FARS, what percentage of people in Iran believe in the idea of the Mahdi returning?
Hard to tell how many follow the Hojatieh since 75% of the population in Iran are superstitious and vulnerable to the clerical preachings and traveling troubadors who put on religious plays in the villages in return for passing a hat around. It's presented as part of their culture and while they may be skeptical they would not show it.
How many are true believers? Probably a few thousand at the very most. How many members do cults usually have?
Until Ahmadi-Nejad took office, I doubt if more than a few thousand would admit to a strong belief. Many would have a tinge of belief, hope etc.
Best I can do. The Hojatieh cult was driven underground by Khomeini so they were very secretive until Ahmadi-Nejad took over last August.
Actual numbers no longer count since tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands MIGHT profess belief as part of their self-interest as long as this guy is president and even more so if Mesbah Yazdi becomes the Supreme Ruler in November. Then "everyone" will be come a believer! :-))
Lots and lots and lots of Muslims WORLDWIDE!!! It's NOT JUST IRAN!!!
Books about the Signs of Qiyamah are best-sellers. Even regular news reports on Muslim media invoke the Signs of Qiyamah when describing the day's events.