The Mahdi — A.J. Quinnell

He who controls the Mahdi will control the entire Arab world.

The greatest "miracle" in fourteen hundred years is about to take place...a miracle orchestrated by British Intelligence and the CIA, joined incredibly by the KGB.

One blinding eruption of flame--and three millions Arabs at Mecca will think they're witnessing the arrival on earth of the Mahdi, the reincarnation of Muhammad, fourteen centuries after the prophet's death.

It is a plan of immense audacity and unthinkable consequences.

To unite the worldwide followers of Islam.. to provide a new Mahdi, the successor to the prophet himself.. to create an artificial miracle in full sight of millions at the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.. these are the gigantic tasks to which certain secret agencies in the West address themselves. The choice of the man to be Muhammad's successor on earth, who shall control him when he becomes the prophet, and the political disaster that threatens the main conspirators, America and Britain; are the links in a fast moving story of intrigue and suspense.