Rereading the illustration facilities of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) based on the llustration of the Imams (as) in the Islamic art of Iran

In the contemporary era, the image and illustration can play an important role in acquainting the people of the world with Mahdavi teachings. On the other hand, the visual manifestations of the illustration of imams (as) have always been a controversial part of Islamic art. This conflict has been on the one hand due to the sanctity of human painting and on the other hand due to the sanctity and prohibition of the depiction of the infallibles in the teachings of jurisprudence. Despite this prohibition, there are various examples of special artistic approaches, with special methods in depicting the infallible Imams in Islamic art. The purpose of this study was to express the possibilities of illustration of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh).  The research method is descriptive-analytical by analyzing the content of the illustrations of the Imams in Islamic art, including painting, lithographic images, images of the Pinterest site, and by collecting library documents. In the present study, an attempt has been made to answer a question: how can the depiction of Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) be illustrated based on the illustrations of the Infallibles in the context of Islamic civilization and in accordance with Islamic customs? The results of the research indicate the possibility of depicting Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) by using the characteristics of paying attention to the discussion of not insulting, using the concepts of absenteeism, avoiding direct representation, using images based on supplication. Intelligent use and repetition of the characteristics of depicting the infallibles in Islamic art, depicting personality without showing the face, using Mahdavi specific meanings and concepts, using the language of code and allegories and special Mahdavi symbols. Utilizing these methods, while removing the limitations and damages of Mahdavi's visual imagery, can also cause the imagery of the existential dimensions of that Imam by observing its Islamic sanctity. The achievements of research can be used in the field of visual illustration, themes related to the Imam of the Age and visual propaganda of Mahdism in the contemporary world.