The advent of Imam al‑Mahdi marks the pinnacle of history and promises a world suffused with justice and spirituality. Yet numerous traditions foretell that, on the eve of his advent, the earth will be rife with tyranny and corruption—an apparent tension that demands careful scrutiny. This paper examines the perceived contradiction between establishing an Islamic, justice‑centered government today and the prophetic reports of widespread oppression before the Mahdi’s reappearance.
Using a descriptive‑analytical methodology, the study explores two contrasting approaches to these traditions. First, it argues that the founding of an Islamic revolutionary state—which draws upon active public participation and collective effort—is both legitimate and necessary, even amid growing injustice. Second, it highlights the Qur’anic and hadith‑based evidence for the enduring presence of righteous individuals whose commitment to social justice and reform persists despite the surrounding moral decay.
By reconciling these perspectives, the paper demonstrates that Islamically grounded governance and grassroots reform efforts do not conflict with, but rather prepare for, the Mahdī’s advent. The existence of both widespread corruption and faithful reformers underscores the dual reality foretold in the sources and affirms the legitimacy of pursuing justice prior to the final appearance.