Analyzing Theories Concerning the Red and White Deaths Preceding the Appearance of the Mahdi (a.s.), Emphasizing the Foundations of Fiqh al-Hadith

One of the issues that has been occupying the minds of Muslims for centuries is the definitive and indefinite events before the advent and uprising of the awaited Mahdi (may God speed his reappearance). Among the occurrences that, according to narrations (riwayat), will take place prior to the coming of Imam Mahdi (may God expedite his return) are the Red Death (bloodshed in war) and the White Death (deaths through plague). Because similar occurrences took place in the past, many Muslims have engaged in the activities of matching (tatbiq), time-setting (tauqit), and hastening (isti'jal). Consequently, besides the examination of the foundational principles of Fiqh al-Hadith regarding the narrations, the research investigates the theoretical frameworks regarding the Red and White Death prior to the emergence of the promised Mahdi (may God expedite his return) through the utilization of textual (revelational), rational, historical, and scientific-empirical evidence. The ongoing dissemination of the teachings of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), as documented in both Shi'a and Sunni narrational sources, along with the examination and analysis of Quranic, narrational, temporal, spatial, political, natural, and event-related methodologies, will be some of the key findings of this research. Key words: Mahdi, Advent (Zuhur), Red Death, White Death.