I've done a little bit of research on al-Mahdi, too. Part of the legend/prophecy is that al-Mahdi's army will come from the area of Afghanistan, will have a black flag as its standard, and will not be stopped before it reaches Jerusalem.
There exists a photograph of bin Laden at a news conference, and the backdrop is a black flag. I personally think bin Laden's organization thinks it is part of the al-Mahdi movement.
The Islamists see this war on an entirely different plane than we do - it is a holy war. In this situation it's not a problem for a Muslim engaged in jihad against the infidel to lie or deceive the enemy.
We're the Crusaders and the Jews, and if we don't convert then they'd like to kill us, plain and simple. Whether you're working in an office building, carrying a rifle or pumping gas, you are a target.
Have a nice day.
I have no problem believing that the Muslims are engaged in holy war. I'm of the opinion that it's a war of anniliation.
We best be getting to it then.
What about the black flags from Khorasan.....
34 posted on 10/20/02 1:20 PM Pacific by Siobhan Part of the legend/prophecy is that al-Mahdi's army will come from the area of Afghanistan, will have a black flag as its standard, and will not be stopped before it reaches Jerusalem.
There exists a photograph of bin Laden at a news conference, and the backdrop is a black flag. I personally think bin Laden's organization thinks it is part of the al-Mahdi movement.
38 posted on 10/20/02 6:11 PM Pacific by Bosco
Bosco: Absolutely!
Siobhan: Khorasan = Afghanistan. Mohammed had two flags: a white flag for the Islamic State, and a black flag for Jihad. One of the Signs of Qiyamah is that an army from Khorasan will ride before the Mahdi and conquer territory and peoples in his name.