n. [ Ar., guide, leader. ] Among Muslims, the last imam or leader of the faithful. The Sunni, the largest sect of the Muslims, believe that he is yet to appear. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ The title has been taken by several persons in countries where Islam prevails, -- notably by
n. See Mahdism. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
n. Belief in the coming of the Mahdi; fanatical devotion to the cause of the Mahdi or a pretender to that title. --
Mahdism has proved the most shameful and terrible instrument of bloodshed and oppression which the modern world has ever witnessed. E. N. Bennett. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]