The Imamate in Shi'a Islam (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

The Concept of Imamate

The Imamate

• When Muhammed (pbhu) died, Muslim’s split into two groups, Shi’a and Sunni

• Sunnis elected Abu Bakr as their first Caliph. Shi’as named Ali as their first Imam

• Shi’a believe that Muhammad named Ali as his successor and that he became the first Imam

• Shi’a believe that Ali was appointed by divine instruction and therefore leadership should follow in the family line

  • When Ali died his son was the next Imam

• Imamate is a Shi'a belief that all Imams should be spiritual descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

• They are part of the Five Articles of Faith in Shi’a Islam

• Sunni Muslims also have Imams but they are chosen at the community level and are not seen as infallible and are not venerated upon death

  • In Sunni Islam the word ‘Imam’ simply means ‘prayer leader’

• The Twelver Branch of Shi’a Islam believes that there have been 12 Imams in total

  • Some believe that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that 12 Imams from his own tribe (the Quraysh) would succeed him as leaders

• The Twelvers believe that the Imams not only rule but are able to maintain and interpret the Quran and Shariah Law without fault

• Shi’a Muslims believe that the first eleven led the community, some were killed, but that the twelfth disappeared after his father’s death

• Muhammad al-Mahdi was the last Imam

  • It is believed he has been kept alive and is hidden somewhere on earth and will return with Jesus at the end of time to bring justice and equality

• Shi’a Muslims believe that revelation stopped with Muhammad (pbuh) but that twelve Imams were chosen by Allah to guide and preserve God’s message

• The Imams rule justly and are also the only people who can interpret the Qur’an without fault

• For Shi’a Muslims Imams are seen as infallible and must be obeyed. They are protectors of the faith, ensuring that the teachings do not become corrupted or spoiled

The Role & Significance of Imamate

• The Imams were the leaders of Islam after Muhammad (pbuh) died

• They protected Muslims from enemies, guided people, kept the Shariah law, had perfect knowledge of Islam

• They ruled justly (fairly) and preserve and maintain the law of God

• They have protected the message in the Qur’an

• Imams continue to be extremely significant particularly in Shi’a Islam

  • They are highly respected as direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

  • They provide divine guidance (advice from God) about how to live their lives

  • They Are seen as role models and so Shi’a Muslims will try to live their lives as the Imams lived theirs

  • They have been able to accurately interpret the Qur’an to support Muslims