Hazrat Mahdi (as) will appear at a time when polytheism is widespread in society

Hazrat Mahdi (as) will appear at a time when polytheism is widespread in society. In his time, people will be excessively concerned with material things and their own self-interest and advantage. People will put their mothers, fathers, children, families, business, profits and earthly pleasures first and cease observing the approval of Allah; this will cause them to turn their backs on Hazrat Mahdi (as), who calls on people to observe the approval of Allah, to obey the Qur’an and to abide by the Sunnah of our Prophet (saas).  

This climate of polytheism in society in the time of Hazrat Mahdi (as) is described as follows in one verse:

Say: “If your fathers or your sons or your brothers or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you have acquired, or any business you fear may slump, or any house which pleases you, are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings about His command. Allah does not guide people who are deviators.”  (Surat at-Tawba, 24)