Product Description

On September 17, 2005, the newly elected President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed the United Nations National Assembly in New York City. American President George W. Bush sat in attendance. Concluding his speech, Ahmadinejad made a plea to Allah to speedily bring forth the emergence of the mysterious Islamic Messiah figure known as Imam Al-Mahdi. This book examines in detail who Imam Al-Mahdi is according to Islamic belief. An essential study to better understand the religious dimension behind the threat that is represented in Ahmadinejad. A fascinating study and comparison of the end-time beliefs of the World’s two largest religions. Through this groundbreaking examination of both Islamic and biblical prophecy, a frightening picture of a very possible future emerges. A must read for anyone who wishes to better understand Islam, Bible prophecy or the spiritual factors and the underlying forces driving the present early stages of what may indeed be the final clash of ideologies and civilizations.

"A fascinating and provocative work. Joel has definitely expanded the frontiers in the ongoing exploration of the relationship between Islam and the rest of the world. A must read for priests and pastors, students and lay readers everywhere. Bravo!"
-Robert Spencer, Author of Islam Unveiled and The Politically Inncorrect Guide to Islam, Director of Jihad Watch.com

"In an era and an age where ambiguity reigns, Joel Richardson has written a book that is clear, well researched, and to the point. Few people in the Christian community have the courage to study world religions, much less invest themselves in it as he has done. Do yourself a favor; get this book, read this book, live out the truths that you pull out of it. It is worth your time, and more importantly, souls hang in the balance."
-Dr. Ergun Caner, Dean, Liberty Theological Seminary, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

"This book definitely provides a fresh look at Bible Prophecy in light of current affairs with the global rise of Islamic Fundamentalism. Not only does Joel accurately analyze Islamic doctrines and practices, but his interpretation of biblical prophecy is also solid - soundly adhering to the accepted rules of hermeneutics."
-Walid Shoebat, Former Palestinian Terrorist, Author of Why I Left Jihad.

"Joel Richardson presents a fascinating overview of how biblical and Islamic viewpoints on eschatology overlap, making a convincing case that reading this book and studying what the Old and New Testaments have to say about the "end times" is imperative for Christians today. This book is a wake-up call for Christians to learn how the future of the church, the future of Islam and the future of the entire world are divinely and directly interconnected."
-Dr. Tom White, Executive Director, The Voice of the Martyrs

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #229785 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 284 pages

Customer Reviews

IS THE PRINCE OF PERSIA destined to bring forth the final antichrist deception? It may well be so...
Within the Shiite Sect, (which is predominate in Iran), it is prophesied that there is a coming 12th Imam who is the great spiritual savior. This Imam is named Abu al-Qasim Muhammad or also called Muhammad al Mahdi. He is said to have been born the son of the 11th Imam, Hasan Al-Askari and his wife, the granddaughter of an Emperor. There are conflicting statements of her name being either Fatima or Nargis Khatoon.

Most accounts of the story say that al Mahdi went into hiding as a child around the age of 5 years (about 13th Century). It said he has been `in hiding' in caves ever since but will supernaturally return just before the Day of Judgment. According to the Hadith the criteria for the Hidden Imam are:
He will be a descendant of Muhammad and the son of Fatima
Will have a broad forehead and pointed nose
Will return just before the end of the world
His appearance will be preceded by a number of prophetic events during 3 years of horrendous world chaos, tyranny and oppression
Will escape from Madina to Mekkah, thousands will pledge allegiance to him
Will rule over the Arabs and the world for 7 years
Will eradicate all tyranny and oppression bringing harmony and total peace
Will lead a prayer in Mekkah which Jesus will be at his side and follow in
Remarkably, the 12th Imam theory plays heavily into the world's current concerns with Iran. The Shiite Muslim President of Iran, Ahmadinejad, is deeply committed to the Islamic Messiah, al Mahdi. There have been many through the years claiming to be the Hidden Imam but Ahmadinejad believes he is yet to come. He claims that he is to personally prepare the world for the coming Mahdi. In order to save the world, it must be in a state of chaos and subjugation. Ahmadinejad claims he was "directed by Allah to pave the way for the glorious appearance of the Mahdi". This apocalyptic directive includes some very scary proclamations.

The 12th Imam: Why Is This Especially Important Now?

While Christians look for Jesus' 2nd coming, the Jews await the Messiah and Muslims await the 12th Imam. However, of the three, Allah's designated Mahdi is the only one who demands a violent path to conquer the world. Mr. Ahmadinejad, and his cabinet, say they have a `signed contract' with al Mahdi in which they pledge themselves to his work. What does this work involve? In light of concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reportedly stated Israel should be wiped off the map. He spoke to the United Nations in September '05. During that speech he claims to have been in an aura of light and felt a change in the atmosphere during which time no one present could blink their eyes. Iran's PM is also said to have spoken in apocalyptic terms and seems to relish conflict with the West whom he calls the Great Satan. This is while he proclaims he must prepare the world for the coming Mahdi by way of a world totally under Muslim control. He is working hard to bring about the world-wide horrors that must be in place for their al Mahdi to bring peace.

This notion and goal, along with a violent hatred of infidels, America and Israel reminds us of Biblical prophecies of the coming anti-Christ and the pledges of millions to a deceiving False Messiah who will claim to bring peace. Could this 12th Imam Mahdi and his servant Ahmadinejad spark the last days of the coming true Savior?

Here is a book which examines these very current events from the perspective of Islamic eschatology: what many believe is THE INEVITABLE unfolding of EndTime events. The author makes a very good case for understanding the very real conflict between BIBLICAL prophetic truth, ... and the Islamic-agenda in our very day and time. - Read it, ... and then PRAY for wisdom and insight.
Pastor Len Hummel, Clearlight Ministries, Intl.

Essential Reading For Our Day!
This book is simply superb. I first read this book online, and just now re-read it. Simply stated, this is THE book that will change the way that we view many of todays world events. Mr. Richardson has brought the religious aspects behind the events of todays news into a very, very crisp focus. There are many books out there that discuss Islam from a comparative religious perspective, but what Joel has accomplished here is nothing short of astounding. It is as if he has cut through all of the peripheral issues and nailed only what needs to be said.

Joel begins the book by discussing the growth rates of Islam, mostly due to births, but also due to new waves of conversions since 9-11. This fact is one that very little like to face. His presentation is very gentle yet direct. The research is also very impressive.

Next Joel compares dozens of Islamic doctrines about the Islamic Messiah figure known as the Imam Mahdi. This chapter alone makes the book worth reading. Especially with the Iranian President's claims to be called to usher in the emergence of the Mahdi. Next he compares dozens of aspects of the Mahdi's life and mission to the Bible's end-time figure known as the Antichrist. The similarites between the two is simply stunning. You have to read this.

After this, the subject of the Islamic Jesus of his end-time mission is discussed. Very frightening and fascinating stuff.

Other apects of Islamic doctrines are analyzed such as the Muslim practice of beheading and Islam's plans for world domination. One chapter that I also really appreciated was his analysis of the Islamic practivce of al-taqiya, or the Islamic practice of lying. This chapter also should be read by every media person and every politically correct brain-washed person in the West.

The book is not a comfortable read as it is also very challenging to ones own personal response to the material. Joel does not call for hatred against Muslims, but rather love. This is very difficult for me personally as I still have family who are missing or dead in Sudan today. My family still is unsure if my brother is alive. Nevertheless, since I am a Christian, this book speaks directly to what I need to do.

This book is a must read. Good job Mr. Richardson.

Frightening Comparative Analysis of Islamic and Christian Eschatology
This book is a fascinating, frightening comparative analysis of Islamic and Christian eschatology. The author is a Christian (Protestant) who has studied Islam during the course of his long-term involvement in interfaith dialogues. Drawing from the Koran and the Sunna--the two principle sources of Islamic doctrines--he has identified the prophesied Islamic Messiah, Muhammed al Mahdi, as a figure quite similar to the Christian "Antichrist," as described in the book of Revelations, and in the Judaic prophecies of Ezekial and Daniel. He then demonstrates that the returning "Jesus" (Isa) of Islamic eschatology is quite similar to the Christian "false prophet," who will, in fact serve the Antichrist in the conquest and destruction of Israel, presenting himself to the world as a non-divine "Jesus" who is subservient to Allah and his Mahdi. The author's interpretation of the two prophetic traditions is that the Mahdi will re-establish the Islamic Ottoman Empire, which was essentially built on the foundation of the Orthodox Christian Byzantine Empire. This book is particularly frightening in light of the current turmoil in the Persian Gulf. For example, the militias of the Shi'a leader of Iraq, Mohktada al Sadr, is now called the "Mahdi" army. Muhammed al Mahdi is supposed to return to earth, presumably reuniting the Sunna and Shi'a factions of Islam by his presence. The prophesied destruction of Israel in the end times is supposed to originate in Khorasan, modern day Iran. Skeptics will scoff at the whole concept of prophesy, and the perrenial concerns about the "end times," but, after reading this book, I certainly wonder if we are witnessing the beginning of a pan-Islamic reign of terror in the Middle East, and around the world.