The Twelfth Imam
The Twelfth Imam
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Article ID: 17
Article Date: 2025-08-09
Writer: Parsa Panahi
In the religious beliefs of many societies, the idea of the "Promised Savior" holds a special place as a figure who will appear in the Last Days to establish justice and tranquility in the world. In Shia doctrine, this role is attributed to Imam Mahdi. The concept of "emulation" in psychology refers to the process of learning and forming behaviors through observation and imitation. Young people, due to the specific characteristics of their age, are highly susceptible to the influence of spiritual and moral role models.
Today, many young people around the world are grappling with belief-related and social issues. This has posed a significant challenge to people, with Muslim youth being no exception. The anxieties stemming from a lack of spirituality and the mundanity of modern life bear nothing but depression, emptiness, and despair for humanity. Every day, there are news reports of suicides and the rise of mental health issues among young people, as well as an escape into destructive addictions.
One preventive measure is to provide a suitable role model for young people. The more suitable and powerful this role model is, the more effective it will be in fostering a sense of empowerment and identification among the youth. The present research aims to examine the impact of emulating the Promised Savior in alleviating the anxieties of modern life.
Belief in the savior, based on the characteristics mentioned in the narratives, the belief in the existence of a living Imam who is aware of human actions, and the emphasis on maintaining a spirit of anticipation, paves the way for the emergence of a kind of active expectation in humanity. This active and constructive anticipation leads not only to movement and dynamism but also fosters vitality, hope, and optimism. The more the individual awaiting strengthens their heartfelt connection with their role model and makes greater efforts to emulate their unique characteristics, the more they benefit from these states.
From a developmental psychology perspective, youth is a stage where individual and social identity is being formed. At this stage:
- The need for meaning and finding a purpose in life becomes prominent.
- The search for justice and truth emerges as core values.
- Ideal role models can play a significant role in shaping personality.
- The personality of the Promised Savior, characterized by traits such as justice, courage, and support for the oppressed, serves as a complete and inspiring role model for young people.
From a positive psychology viewpoint, hope and motivation are two key elements of mental health. Belief in the emergence of the Savior:
- Strengthens hope for a brighter future.
- Reduces learned helplessness.
What is Learned Helplessness?
Learned helplessness is a psychological term first proposed by American psychologist Martin Seligman. In simple terms, it means that when an individual repeatedly faces failure or situations over which they have no control, they gradually learn that "doing nothing is beneficial," and even when conditions change and solutions are available, they do not make any effort.
Simple Example:
Consider a student who repeatedly receives low marks in a math exam despite their efforts. After a while, even if a new teacher comes with a different teaching method, that student has already convinced themselves that they will not succeed and does not put in serious effort anymore.
In the Context of the Promised Savior:
When a young person hopes for the emergence of the Savior and the establishment of justice, this hope keeps them active and striving to avoid falling into the trap of "learned helplessness." They believe that the world's conditions can change, and this change is worth fighting for and making an effort.
Consequently, this hope directs the youth towards working to prepare society for a better future. This hope, unlike superficial hopes, is rooted in deep and enduring beliefs, which positively impacts psychological resilience.
In social psychology, the concept of a "moral model" refers to a personality whose behavior and speech serve as a standard for making correct decisions. The Promised Savior:
- Fully embodies behavioral standards (justice, fairness, honesty).
- Shows young people that even in the toughest conditions, one must remain committed to values.
- Facilitates the formation of an "ideal self" in individuals; that is, a vision of the best version of themselves that young people strive to achieve.
Identity crisis among adolescents and young people is a well-known phenomenon. Psychologists like Erik Erikson have emphasized that the presence of positive and reliable role models can reduce this crisis. The personality of the Promised Savior, by providing a clear framework of values and goals, can:
- Help young individuals build their identity based on enduring values.
- Prevent them from falling into the trap of unhealthy role models (such as superficial celebrities).
Resilience refers to the ability to adapt and return to a balanced state after experiencing difficult, traumatic, or stressful situations. In simple terms, a resilient person may get hurt, but they can pull themselves together and even continue stronger than before.
Research in the field of resilience indicates that having a strong and enduring belief makes individuals more resilient against psychological pressures. The expectation of the savior plays exactly such a role. One of the greatest and most positive aspects of having a heartfelt belief in the existence of an individual who enjoys divine support and possesses unwavering faith, alongside an indomitable will to save the oppressed, is that this belief astonishingly enhances the psychological resilience of human societies, especially the youth.
Studying the history of the resistance of Muslims who believe in the savior of the Last Days, particularly regarding the presence of Imam Mahdi, the twelfth Imam in Shia Islam, against the oppression of tyrants, reveals that their deep belief in the coming of the twelfth Imam has bestowed upon them a firm and stable spirit. One of the most notable struggles of the Shia was the eight-year war that took place between Iraq and Iran from 1980 to 1988. Although the focus of this discussion is not political, the resistance of Iranian Shia, especially the youth, against the invading country, Iraq, can be considered a well-documented case from a psychological perspective.
Iraq, with the assistance of dozens of other countries, including the superpowers of that time, namely the USA and the Soviet Union, launched an attack on Iran. A flood of conventional and unconventional weapons from dozens of Western countries flowed into the Iraqi army. However, after eight years, the Iraqi army returned to its borders without any achievements.
Despite Iran being in the worst possible condition in terms of weaponry, military commanders, and combat tactics due to the revolution, this significant gap was well filled by the strong faith of the youth in the savior of the Last Days. Their psychological resilience in the face of all the hardships of war, killings, and enemy bombardments is worth pondering.
Numerous interviews with Iranian combatants from that time reveal that Iranian youth were intensely awaiting the appearance of Imam Mahdi. Some even claimed to have seen Imam Mahdi on the battlefield. This belief instilled such a warrior spirit among them that with nearly empty warehouses of military equipment, they managed to push back the enemy army, which was equipped with a variety of modern weaponry, and even captured large areas of its territory.
Research has identified three main categories of factors that influence resilience:
A - Individual Characteristics: Self-confidence, optimism, problem-solving skills, spirituality.
B - Supportive Relationships: Family, friends, mentors, religious or social groups.
C - Environmental Factors: Educational opportunities, social security, positive role models.
From a social psychology perspective, belief in the savior can enhance group solidarity. Young people who hold this belief:
- Show greater participation in collective and charitable activities.
- Experience a sense of belonging to a purposeful community.
- Are less prone to social isolation or indifference.
Young people, especially religious youth, typically pay attention to a combination of moral, intellectual, and behavioral traits when selecting a "role model" for themselves. These traits are rooted in religious teachings as well as the psychological needs of this age group.
This aspect is very important for religious youth, as they seek role models not only for worldly success but also for spiritual growth.
- Honesty and integrity
- Justice-seeking and support for the oppressed
- Humility despite status and power
- Abstinence and purity
- Loyalty to promises and vows
- Steadfast faith and piety even in difficult conditions
- Deep connection with God -( prayer, supplication, reliance)
- Sincerity in intention and action
- Patience and endurance in the face of challenges
- Spirit of selflessness and sacrifice for others
- Insight and the ability to analyze social conditions
- Extensive knowledge (religious and scientific)
- Ability to distinguish right from wrong
- Continuous learning and complete mastery in discerning the truth
- Courage and decisiveness in defending the truth
- Management and leadership accompanied by kindness
- Ability to connect with people from all backgrounds
- Simplicity and avoidance of luxury
- Responsibility and accountability
- Having a noble goal
- Inspiring hope in others
- Practical role modeling; being an example in action rather than just slogans
According to Shia Muslims and based on numerous narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and their Imams, all the mentioned characteristics are found without exception in the Promised Savior of the Last Days, namely Imam Mahdi. This, in turn, increases the hope and motivation of youth to emulate their twelfth Imam.
From a psychological perspective, it can be said that emulating the Promised Savior has profound effects on individual growth, identity formation, increased hope and motivation, and the strengthening of moral values among youth. This model serves as an important factor not only in terms of spirituality but also from the scientific viewpoint of psychology, contributing significantly to improving mental health and enhancing the quality of life for both individuals and communities.
