A Four-Day Course on the Occultation, Reappearance and Responsibilities of Believers
AIM is pleased to present a special four-day course with Sayyid Mohammad Hassan Alsheraa, exploring the teachings surrounding Imam al-Mahdi (aj), his occultation, the signs of his reappearance and the responsibilities of believers awaiting his return.
The return of Imam Mahdi (aj) is one of the most significant promises in Islamic teachings, representing the ultimate establishment of divine justice and the fulfilment of Allah’s promise to the oppressed. Yet the subject is often surrounded by speculation, conflicting interpretations and attempts to connect ancient narrations with contemporary political events.
How can believers distinguish authentic teachings from unreliable reports? What do the narrations actually tell us about the signs of reappearance? And, most importantly, what does it mean to actively await the Imam in our own lives?
This course will offer a structured examination of Mahdawiyyah, drawing upon Islamic narrations and scholarly discussions to develop a deeper, more informed understanding of the Imam’s reappearance and the duties of those who await him.
Course Overview
Across four sessions, participants will explore:
- The Identity of Imam Mahdi (aj): His lineage, blessed birth and position within the Ahlulbayt (a).
- The Minor and Major Occultations: Their history, significance and implications for the Muslim community.
- Conditions of Reappearance: The circumstances surrounding the Imam’s return and the role of his 313 companions.
- The Five Well-Known Signs: The Sufyani, Yamani, heavenly cry (Sayhah), killing of the Pure Soul (Nafs Zakiyyah) and swallowing of the army in Bayda.
- Khurasan and the Black Flags: Examining the relevant narrations and their interpretation in relation to contemporary events.
- Authenticity and Interpretation: Evaluating narrations, understanding certainty and exploring the theological concept of badāʾ.
- The Chronology of Reappearance: Studying the sequence of events described in the narrations and the limitations of predicting future developments.
- The Establishment of Divine Justice: The Imam’s mission, the return of Prophet ‘Isa (a) and the responsibilities of believers during the occultation.
About the Teacher
Sayyid Mohammad Hassan Alsheraa will lead the course, guiding participants through the theological, historical and narrational dimensions of Mahdawiyyah, with particular attention to distinguishing established teachings from speculation.
Course Details
Dates:
Tuesday 10 November 2026
Wednesday 11 November 2026
Tuesday 17 November 2026
Wednesday 18 November 2026
Time: 7.30pm – 10.00pm
Venue: AIM Office, 131 Walm Lane, London, NW2 3AU
Course Fee: £50 for all 4 sessions
Flexible Attendance
Participants can attend in person at the AIM Office in London or join live online from anywhere in the world. Recordings of all four sessions will also be made available to registered students, allowing participants to revisit the lessons or catch up on any sessions they miss.
Who Should Attend?
This course is suitable for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Imam Mahdi (aj), whether approaching the subject for the first time or wishing to develop a more systematic understanding of the relevant narrations and scholarly perspectives.
Participants will be encouraged to approach the subject with intellectual rigour, spiritual reflection and a renewed appreciation of what it means to await the Imam.
Register Now
Join us for four evenings of learning and reflection as we explore one of the most profound subjects in Shia Islamic thought.
True anticipation of Imam Mahdi (aj) is not merely about recognising the signs of his return, but understanding our responsibilities before his reappearance.
Course Fee: £50 | 4 Sessions | Limited Places