An Investigation of Sufyani’s Religion in the Narratives of Two Major Sects of Islam

One of the signs of the apocalypse is the uprising of Sufyani (the enemy of Imam Mahdi) in Syria. The present article has analyzed the belief and religious status of Sufyani in the narratives of Two Major Sects of Islam with a descriptive and analytical method. Because Sufyani is an enemy of Ahl al-Bayt and he is the leader of the enemies of the truth, and his apparent religion deceives Muslims, knowing him is essential for those who are waiting for Imam Mahdi. Sufyani’s actions and behavior and bloodshed in the end of time are rooted in his religion and beliefs. Narratives indicating the religion of Sufyani can be classified into four groups: 1. Sufani being a Muslim; 2. Sufyani being a Christian; 3. Sufyani’s conversion to Christianity; 4. Pretend to be ascetic and Muslim. With the difference is that Sunni narrative sources about Sufyani refer to his being a Muslim, signs of worship on his face and pretending to be Muslim, but in Shia narrative sources, Sufyani’s pretense of asceticism, unbelief and desire to become a Christian can be seen. According to the mentioned traditions, he is a Muslim who becomes a Christian or, according to the situation and circumstances, he pretends to be a Muslim and aligns himself with Christianity, and in fact, he is an infidel and does not believe in Islam or Christianity.