Is̤nā-ʿAsharīyah (اثناعشرية)
Definition
Is̤nā-ʿAsharīyah (Arabic: اثناعشرية, pronounced: ithnā ʿashariyyah), also known as “The Twelveans,” pertains to a branch of Shīʿah Islam that acknowledges a lineage of twelve Imāms. Adherents of this belief are called Twelver Shīʿah. This sect represents the largest group within Shīʿah Islam.
Etymology
The term “Is̤nā-ʿAsharīyah” derives from the Arabic words:
- “Ithnā” (اثنان) meaning “two”
- “ʿAshara” (عشرة) meaning “ten”
Thus, “Ithnā ʿAshara” translates to “twelve,” referring specifically to the twelve recognized Imāms.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: اثناعشرية (Ithnā-ʿAsharīyah)
- Turkish: On İki İmam Mezhebi
Historical Background
The Is̤nā-ʿAsharīyah traces its roots back to early Islamic history, emphasizing the divine authority of the Imāms, starting with ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, followed by his descendants. The twelfth and final Imām, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is believed to be in occultation and will return as the Mahdi to bring justice and peace.
List of the Twelve Imāms
- ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib
- Ḥasan ibn ʿAlī
- Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī
- ʿAlī ibn Ḥusayn
- Muḥammad ibn ʿAlī
- Jaʿfar ibn Muḥammad
- Mūsā ibn Jaʿfar
- ʿAlī ibn Mūsā
- Muḥammad ibn ʿAlī
- ʿAlī ibn Muḥammad
- Ḥasan ibn ʿAlī
- Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan al-Mahdī
Significance in Islamic Theology
The Twelver Shīʿah uphold the Imāms as infallible, divinely appointed leaders entrusted with guiding the Muslim community. Their teachings, immaculate character, and connection to the Prophet Muhammad represent a vital element in Twelver theological and spiritual thought.
Rituals and Practices
Is̤nā-ʿAsharīyah practices include:
- Commemorating Ashura: The tragedy at Karbala is mourned on the 10th of Muḥarram annually.
- Ziyarat: Pilgrimages to the shrines of Imāms and other significant figures.
- Post-prayer supplications and rituals: Specific duʿās (prayers) connected to the Imāms.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “Shi’ite Islam” by Allameh Tabatabai: Delves into the theology and practice of Twelver Shīʿah.
- “The Shi’ites: A Short History” by Heinz Halm: Provides historical perspectives on Shīʿism.
- “The Formative Period of Twelver Shīʿism” by Hossein Modarressi: Explores early Twelver Shīʿah history and development.
Takeaways
- Is̤nā-ʿAsharīyah denotes the largest branch within Shīʿah Islam.
- Adherents recognize a lineage of twelve divine and infallible Imāms.
- The sect places significant emphasis on the roles and teachings of these Imāms.
- The twelfth Imām, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is believed to be in occultation.
Conclusion
Is̤nā-ʿAsharīyah holds immense historical, theological, and spiritual weight within Shīʿah Islam. The belief in the twelve Imāms underpins much of Twelver practice, theology, and community identity. Through rituals, historical commemorations, and theological discourse, Twelver Shīʿah continue to uphold and propagate the central tenets of their faith.
