Messianism stands as a foundational concept across Abrahamic religions. In Islam, this belief is prominently manifested through the conviction in the advent of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him). However, some scholars, such as Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi, have presented a divergent perspective on this tenet within Islam. Drawing upon certain Islamic narrations, Amir-Moezzi identifies various figures, including Jesus, Muhammad, Ali, Mahdi, and even Umar, as instances of "Masīḥ" (the eschatological savior). He particularly emphasizes the belief in Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as the savior in early Muslim doctrines.
This article employs a critical-analytical approach to examine Amir-Moezzi's views concerning the savior in Islam. The findings of this research indicate that some of Amir-Moezzi's arguments are predicated on specific interpretations and selective readings of religious texts. By drawing upon narrations considered authoritative by Islamic scholars, this study demonstrates that, contrary to Amir-Moezzi's perspective, the position of the savior in Islam is centered on Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him).