the desolator” (Daniel 9:27), “the man of sin,” “the man of lawlessness,” “the son of destruction” (2nd Thessalonians 2) “the little horn” (Daniel 7:8), “The Assyrian” (Micah 5:5, Isaiah 10:5, Isaiah 14:25), “the oppressor’, “the king of Babylon” (Isaiah 14) and even the mysterious “Gog” (Ezekiel 38:1, Revelation 20:7). 

  Why do some seem to believe that the

Antichrist and the Mahdi are one and the same?

 God tells us the Antichrist will emerge as a man who will lead a very powerful world empire, as Hitler led Germany, but on a much greater scale.  This powerful leadership role of the Antichrist is first described clearly in the Bible by the prophet Daniel.  In the book of Daniel, in the seventh chapter, Daniel describes four very unique “beasts”.  After describing the first three, Daniel says this of the fourth: 

 “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.  I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” (Daniel 7:7, 8)

  Then, in verse 15-17, Daniel asks an angel in his vision to explain the interpretation of the vision of the four beasts.  The angel explains that the four beasts represent four very great kingdoms or empires: “I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.  I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this.  So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.  These great beasts, which are four are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.” (Daniel 7:15-17)

 Essentially, the angel explains that the fourth kingdom will be an empire that will cause great destruction to the whole earth.  Initially, this kingdom will consist of ten kings.  Then another king, an eleventh, will arise and will displace three of the previous kings. This eleventh king is the Antichrist first referred to as “the little horn”.  Thus we see that based on the vision that Daniel was given, the Antichrist is a future king who will first gain control over three other kingdoms or nations, and eventually over ten thus forming his future ten-nation “Beast” empire. It will be an empire of unparalleled power and ferocity, which will “devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it”. 

 The king is said to oppress the saints of God for a period of time and that most Bible scholars agree is three and a half years (a time, times, and half a time).  But eventually, his dominion will be taken away, and replaced by the kingdom of “The Most High” God.

  The Mahdi As World Ruler: As we have seen from the Islamic traditions and Muslim scholars, the Mahdi, like the Antichrist, is also prophesied to be a political and military world leader unparalleled by any other throughout world history.  The Mahdi is said to “fight against the forces of evil, lead a world revolution and set up a new world order based on justice, righteousness, and virtue.”  According to Islamic tradition, the Mahdi is said to preside over the entire earth as the final Caliph of Islam.  And the Muslims will, “take the world administration in their hands and Islam will be victorious over all the religions.”  Without question, Islam views the Mahdi as one whose rule will extend over all of the earth.  This is why many see that the Antichrist and the Mahdi are both described as being political and military leaders that the world has never before seen.  While many powerful leaders have arisen throughout world history, the descriptions given concerning both the Antichrist and the Mahdi surpass any that have yet arisen.  But the Mahdi and the Antichrist are both described as being more than merely political and military leaders. They are both viewed as being supreme religious leaders as well. 

 The Mahdi as a Spiritual World Leader: The Mahdi of Islam will also be the leader worldwide worship movement. It will be a worship movement that will seek to cause anyone who practices any religion other than Islam to renounce their faith and worship Allah, the god of Islam. The Mahdi, will govern the people by the Sunnah of their Prophet and establish Islam on Earth.  And they teach Islam will be victorious over all the religions.

  Many are surprised to hear that deep in the heart of Texas, just outside of Dallas, is the new community of Epic City, a totally Muslim City.  Amy Mek sees it as the beginning of the end.  It is a big change for Texas. That’s for sure certain.  But fortunately, the governor has stopped any further construction at the present time. Why? Because Islam is a total way of life, political, social, religious, and there can be no other way. Sharia Law cannot coexist with the US Constitution. The U.S. needs people to assimilate. 

 Moreover, there are 306 Mosques in Texas.  A random selection of cities, including Houston and Sugar Land, features a substantial number of mosque locations, 76 in Houston and 12 in Sugar Land.  Houston accounts for approximately 24.84% of all mosque locations in the United States.

  The Mahdi / Antichrist will be the leader of a world revolution that will institute a “new world order” that will be based on the religion of Islam.  Islam will be the only religion that will be allowed to be practiced.  Both the Antichrist and the Mahdi are said to be the unqualified leaders of a global religious movement that will draw worship away from the God of the Bible and His Son Jesus Christ.  As we will see clearly in later chapters, inherent in the worship of Allah within the context of Islam is a direct denial of the God of the Bible and His Son Jesus Christ.  In fact, this is the reason that some Muslims feel so strongly as to say that the Mahdi will, “eradicate those pigs and dogs” — the Christians and the Jews who refuse to convert to Islam.  This leads us to the next obvious similarity between the Antichrist and the Mahdi.

  The Antichrist’s Targeted Campaign Against Jews and Christians: The Bible is very clear that Satan, through the Antichrist will specifically first Jews, and then Christians for death.  In the 11th and 12th chapters of the Book of Revelation, we read another prophetic passage of Scripture that is rich with symbolic language.  Initially, it is slightly difficult to understand, but after the symbols are explained, it becomes very clear:

  “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Revelation 12:1)

  The “woman” symbolically pictured here is the family or nation of Israel, the Jewish people.  We see that she is crowned with twelve stars. This represents the twelve sons of Israel who became the twelve tribes that make up the family or nation of Israel (Genesis 35:23-26).

  “And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” (Revelation 12:3)

  “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.  And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.  And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (Revelation 12:2-5) 

  The woman — This is a clear reference to Jesus the Jewish Messiah (See Psalm 2:9).  The Dragon mentioned here is identified in verse 9 as, “that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.” We see that Satan desires to kill Jesus, but instead Jesus is “snatched up to God and to his throne.”  This is a reference to Jesus’ ascension to heaven after the resurrection (Acts 1:8). 

  After this, Satan will use Islam who is “enraged at the woman (Israel) and went off to make war against the rest of her  offspring–those who obey God’s commandments and to the testimony of Jesus.”  Israel’s “other offspring “are those Christians who indeed “obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” This is to only passage that makes specific reference to Satan making a direct target of both Jews and Christians together.   And we know that this passage is speaking specifically of the end times because it  mentions twice the three-and-a-half-year period (1260 days and “a time, times, and half a time”) that the Antichrist will have authority to war against the saints:

  The Bible is clear, the Antichrist will specifically target those who resist his attempts to establish his religion all over the earth.  From the book of Revelation as well as the Prophet Daniel, we see that the two groups that Satan is most enraged against are the Jews and the Christians.

 The Mahdi’s Targeted Campaign Against Jews And Christians: Islamic tradition speaks much of the Mahdi’s special calling to convert Christians and Jews to Islam, yet speaks very little specifically of conversions from other faiths. It seems as though converting Christians and Jews to Islam will be the primary evangelistic thrust of the Mahdi. The following quote Ayatollah Ibrahim Amini clearly articulates this vision:  

 “The Mahdi will offer the religion of Islam to the Jews and Christians; if they accept it they will be spared, otherwise they will be killed.”

  A Military Attack Against Israel And The Establishment Of The Temple Mount As The Seat of Authority: The Bible teaches that The Antichrist, with his multi-nation coalition, will attack Israel, and specifically Jerusalem, to conquer it:

 “For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the woman ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.” (Zechariah 14:2) 

  The Mahdi’s Seven Year Treaty corresponds with the Seven Year Treaty in Scripture between Israel and Antichrist:  The Mahdi is said to be one who will initiate Islam’s fourth and final treaty between “the Romans” and the Muslims. (Romans should be interpreted as Christians or the West in general — the executioners of Nicholas Berg in their pre-execution statement addressed President Bush as, “You, O dog of the Romans”).  Interestingly enough, this fourth treaty is said to be made with a descendent of Moses’ brother Aaron the Priest.  Such a descendent would be a Cohanim.  That is to say, he would be a priest. Only Cohanim are allowed among Jews to officiate the priestly duties of the Temple.  This is important in light of the fact that many Christian prophecy teachers and theologians have speculated that the treaty that the Antichrist will initiate with Israel will include an agreement to allow the Jews to rebuild their Temple.  But probably the most amazing aspect of this treaty that the Mahdi makes with this Jew of priestly lineage is its time frame.  The specific time frame given for the treaty is exactly the same as the Antichrist’s peace treaty — seven years!  Citing Hadith which speaks of the Mahdi’s emergence and rule, Muhammed Ali ibn Zubair relates this amazing tradition:

 The Prophet said: There will be four peace agreements between you and the Romans.  The fourth will be mediated through a person who will be from the progeny of Hadrat Aaron (Honorable Aaron, the brother of Moses) and will be upheld for seven years.  The people asked, “O Prophet Muhammad, who will be the imam (leader) of the people at that time?”  The Prophet said: He will be from my progeny and will be exactly forty years of age.  His face will shine like a star… 

  The Rider On A White Horse: The final similarity between the Antichrist and the Mahdi is in fact that both the Antichrist and the Mahdi are identified with a biblical passage that describes a rider on a white horse.  The amazing thing is that the origin of the biblical tradition of the Antichrist on a white horse and the origin of the Islamic tradition of the Mahdi on a white horse are both attributed to the same passage in the Bible.

 The basis for the symbolic picture of both the Antichrist and the Mahdi on a white horse is the sixth chapter of the Book of Revelation.  The Apostle John is describing his vision of the release of the events that mark the beginning of the end times.  The picture is of Jesus holding a scroll — on the outside of the scroll are seven wax seals.  As each seal is broken a specific and end-time event is released:   

  “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.  And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering and to conquer.” (Revelation 6:1-2)

  Seeing the Antichrist on the white horse with a crown and conquering, the Muslim scholars see a clear picture of the Mahdi.  Referring to the Mahdi, the early Muslim transmitter of Hadith, Ka’b al Ahbar is quoted as saying:

 “I find the Mahdi recorded in the books of the Prophets… For instance, the Book of Revelation says: “And I saw and behold a white horse.  He that sat on him…went forth conquering and to conquer.” 

  We see that Muslim scholars actually apply Bible verses about the Antichrist to their awaited savior, the Mahdi, who will, in fact, be the Antichrist.  This must be seen as quite ironic, if not entirely prophetic. 

  Even so, come, Lord Jesus.                       

Printed with permission of Today, the Bible & You located at P.O. Box 1722, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013, Phone Number (918) 279-1136 the name of the original name article in the July 2025 issue of Today’s Front Page was “Muslim “Messiah” Calls for Arabs to Build Jewish Temple: Could the predicted Islamic Mahdi (Messiah) be the long-awaited Antichrist?” www.JohnBarela.com