- the Muslim messiah, an expected spiritual and temporal ruler destined to establish a reign of righteousness throughout the world.
- any of various claimants to this role, especially Muhammad Ahmed, who established an independent government in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan that lasted until 1898.
- the title assumed by Mohammed Ahmed. ?1843–85, Sudanese military leader, who led a revolt against Egypt (1881) and captured Khartoum (1885)
- any of a number of Muslim messiahs expected to convert all mankind to Islam
