12 Islam and the State: Shi'asm Flashcards
Shia’s rejected _____________
because they believed __________-
______________- is central to Shi’a islamic belief and conduct
Shi’iahs rejected the Caliphs of the Umayyads and Abbasids.
Leadership should have gone to Ali after the death of the prophet.
The Imamate is central to Islamic belief and conduct.
who ruled the sh’ais after Ali died
After his death, the Shia Muslims believed that the leadership of the Muslim community belonged to Ali’s descendants, who they referred to as the Imams.
The Shia community faced a leadership crisis after the death of the 6th Iman, and there were several competing claimants to the leadership, leading to the formation of different Shia sects.
The twelver imams name
Imamiyya
seveners shi’a name
Ismailis
What do twelver sh’ias (imamiyyas) believe
Twelvers believed that after the death of the 11th Imam that the twelfth Imam (al-Mahdi) had gone into permanent hiding and would return at the end of time to establish justice and equality. This belief has lasted until today.
Role of the imam selon Qasim
Quasim (issued the first statement of religious leadership and political authority amongst Shi’ites)
He believed political authority was needed due to the imperfections of human nature.
The Imam is needed to reward and punish the instinctive desire of humans for food and sex.
Qasim did not believe that the Imam should be elected by the people as they could never agree on anything. Ultimately, this could lead to war! The Imamate come from God, not from people.
The shi’ites had their own Hadiths, sayings of the Imams and interpreted the Qur’an with an inner and an outer meaning.
The twelver shia’s (imamiyya) view on imams
The 12s believe that the Imams have perfect knowledge of the Qur’an, Shariah and hadiths which they pass on from one to another.
Hence, only those taught by the Imam have true religious knowledge.
In the absence of the 12th Imam, they put emphasis on reason - This was different to the Sunnis.
Succession of the correct Imam was essential and in every age there had to be a Leader.
The Imam inherits the role of the Prophet and embodies divine revelation. God ensures that he is virtuous and he acts as an intermediary between God and the people.
why would god hide an imam?
The reason the Shi’iahs believe in a hidden Imam is because they believe that God would not abandon humans to their sin. God would guide them.
(Similar to the Pope in Catholicism but the Pope is not hidden!!
Taqlid
(following a religious authority)
(marja)
a religious authority
the role of the Ulama in the absence of the Imam (syllabus point!)
In Shia Islam, the Ulama played a crucial role in guiding the community in the absence of the Imam. The Ulama are considered to be the religious scholars who have studied the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence, and are qualified to issue religious rulings (fatwas) on a wide range of issues.
In the absence of the Imam, the Ulama assume the responsibility
of leading the community,
interpreting Islamic teachings,
and resolving disputes.
They are considered to be the guardians of the faith and the protectors of the community.
The concept of Taqlid (following a religious authority) is also an important part of Shia Islam. Followers are encouraged to follow a particular religious authority (marja) who they believe is the most knowledgeable and pious. The Ulama play a critical role in this process by providing guidance on the qualifications and reputation of different marjas.
The Ulama are also expected to promote social justice, stand up against oppression and corruption, and work towards the betterment of the community. They are seen as the representatives of the Imam and are responsible for safeguarding the faith and the interests of the community. In pre-modern Shia Islam, the Ulama also played an important role in political affairs, as they were seen as the legitimate heirs of the Imam’s authority in his absence.
In addition to their role as religious authorities, the Ulama also have a political role in some Shia communities.
why did the imam go into hiding
It was believed that the Abbasid Caliphs and Sultans were usurpers of the power which belonged to the hidden Imam.
They believed that the Hidden Imam had gone into hiding because of them.
How did she’s react to an unjust ruler
The Shi’ites forbade conflict against an unjust ruler. Attitude of non participation mainly due to many failed bloody attempts at revolution. They believed that they must endure tyranny until the return of the Hidden Imam.
They could also co-operate in what is wrong if it was to protect their lives and the community. However, under no circumstances were they allowed to kill anyone to protect themselves or the community.
however … (you can sometimes take public office/ overthrow an unjust leader ) says who?
Murtada stated that there were circumstances when you could take public office.
In the instance of forbid wrong and enjoining good, if it meant you could protect other Shi’ites or if you are threatened with death if you don’t take the role.
Tusi argued ?
Tusi agreed that Shi’ites could even act as a religious judge and make judgements according to the Sunni Schools if they fear for themselves, their property or other Shi’ites.
(power to the people!)
