ABSTRACT
The foregoing account demonstrated the unprecedented and unsurpassable perfection of the Mahdi’s bodily features. As for his spiritual characteristics (akhlāq ma’nawīya) and his inner attributes (ṣifāt bāṭinīya), only God could encompass the details of their beauty. The following is but a fragment. [16] The author enumerates the Mahdi’s virtues, emphasizing his goodheartedness, moderation and patience, and his kind, equitable and compassionate treatment of people. His behaviour was moulded by the Qur’ān and by obedience to God. He was severe with his enemies [17] but he cared for the worshippers and followers, leading them towards the good of both worlds. A list of the Mahdi’s attributes follows. The author then stresses the Mahdi’s modesty and piety, pointing out again that it is not feasible to list all his attributes.
