Belief in Mahdism, as one of the most fundamental teachings of Islam, has consistently played a significant role in shaping the attitudes and individual as well as social actions of religious communities. The present study aims to elucidate the functions of belief in Mahdism in enhancing active hope and social resilience in contemporary religious societies, with particular emphasis on Islamic teachings. This research was conducted through an interdisciplinary approach, employing a descriptive–analytical method alongside qualitative thematic analysis using a reflexive reading based on Braun and Clarke’s model. The findings indicate that the doctrine of Mahdism, by providing a meaning-making framework for crises, strengthening positive future outlooks, and fostering networks of social solidarity, can offer an effective foundation for confronting identity-related, cultural, and social crises. Based on data analysis, Mahdist teachings—through the construction of a collective religious identity and the revitalization of socially responsible “awaiting” consciousness—play a key role in enhancing social capital and reconstructing networks of trust and cooperation within Islamic societies. Furthermore, by portraying a clear and definitive vision of an ideal future and the establishment of a global just governance, this doctrine can function as a driving force of active hope at both individual and societal levels. The results of the study demonstrate that belief in Mahdism can be understood not merely as an eschatological doctrine, but as a strategic framework for strengthening social resilience and reproducing collective meaning in the face of the challenges of globalization and the erosion of contemporary social capital.