Traces of Superstitions in Believing in Savior

Believing in savior is one of the common notions of human societies and has been exposed to various harms. Penetration of superstitions in beliefs of old religions has cast doubts on their origins. At present, the most transparent picture of savior could be only found in Islam, especially Shia faith. However, even Shias have been vulnerable to deviations in their beliefs in the course of history.During past few years, believing in Imam Mahdi (AS) as savior has been threatened by superstitions. Many people have claimed to be in contact with him to gain worldly profits. Some even have tried to make people believe that they are representative of Imam Mahdi (AS) and still others have even claimed to be Imam Mahdi (AS) himself.The common denominator of those claims is “pretended sanctity”, “exaggeration”, and “ambiguity in statements”. The same characteristics could be found in the remarks of those who have been supported by colonial powers.The followers of those claimants are sometimes trying to gain profits through following them and others are simple people who have been duped. Followers of Sheikhiyeh, Babiyeh, Azaliyeh, and Bahaeiyeh sects are examples in this regard.A glance at the history of Sheikhiyeh, Bahaeiyeh and other sects highlights the importance of paying more attention to new claims. Although Bahaeiyeh and Babiyeh have been largely discredited, enemies of Islam still aim to undermine the main beliefs of Shias.