The savior is described as a deliverer of mankind who will appear in the final era of the world and will fill this earth with justice and equity just as it would be filled with tyranny and oppression at that time, eradicate deviation and ignorance, and promulgate monotheism and justice. Such ideas can be found in various religions, and in their books one can even find the various attributes and characteristics of the savior. It becomes very clear that the belief in a savior is based on something innate and that every person hopes that the world should rather culminate in goodness instead of having an evil ending.
Following are some verses about the savior from the texts of ancient religions:
Zoroastrianism and the belief in a savior:
Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion. It is known through discussions and extracts from letters that one of the significant principles of this religion is the belief in a Savior who will defeat Ahriman (the devil) after his reappearance and will lead the world towards the light. In the book of Zend, the conflict between Ahriman and Yazdan is narrated as follows:
"Then Yazdan will achieve a great triumph and Ahriman will be annihilated. The world will receive its virtual salvation after the victory of Yazdan and with the elimination and destruction of Ahriman, the sons of Adam will recline on the thrown of virtues."
In this excerpt the triumph of Yazdan or the savior is regarded as the success of humanity.
Another celebrated Zoroastrian book, Jamasab Namah, which was written by Zoroaster himself, explains the same thing in the following manner:
"A man will rise from the land of Taziu (Arabia) who will have a flowing mane, tough physique, will reconstruct the lofty ideals, march towards Iran, civilize it, inhabit it, and will fill the earth with justice and equity."
If we browse through the Avesta while keeping these things in mind, then we find that the conqueror of the world is named Saoshyant. He will be the last conqueror of the world who will purge and establish purity in the world."(The Lexicon of Avesta, Part II Yashtaha, Pg. 226 and Sushyans, Pg.16).
"We appreciate chaste men and extol chaste women -- we honor every strength and power and regard it in high esteem, from Kiumars to the conqueror Saoshyant."
Similarly, in the book Farvardeen Yasht (Sentences No. 128-129), the reason for naming the savior Saoshyant is elaborated. The one who will be remembered as the conqueror Saoshyant or Astut Art is named Saoshyant because he will benefit the whole world. He will raise his voice against the lies fabricated by men. Finally the good-doers will triumph over the evil-doers.
It can be seen how a savior is remembered and mentioned, even if it is with the name Saoshyant, who will be the harbinger of all the goodness that can be imagined and expected in the world. It is evident from all these excerpts that even Zoroastrians have discussed, debated, and testified about the savior.
The Jews and the savior:
The history of the Jews can be traced to very ancient times. They have distorted and tampered with their divine books to the greatest possible extent and have cunningly endeavored to delete all those portions containing prophecies about Islam and the Holy Prophet (S). Since Allah wishes to illuminate the darkness of deviation with the beacon of guidance, despite the exertions of certain Jews, sections can be seen in their books where predictions regarding the advent of a savior who will establish justice and equity in the world are recorded. This world will become a haven of peace where a lion and a goat will graze together.
Following are excerpts from their books which elaborate on their savior:
"An offshoot from the mouth of Levi will spring up and a branch of its branches will sprout. He will be an equitable command for the contemptuously mean person and a virtual warning (cause of enlightenment) for the inhabitants of the earth."
“His girdle is Justice.”
“Faithfulness is the hilt of his sheath.”
“A wolf will associate with the herd of goats while a small child will be their shepherd.”
“There will not be an iota of chaotic turmoil in My sacred mountains because the earth will be brimming with the knowledge of Allah the Almighty just as an ocean is replete with water.”
"The truthful will inherit the earth and will abide in it forever." (Ash-lya e-Nabi, section 11, Sentence 4)
"Because the pious men will inherit the earth but the accused will perish." (Psalms of David, 37, verses 22 and 29)
These verses clarify the fact that the savior will be pious, the ruler of a just kingdom, and the caretaker of the divine precepts. The Torah and the rest of the Old Testament do not contain only narrations. In the seventh chapter of the Book of the Prophet Habakkuk, it is written:
"If he delays (in coming) then await him because he will certainly come and will not delay or procrastinate his arrival. Rather he will gather all the people around him and will prepare himself to face all the nations."
There are similar verses scattered throughout the Old Testament, but it is not possible to quote all of them in such a brief article.
Awaiting the savior fortifies faith and strengthens belief. It is certain that his arrival will spell defeat and disgrace for all the tyrants and oppressors on earth. Allah will empower him to defeat all the evil-doers arrayed against him.
The Christians and the savior:
There are many verses in the Christian holy book, the Bible, about the savior. But since there are numerous distortions in it, many verses cannot be found in the versions currently available. Despite such blatant distortions, there are quite a few verses which talk about the savior. Following are some examples from the Gospels:
"As lightning shoots up from the east and is visible up to the west, similar is the advent of the Son of Man."
"They will see the Son of Man on the clouds coming with his glorious pomp and splendor."
"And he will send his angels (helpers) with a clamor (trumpets) and they will gather the chosen ones."
“Be prepared and let the lamp glow. Be as if you are awaiting your master restlessly so that when he knocks at your door you may open it immediately."
From the above verses, the advent of the savior, the importance of waiting for him, and the signs of his reappearance become clear.
In another verse from the Gospels it is stated:
"The hour will arrive suddenly. Then always keep praying and be awake. Be prepared that when this hour comes to pass you may find yourself guided and may be able to present yourself in front of the Son of Man."
The Christians have misinterpreted the meaning of this verse to mean that the savior is Jesus Christ (AS) rather than someone else.
Even if we assume for the sake of argument that these verses refer to Jesus (AS), then it can be interpreted as his reappearance after the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AS). And this world will achieve salvation at the hands of these two great personalities.
According to Islamic traditions, after his reappearance, Imam Mahdi (AS) will lead the prayers while Jesus Christ (AS) will pray behind him.
It can be concluded that almost all religions believe in the advent of a savior.
Aspects of this belief can be found even among the ancient Hindus, Chinese, and Egyptians. If all such texts were collected in one place it would be a sort of detailed compilation. We suffice our discussion with the abovementioned excerpts and raise our hands, praying to Allah:
"O Lord! Hasten the advent of the promised savior and make it known to the world that he is none but Mohammad bin al-Hassan al-Askari (AS)."
(Based on a text from yamahdi.com)
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