A.  Sofiyani:

Imam Sadeq (P.H.) states:

"السُّفیانی من المحتوم و خروجه فی رجب..." (الغیبة نعمانی/ ص 202)

“Sofiyani is one of the certain signs and his riot will be in the lunar month of Rajab…”

He is one of the offspring of Abusofiyan and according to some traditions his name is Othman ibn Atabeh. Making a show of being religious, Sofiyani deceives a large number of Muslims and gathers them around himself and conquares extensive parts of Islamic lands and dominates on regions like Damascus, Homs, Palestine; but the Shiite regions aren’t being surrendered; so he kills many people in Koufeh and Najaf cities. He promises to bestow awards for killing and finding Shiites.

He has been described in the traditions as follows: “The son of liver eaters come out of dry desert. He is a man of average having big head and being pockmarked face. When you see him, you think he is one- eyed. His name is Othman and his father’s name is Atbeh. He is of Abousofiyan sons. He deploys where there is clear water.” (Kamaluddin, vol. 2, p. 651; Ethbatul Hodat, vol. 3, p. 721, vol. 26; narrated from Imam Ali (peace be upon him).

Sofiyani starts his riot from Damascus (Yabes region) and this time is coincided with the year when Imam of the Time (P. H.) will rise.

Imam Baqer (P.H.) states: “Exodus of Sofiyani and rising of Imam of the time is in the same year.” (Beharul Anwar, vol. 52, p. 204)

He massacres in Islamic cities (particularly in Iraq). According to traditions, he struggles with Yamani crops and Seyyed Korasani. Then, he heads off towards Jaziratul Arab (the Saudi Arabia). After conquering Mecca, he massacres people of Medina and destroys Masjedunnabi for three days. Next, when he becomes aware of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (P.H.), he heads off to fight with him with a great legion. He encounters Imam Mahdi (P.H.) in a region called Bida (between Mecca and Medina). Based on God’s order, all of his legion were being swallowed by the earth and were perished. (Refer to the history of Major occultation, pp. 518- 520; Al- Malahem and Al- fetan, p. 57)

According to the prediction of some traditions, Imam Mahdi’s (P.H.) rising is nearly nine months after Sofiyani’s exodus.

Hosham ibn Salem says: Imam Sadeq (P.H.) states: “Count nine months when Sofiyani dominated five cities. (Beharul Anwar, vol. 52, p. 253). In fact, the duration of Sofiyani activity will be 15 month out of which 6 months were passed dominating regions and taking-pant in various wars.

Imam Sadeq states:

“Count nine months after Sofiyani dominated 5 regions:

"فعدّوا له تسعة اشهر"

(Al- Qibatul Na’mani, p. 432)

Imam Ali (P.H.) states: “Allah destroys sofiyani corps. Nobody of them will remain on the earth except him; so he captures Sofiani and beheads.” (Al- Tashrif Belmenan, p. 296)

The imergence of Antichrist

One of the signs which is considered as uncertain ones is the emergence of Antichrist. It is said that he is an atheist man (contrary to Sofiyani who is claiming to be Muslim). He is one- eyed which is located in his forehead. It shines like a star.

Now, what do you mean by Antichrist? Does it refer to anybody in the current community?

The origin of Antichrist is in the books of Christians. This word is used continually in the Bible. Antichrists are those who reject Jesus Christ. According to Sunni traditions. Antichrist is one of the signs of the day of judgment. In Shiite book, just some traditions indicate Antichrist is one of the signs of the emergence of Imam Mahdi (P.H.) which aren’t valid and acceptable regarding documents. (Refer to Beharul Anwar, vol. 52, p. 193)

It is said in a tradition: “When the loots of Constantionople are being divided, Imam Mahdi (P.H.) and his disciples become aware of the exodus of Antichrist.” (Mo’jam Ahadith Imam Mahdi (P.H.), vol. 2, p. 50)

Antichrists are various. Maybe, they are artful people who deceive people using decelt means. So, prophets have threatened their nation against the sedition of Antichrist:

"ما بعث الله بنیا الا و قد انذر قومه الرجال"

(Beharul Anwar, vol. 52, p. 205; refer to “Justice expander of the world, p. 232; waiting for Mahdi (P.H.), p. 289)