Who Is the Heavenly Caller? | Imam Mahdi Signs in Islamic Eschatology

Dar al‑Hidayah | In our previous article, The Reality of the Heavenly Cry (Ṣayḥa), we explored narrations about this extraordinary event. Now, the question arises: Who is the Caller (Munādī) who will proclaim the Heavenly Call? Imam Mahdi Signs.

According to authentic Islamic narrations, the Caller is none other than Angel Jibrīl (Gabriel, peace be upon him). Below, we present two key narrations from the Imams of Ahl al‑Bayt (peace be upon them) that clarify this matter.

1. The Ḥadīth of Abū Baṣīr from Imām al‑Bāqir (ʿalayhi as‑salām)

Imām al‑Bāqir (peace be upon him) said:

“The Heavenly Cry will only occur in the month of Ramaḍān, for Ramaḍān is the month of Allah. The Cry in it is the voice of Jibrīl (peace be upon him) to all creation. A Caller will call out from the heavens, announcing the name of al‑Qāʾim (Imām al‑Mahdī, peace be upon him). Everyone in the East and the West will hear it. No sleeper will remain except that they will awaken; no one standing will remain except that they will sit; and no one sitting will remain except that they will rise to their feet in fear of that voice. May Allah have mercy on the one who takes heed of that voice and responds to it, for the first voice is the voice of Jibrīl, the Trustworthy Spirit.” (Biḥār al‑Anwār, vol. 52, p. 230)

2. The Ḥadīth of Muʿallā ibn Khunays from Imām al‑Ṣādiq (ʿalayhi as‑salām)

Imām al‑Ṣādiq (peace be upon him) said:

“The voice of Jibrīl will come from the sky, and the voice of Iblīs will come from the earth. Follow the first voice, and beware of the latter, lest you be led into trial.” (Kamāl al‑Dīn, vol. 2, p. 652)

Key Points for Believers

• The Heavenly Call (Ṣayḥa) is a major sign of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi.
• It will occur in the blessed month of Ramaḍān.
• The Caller is Angel Jibrīl, announcing the truth to all humanity.
• A false call from Iblīs will follow — believers are warned to follow the first call only.

Conclusion

The narrations make it clear that the Heavenly Caller is Angel Jibrīl, whose voice will announce the name of the Qa’im (Imam Mahdi) to all creation. This event is one of the most significant Imam Mahdi signs in Islamic eschatology, reminding believers to remain steadfast and discerning when the Heavenly Cry occurs.

In future discussions, we will address the exact timing of the Heavenly Cry and the language used by Jibrīl (peace be upon him) when delivering this divine announcement.