Mahdi

[ mah-dee ]

noun

, plural Mah·dis.

1. the Muslim messiah, an expected spiritual and temporal ruler destined to establish a reign of righteousness throughout the world.
2. any of various claimants to this role, especially Muhammad Ahmed, who established an independent government in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan that lasted until 1898.

Mahdi

/ ˈmɑːdɪ /

noun

1. Mahdi?18431885MSudanesePOLITICS: military leader the title assumed by Mohammed Ahmed. ?1843–85, Sudanese military leader, who led a revolt against Egypt (1881) and captured Khartoum (1885)
2. Islam any of a number of Muslim messiahs expected to convert all mankind to Islam

Derived Forms

• ˈMahdist, nounadjective
• ˈMahdism, noun

Other Words From

• Mahdism [mah, -diz-, uh, m], noun
• Mahdist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mahdi¹

First recorded in 1790–1800, Mahdi is from the Arabic word mahdīy he who is guided

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mahdi¹

Arabic mahdīy one who is guided, from madā to guide aright

Example Sentences

If any one has a complaint to make, he must call out, as the Khalifa enters the mosque for prayers, "Khalifat el Mahdi!"

From Project Gutenberg

Jud dismounted, seized my bit, and ran his hand over El Mahdi's face.

From Project Gutenberg

Then I kicked my heels against El Mahdi and swung him around down-hill.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither of these things seemed to give El Mahdi the slightest annoyance.

From Project Gutenberg

That summons was followed by the arrival of a steamer, the captain of which had orders to capture the False Mahdi alive or dead.

From Project Gutenberg