Definition and Overview
The Shīʿahs (or Shiites) are one of the major branches of Islam, distinct from the Sunnis in their beliefs regarding the rightful successors of the Prophet Muhammad. Shīʿahs regard only specific individuals, known as Imāms, as rightful leaders, different from the term K͟halīfah (Caliph) which is used in Sunni Islam.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الشيعة (Ash-Shīʿah), إمام (Imām), خليفة (K͟halīfah)
- Turkish: Şiiler, İmam, Halife
Historical Background
According to Shīʿah tradition, the Prophet Muhammad explicitly nominated his cousin and son-in-law, ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, as his successor during his return from his farewell pilgrimage. This pivotal moment supposedly took place at a location known as G͟hadīr Khum. Following Muhammad’s declaration, Shīʿahs believe that twelve individuals, beginning with ʿAlī and including certain male descendants, are the only lawful Imāms.
List of the Twelve Imāms
- ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib - Son-in-law and cousin of Muhammad, first Imām.
- Al-Ḥasan ibn ʿAlī - Eldest son of ʿAlī and Fāṭimah.
- Al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī - Younger son of ʿAlī and Fāṭimah, martyred at Karbala.
- Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn - Son of al-Ḥusayn, fourth Imām.
- Muḥammad al-Bāqir - Son of Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn.
- Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq - Son of Muḥammad al-Bāqir, a significant figure in Islamic jurisprudence.
- Mūsā al-Kāẓim - Son of Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq.
- ʿAlī al-Riḍā - Son of Mūsā al-Kāẓim.
- Muḥammad al-Taqī - Son of ʿAlī al-Riḍā.
- ʿAlī al-Naqī - Son of Muḥammad al-Taqī.
- Al-Ḥasan al-ʿAskarī - Son of ʿAlī al-Naqī.
- Muḥammad al-Mahdī - Son of al-Ḥasan al-ʿAskarī, believed to be in occultation, destined to reappear as al-Mahdī in the last days.
Significance of al-Mahdī
The twelfth Imām, Muḥammad al-Mahdī, holds a unique status within Shīʿah theology. He is believed to be hidden and will reappear as the savior of humanity—a concept deeply embedded in Shīʿah eschatology.
Political Implications
Notably, traditional Shīʿah doctrine disassociates the rulership of worldly empires, such as the Persian monarchy, from spiritual leadership. Sultan Maḥmūd ʿAbdullāh (1306 A.D.) was the first Persian ruler to adopt Shīʿah Islam officially.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Shi’ism: A Religion of Protest” by Hamid Dabashi
- “The Succession to Muhammad: A Study of the Early Caliphate” by Wilferd Madelung
- “The Shi’a Worlds and Iran” by Sabrina Mervin
- “Shi’i Islam: An Introduction” by Najam Haider
Key Takeaways
- Shīʿahs recognize twelve specific Imāms as the rightful leaders of the Muslim community, starting with ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib.
- This belief distinguishes Shīʿahs from Sunnis, who accept a different lineage of leadership.
- The concept of the occultation and anticipated return of the twelfth Imām, al-Mahdī, is central to Shīʿah eschatology.
Conclusion
Shīʿah Islam presents a distinct framework for leadership within the Muslim community, focusing on a lineage traced through ʿAlī and his descendants. This belief not only shapes theological perspectives but also influences socio-political dynamics within the Shīʿah world. The anticipation of al-Mahdī’s return continues to play a significant role in the faith and identity of Shīʿah Muslims globally.
