Islam: Shi'a beliefs and practices

Question 1

Who are the Shi’a?

Answer 1

Sect of Muslims who believe Ali should have been Muhammed’s successor.

Question 2

Who are the Imamah?

Answer 2

• All prophets from Adam to Muhammed
• After Muhammed’s death, this applied to all whom are his rightful successors.

Question 3

Who can be an Imam

Answer 3

• Must be from ahl al-bayt (Muhammed’s family)
• be granted divine knowledge and ‘ismah (authority)

Question 3

General beliefs about the Imams

Answer 3

• They have divine protection
• Cannot be surpassed in their piety, knowledge and wisdom (‘ilm)

Question 4

What Does an Imam do?

Answer 4

• Commentary and interpretation of the Qur’an
• Guidance to ummah - known as wilayah
• they are believed to be the means through which people recieve divine grace

Question 5

Different Shi’a beliefs about the Imamate.

Answer 5

1. Twelvers, the largest group of Shi’as, believe there have been 12 imams since Muhammed.
2. They believe the succession of Imams continued until the occultation of the twelfth Imam, who is still alive and will emerge towards the end of the world.
3. In his absence, twelvers look to the ayatollahs who have spent many years studying Islamic theology.