Belief in Imams Flashcards
What are Sunni and Shi’a traditions divided on?
A disagreement over who should have been Muhammad’s rightful successor after his death.
What did the majority of Muslims agree on after Muhammad’s death?
That Abu Bakr should be the first Caliph (successor to Muhammad). He was from the same tribe, the Quraysh. After Abu’s death, Umar, then Uthman were appointed. Ali (son of Muhammad’s uncle) was the 4th Caliph.
What did the minority of Muslims believe?
That Ali should have been the first Caliph, since he was the first male convert to Islam and was part of Muhammad’s family. Thus Shi’as do not acknowledge the 3 Caliphs before Ali.
What is Al-Imamah?
The Shi’a belief in the 12 Imams (successors of Muhammad) chosen by Allah, all of whom were direct descendants of Muhammad, beginning with Ali.
What are the Imams believed to be?
Infallible (without error) and inspired by Allah. Their role was to preserve the religion of Islam.
What do Shi’as believe about the Imamah?
That it is protected by Allah from committing any sin, and this keeps the religion true and pure.
What happened to the first 11 Imams?
They were martyred.
What is believed about the twelfth Imam?
Still living but in occultation, waiting to reappear at a time appointed by Allah.
What is occultation?
The Shi’a belief that the twelfth Imam is still living but hidden, waiting to reappear at Allah’s appointed time. When he reappears he will come as a Messiah to bring justice, peace and co-existence at the end of the world.
What is one of the signs before the 12th Imam is sent back as Messiah?
The Second Coming of Jesus.
What is further evidence of Tawhid?
The Imamate who is chosen by Allah, another revelation of his supremacy and authority.
Where are the guidance and instructions provided through the Imamate from?
From Allah himself. All of this comes from his and is to cause his followers to rightly worship him in all aspects of their lives.
Key quote: Surah 21:73
‘And We made them leaders (Imams) who guide (people) by Our command, and We revealed to them the doing of good and the establishing of Salah, and giving of zakah (charity) and they were worshippers of Us (alone).’
