In the hadiths, our Prophet (saas) provides for no other person or event that will appear after him such detailed and comprehensive information as he does about Hazrat Mahdi (as). We are told in the hadiths that the Prophet Jesus (as) will also return to earth and the antichrist will appear in the End Times, together with Hazrat Mahdi (as). However, neither the Prophet Jesus (as) nor the antichrist are the subject of so much amazing and detailed information as Hazrat Mahdi (as).
The hadiths contain very detailed descriptions of the physical features of Hazrat Mahdi (as), as well as of his moral virtues, life and activities. Putting all this together, it is clear that these features being seen together in one person cannot be unintended.
This also reveals how important it is for Muslims to be able to accurately recognize Hazrat Mahdi (as). When Hazrat Mahdi (as), whose coming is close at hand, is encountered, by Allah’s leave, all Muslims will personally see the accuracy of these astonishingly detailed descriptions of Hazrat Mahdi’s (as) physical characteristics.
In the hadiths, our Prophet (saas) reveals separate places for each of the detailed signs on Hazrat Mahdi’s (as) body, using separate descriptive terms for each. He sometimes refers to a MOLE, or a MARK, a SIGN or a SEAL and likens these to a LEAF, PEARL or STAR.
In addition to all these, Hazrat Mahdi’s (as) complexion, hair and beard color, stature, build, the general outline of his face, the shape of his head and forehead and features such as his eyebrows, nose and teeth are all described in the most astounding detail.
For example, in one hadith the Prophet (saas) says “Hazrat Mahdi (as) will have a BLACK MARK on his RIGHT leg.” He does not just speak of a mark, but provides specific and distinctive detail, saying it will be BLACK and on his RIGHT LEG. Examination of the hadiths below will show that our Prophet (saas) has provided a detailed physical description of Hazrat Mahdi (as).