Bloodshed at Mina Prior to Mahdi’s Oath

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “In the month of Dhil Qada there will be fighting and breaching of agreements between the tribes due to which Hajjis (pilgrims) will be looted and there will be war in Mina. There will be a general massacre and a great deal of bloodshed, so much so that blood will be flowing even at Uqba Jumrah. It will come to a point that even the people of the Haram (including Hazrat Mahdi) will run and will come to the spot between the Rukn and Maqam Ibraheem and he will be pledged allegiance to, even though he (Mahdi) will dislike having the oath taken on him. It will be said to him that if you refuse to have the oath taken (to be our leader) we will strike your neck. Then the oath will be taken. The number of people who will take this pledge will be equal to the number of people at Badr. The inhabitants of the heavens and the earth will be pleased with them (the oath takers).” [Al-Mustadrak Ala As-Sahiheen]

1. This hadith mentions bloodshed at Mina. This is one of the events to happen right before the pledge of allegiance is given to Hazrat Mahdi. Forewarning about trials and turbulences destined to take place in the future, is meant to urge upon the believers to stick to the right path and avoid going astray.

When what was foretold does come to pass, (i) it helps us to recognize right from wrong, (ii) serves as proof of the prophethood of Muhammad (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) and (iii) increases the Eeman of the believers.

2. Such a horrendous event as the killing and looting of Hajjis will not appear out of nowhere but will have the forces of Batil preparing beforehand for it.

3. The number of people who will give the pledge of allegiance to Hazrat Mahdi will be 313, the same as the number of Mujahideen in the Battle of Badr. [Tabarani]

4. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), along with all the trillions of inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, will be well pleased with those who pledge allegiance to Hazrat Mahdi.