In a recent speech, Speaking on the anniversary of the Imam Mahdi’s birth, Ayatollah Khamenei took particular aim at those individuals who claim to have a personal connection to Shiism’s “Hidden Imam.” Though he didn’t name names, Khamenei’s comments were clearly aimed
The 12th Imam (aka Imam Mahdi or the Hidden Imam) is a messianic figure in Shiism who Shiites believe will return to the world and lead an apocalyptical campaign against the forces of oppression. This victorious campaign will lead to world peace, the equality of humankind, and the elimination of disease and poverty. Although there have been past claimants to the Imam Mahdi throughout history (such as the founder of the Safavid Dynasty, Shah Ismail, and the founders of the Babi and Baha'i religions), the vast majority of Shiites still await his return.
A small segment of Iranians, including Ahmadinejad, are particularly devoted to this prophecy. Ahmadinejad has frequently made claims about the Hidden Imam’s return and at one point claimed to be in contact with the messianic figure. Such public claims, like Ahmadinejad’s now unfulfilled prophecy that the Imam would return in two years, have provoked criticism from all political sectors in
Khamenei has criticized Ahmadinejad on this point before and this latest speech shows it remains an area of concern. The Supreme Leader said that such claims were “shameful” and promised a new campaign to promote Shia orthodoxy both inside and outside of
For all of his pointed criticism, Khamenei remains supportive of the President. As other hardliners jockey for influence in the run up to the 2009 elections it will be interesting to see where Khamenei’s support will go. Continued criticism like this, however, does not bode well for Ahmadinejad.
[Image: IRGC mural of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]
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