Unleashing the Beast

78 / U NLEASHING THE B EAST

The Mahdi will unite the Muslim world; and the Antichrist will bring 10 kings under his subjection (Revelation 17:12). The Mahdi will bring gold and silver to his followers; while Daniel the prophet predicted the coming Antichrist, "Will honor his god with gold and silver" (Daniel 11:38). The Mahdi, according to some traditions, will rule for seven years. The Antichrist will come to his position early during the seven-year Tribulation (Daniel 9:27). According to Islamic beliefs the Mahdi will take over Turkey. Daniel states that the “King of the north shall come against him.” The king of the north during the Tribulation will be the nation of Turkey, and Turkey will be in conflict with the Antichrist (Daniel 11:40). Syria and Iraq will submit to the Mahdi. I believe there is Biblical evidence that the Antichrist will come out of this area, which is the territory of ancient Babylon. Most Muslims believe the Mahdi will appear from the east. Daniel states that the coming Antichrist will be "great toward the east" (Daniel 8:9). Muslims believe that, after the appearing of the Mahdi, Jesus will reappear and will march into Jerusalem following this Islamic leader. Then, according to Muslims, Jesus will announce He is a Muslim, and that He was not the Son of God. He will convert the people to Islam. According to tradition, this is when He will kill the "swine" (Jews) and remove the cross (referring to the killing of Christians). The Bible indicates a false prophet will arise following the Antichrist takeover of Jerusalem, and both the