The Awaited Ones

Messianic Expectations Across Major World Religions

Throughout history, various religions have fostered rich narratives surrounding the concept of a saviour or redeemer figure who is expected to bring about transformative change, restore order, and initiate a new era of peace and justice. This theme of an awaited figure is not exclusive to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam but resonates across a variety of faith traditions, both ancient and modern. From the messianic hopes of indigenous beliefs to the prophetic figures in Eastern religions, the yearning for a transformative return or emergence is a deeply ingrained aspect of the human experience.

Judaism: The Coming of the Messiah

In Judaism, the belief in the Messiah (Moshiach) is foundational. The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) holds promises of a future anointed leader—descended from the House of David—who will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, gather the Jewish people back to the land of Israel, and usher in a period of peace and divine awareness. This awaited Messiah embodies both a political and spiritual leader, expected to fulfil the prophetic visions of a redeemed world.

Christianity: The Second Coming of Christ

Christianity believes in the Second Coming of Christ, when Jesus will return to fulfil the remaining prophecies foretold in the New Testament. This event is tied to the ultimate establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth, judging humanity and reconciling believers to God. The Book of Revelation portrays a figure who vanquishes evil and leads the faithful to eternal life. Each denomination within Christianity has its own interpretations of these eschatological events, but the overarching theme remains.

Islam: The Mahdi and the Return of Jesus

In Islam, particularly within Shia traditions, the Mahdi is a pivotal figure foretold to appear before the Day of Judgement. He is believed to bring justice and restore righteousness. In addition, both Sunni and Shia Muslims anticipate the return of Jesus (Isa), who, as per Islamic teachings, will unite humanity under the banner of Islam, defeating the false messiah (al-Masih ad-Dajjal). The convergence of the Mahdi and Jesus underscores a shared vision of justice and divine intervention in the world.

Other Religious Traditions with Messianic or Redeeming Figures

Beyond Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, other religious traditions also nurture similar concepts of awaited figures:

Zoroastrianism: The Saoshyant

In Zoroastrianism, a prophet known as the Saoshyant is anticipated to appear at the end of time. This figure is prophesied to resurrect the dead, defeat evil, and inaugurate an age of peace and happiness. The Saoshyant’s coming represents a culmination of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, mirroring themes present in other Abrahamic religions.

Buddhism: Maitreya

Buddhism anticipates the coming of Maitreya, the future Buddha who will appear when the teachings of Gautama Buddha have been forgotten. Maitreya is believed to re-establish Dharma, leading beings towards enlightenment and spiritual awakening. This expectation embodies hope for renewal and the transmission of spiritual wisdom.

Hinduism: Kalki

In Hindu eschatology, Kalki is the prophesised tenth incarnation of the god Vishnu, who is foretold to appear at the end of the current age (Kali Yuga) to restore righteousness (dharma) and obliterate adharma (evil). Kalki’s arrival signifies a renewal of the cosmic order and the triumph of good over evil, consistent with the themes found in other religions.

The Baha’i Faith: The Promised One of All Religions

The Baha’i Faith posits that each major world religion has foreseen the advent of a Promised One who would unite humanity. Baha’is view figures like Jesus, Muhammad, and the Bab as manifestations of God’s will, emphasising that the awaited figure for this age is Baha’u’llah, who seeks to unify all peoples under the principles of peace, justice, and collective responsibility.

The anticipation of a messianic figure highlights a universal human theme—hopes for redemption, restoration, and the improvement of our collective existence. While the specific identities and narratives may vary across traditions, the fundamental yearning for transformation and divine intervention in the face of human suffering binds these beliefs together. As we navigate a complex and often turbulent world, such hopes continue to inspire individuals and communities, offering visions of a better future. In understanding these themes across diverse religions, we recognise not only our differences but our shared aspirations for a just and harmonious world.