The belief in Mahdism and the advent of humanity’s savior is a profound conviction deeply rooted in history. This belief is not exclusive to Islam but extends to pre-Islamic religions and schools of thought, each of which upheld it in some form. Even non-Abrahamic traditions—such as Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism—share the belief in a promised redeemer at the end of time. The dynamic flow of this idea across religions, cultures, and human civilizations has generated a wealth of prophecies, ideals, myths, and imaginative narratives. However, Shi’a Muslims reject despair and pessimism, remaining optimistic about humanity’s ultimate fate and the world’s triumphant future. They contend that human laws alone are insufficient to reform and govern the world; rather, only the comprehensive and divinely inspired laws of Islam can secure human prosperity.
This study examines the concept of Mahdism in Mulla Sadra’s philosophy, analyzing its foundations, the ontological status of the Mahdi, and Mulla Sadra’s epistemological proofs for Mahdism through descriptive and analytical methods. Furthermore, with the rise of Safavid Shi’a philosophy, Shi’a beliefs became pervasive across all dimensions of social order. The art of this period, including metalwork, was no exception, emerging as a prominent medium for expressing religious thought.
Research Objectives:
1.     To investigate the belief in Mahdism and the savior’s advent in divine revelation and Mulla Sadra’s thought.
2.     To explore the manifestation of religious ideologies in Safavid-era metalwork.
Research Questions:
1.     How is Mahdism conceptualized in divine revelation and Mulla Sadra’s philosophy?
2.     How are religious ideologies reflected in Safavid metalwork?