WSJ: Scholar Warns Iran's Ahmadinejad May Have 'Cataclysmic Events' In Mind For August 22

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In a WALL STREET JOURNAL op-ed Tuesday, Princeton's Bernard Lewis writes: "There is a radical difference between the Islamic Republic of Iran and other governments with nuclear weapons. This difference is expressed in what can only be described as the apocalyptic worldview of Iran's present rulers."

"In Islam as in Judaism and Christianity, there are certain beliefs concerning the cosmic struggle at the end of time -- Gog and Magog, anti-Christ, Armageddon, and for Shiite Muslims, the long awaited return of the Hidden Imam, ending in the final victory of the forces of good over evil, however these may be defined."

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "and his followers clearly believe that this time is now, and that the terminal struggle has already begun and is indeed well advanced. It may even have a date, indicated by several references by the Iranian president to giving his final answer to the US about nuclear development by Aug. 22," which this year corresponds "to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427. This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to 'the farthest mosque,' usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1).

"This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind."

Developing...

http://www.drudgereport.com/flash4.htm

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Should I pay my cable bill on-time or wait until the 23rd?

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Should I pay my cable bill on-time or wait until the 23rd?

Depends. Do late bill payers go to Heaven?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Hmmmm...

[Veiled Princess 1]

and what exactly is a "hidden imam"?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

... what exactly is a "hidden imam"?

Most likely a bad translation.

[mawilson 2,133]

Gog and Magog

...and Demagogue

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

... what exactly is a "hidden imam"?

Most likely a bad translation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_al-Mahdi <== maybe this is where the term comes from?

Edited August 8, 2006 by Gupt

[Ban Hammer 13,676]

... what exactly is a "hidden imam"?

Most likely a bad translation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_al-Mahdi <== this is the Hidden Imam...

Shi'as and Sunnis differ on the identity of the Mahdi, with Shi'as believing that he was born in 868 and has been hidden by God (referred to as occultation) to later emerge to fulfill his mission. Sunnis either believe that he is yet to be born, or that he was born recently and has yet to emerge. Whatever the case, both groups believe that he will bring absolute peace and justice throughout the world by establishing Islam as the global religion.

[rclouse 0]

Shi'as and Sunnis differ on the identity of the Mahdi, with Shi'as believing that he was born in 868 and has been hidden by God (referred to as occultation) to later emerge to fulfill his mission. Sunnis either believe that he is yet to be born, or that he was born recently and has yet to emerge. Whatever the case, both groups believe that he will bring absolute peace and justice throughout the world by establishing Islam as the global religion.

See, that's just messed up. According to the nice "The Koran for Dummies" book I read, one of the most important things in Islam is "there is no compulsion in religion". So why would there be a "13th imam" whose mission is to force the entire world to be muslim?

I believe this is the most ignored or forgotten thing that the Koran says. If someone does not choose Islam freely, then he is not truly muslim. Why don't sheikhs stand up and point this out?

[Mirorgate 0]

Shi'as and Sunnis differ on the identity of the Mahdi, with Shi'as believing that he was born in 868 and has been hidden by God (referred to as occultation) to later emerge to fulfill his mission. Sunnis either believe that he is yet to be born, or that he was born recently and has yet to emerge. Whatever the case, both groups believe that he will bring absolute peace and justice throughout the world by establishing Islam as the global religion.

See, that's just messed up. According to the nice "The Koran for Dummies" book I read, one of the most important things in Islam is "there is no compulsion in religion". So why would there be a "13th imam" whose mission is to force the entire world to be muslim?

I believe this is the most ignored or forgotten thing that the Koran says. If someone does not choose Islam freely, then he is not truly muslim. Why don't sheikhs stand up and point this out?

so you are either the anti-imam or anti-christ for pointing that out. guess that all depends on who reads it though eh??

Edited August 8, 2006 by Mirorgate

[jordanianprincess 0]

I still can't decide who is more of a nut, this guy or the Korea guy..

[Veiled Princess 1]

... what exactly is a "hidden imam"?

Most likely a bad translation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_al-Mahdi <== this is the Hidden Imam...

Shi'as and Sunnis differ on the identity of the Mahdi, with Shi'as believing that he was born in 868 and has been hidden by God (referred to as occultation) to later emerge to fulfill his mission. Sunnis either believe that he is yet to be born, or that he was born recently and has yet to emerge. Whatever the case, both groups believe that he will bring absolute peace and justice throughout the world by establishing Islam as the global religion.

I've heard of the mahdi but this boy in a cave and "hidden imam" is new to me.... Apparently the shia believe that boy was the mahdi and after the last imam died he declared himself the next imam and ran away and hid in a cave.... or at least that's my understanding of what I've just read about it.

[almaty 19]

sounds like a myth

[Mirorgate 0]

sounds like a myth

thought police will be by to take you away. don't bother runnin... they know who you are