Twelver Shiism

Definition

Twelver Shiism is the largest branch of Shia Islam, which believes in a succession of twelve Imams as spiritual and political leaders, beginning with Ali ibn Abi Talib and concluding with Muhammad al-Mahdi. This belief system emphasizes the Imams' role as intermediaries between God and humanity, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the religious and political landscape of many regions in Asia, particularly Iran.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Twelver Shiism asserts that there are twelve Imams, each serving as a model of moral and spiritual excellence, with Ali being the first Imam.
2. The concept of Imamate in Twelver Shiism is central to its theology, differentiating it from Sunni beliefs where leadership does not depend on divine appointment.
3. Twelver Shiism has greatly influenced Iranian culture, politics, and identity, especially after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
4. The twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is believed to be in occultation since the 9th century and will return as a messianic figure to restore justice.
5. Rituals such as Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, are significant in Twelver Shiism and illustrate the branch's emphasis on sacrifice and martyrdom.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of Imamate in Twelver Shiism differ from leadership views in Sunni Islam?
  • In Twelver Shiism, the concept of Imamate is crucial as it establishes that leaders (Imams) are divinely appointed with unique spiritual authority and guidance over the Muslim community. This contrasts sharply with Sunni Islam, where leadership is not considered divinely ordained but rather based on consensus or election among the community. This foundational difference shapes religious practices and beliefs within both branches.
• Discuss the impact of Twelver Shiism on Iranian identity and political structure post-1979.
  • Twelver Shiism has significantly shaped Iranian identity and political structure since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The revolution established a theocratic regime that integrated religious authority with political power under the framework of velayat-e faqih (guardianship of the jurist), emphasizing that an Imam’s principles guide governance. This fusion has reinforced Twelver Shiite values in national policy and social life, influencing Iran's domestic and foreign affairs.
• Evaluate how the belief in occultation affects Twelver Shiite expectations for leadership and justice in society.
  • The belief in occultation fundamentally shapes Twelver Shiite expectations for leadership by creating a yearning for a messianic figure who will return to restore justice. This anticipation fosters a deep sense of hope and resilience among followers, encouraging them to actively engage in social justice efforts while they await the Imam's return. It also instills a unique understanding of authority within Twelver Shiism, where ultimate leadership is seen as deferred until the reappearance of al-Mahdi, thus influencing both personal piety and broader social movements.

Related terms

Imam: In Twelver Shiism, an Imam is considered a divinely appointed leader who possesses spiritual authority and knowledge, acting as a guide for the Muslim community.

Shia Islam: Shia Islam is one of the two main branches of Islam, which emerged from a disagreement over the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing the importance of Ali and his descendants.

Occultation: Occultation refers to the belief in Twelver Shiism that the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is in a state of hiddenness, awaiting his return to establish justice and peace.