(The). The supreme pontiff of the Shiites (2 syl.) Only
twelve of these imaums have really appeared- viz. Ali, Hassan, Hosein,
and the nine lineal descendants of Hosein. Mohammed, the last Mahdi, we
are told, is not really dead, but sleeps in a cavern near Bagdad, and
will return to life in the fulness of time to overthrow Dejal
(anti-Christ).
The Mahdi which has of late been disturbing Egypt is hated by the
Persians, who are Sunnites (2 syl.); but
even the Turks and Persians are looking out for a Mahdi who will
stamp out the “infldels.”
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
