72nd Imam

The 72nd Imam refers to the hidden or esoteric figure in Twelver Shia Islam, believed to be the Mahdi or the "Hidden Imam." According to this tradition, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi, the 12th Imam, went into occultation in the 9th century to protect him from persecution. He is expected to reappear one day, bringing justice and peace. The number 72 symbolizes the number of followers or supporters believed to remain loyal to him during his occultation. This concept emphasizes hope for future divine intervention and the eventual establishment of justice on earth.