What is the ruling on the person who claims to be the expected Mahdi? Is it possible that the Mahdi will emerge from Palestine? Will you please mention the authentic Hadeeths that describe the Mahdi and mention the place where he will emerge?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

We previously mentioned in Fatwa 82108 the narrations regarding the Mahdi, which indicate that he will emerge from the east, not from Palestine, and that he will receive the pledge of obedience (Bay'ah) at the Ka'bah.

These narrations indicate that the Mahdi’s emergence will be preceded by fighting among three sons of the caliphs over the treasure of the ka'bah, which none of them will take. Afterwards, armies raising black banners will emerge from the east, and the Mahdi will be with them.

Thus, anyone's claim of being the Mahdi must be ignored. Many such false claims are made, fed by the religious ignorance of many Muslims and their fondness of oddities. Muslims should not preoccupy themselves with this matter, for once the Mahdi emerges it will be easy to recognize him and give him a pledge of obedience.  

Allaah Knows best.