4.2.3

The Imamate

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The Imamate in Shi'a Islam

While Sunni Muslims are led by a Caliph, who acts as a political head of state, Shi’a Muslims look to their Imam (religious leader) for leadership. ‘Ali, the fourth Sunni Caliph, is recognised as the first Shi’a Imam.

Sunni Muslims

Sunni Muslims

  • For Sunni Muslims, the leadership was passed to Abu Bakr who became the first Caliph.
  • The role was both a political and religious responsibility. The next few Caliphs were also close friends of the prophet. Sunni Muslims call the first successors the "rightly guided" caliphs. Over time the role developed into more of a political role than a religious one.
  • Sunni Muslims use the word Imam to refer to the prayer leader.
Shi'a Muslims

Shi'a Muslims

  • For Shi'a Muslims ‘Ali (Muhammad’s son-in-law and cousin) was the only legitimate leader, as only a direct descendant should take over the leadership. They believe that he was appointed by Muhammad.
  • After ‘Ali died in 661 CE the Imamate was passed down by a line of succession, rather than by appointment.
  • The Imam is the figure who leads Muslims along the right path, to salvation: in Shi’ism the imam is the figurehead of their religion.

Types of Shi'ism

Different branches of Shi'ism have different beliefs about the Imamate.

Twelver Shi'ism

Twelver Shi'ism

  • The twelver branch of Shi'a Islam believes that there are twelve divinely appointed leaders.
  • The leader is known as Imam. This leader has help from Allah when leading the religion and is able to correctly assess the needs of modern Muslims and guide them in correct living.
  • The final leader is ‘hidden’. He is alive but will only be revealed when Allah decides it’s the right time.
Isma'ili (Sevener) Shi'ism

Isma'ili (Sevener) Shi'ism

  • Isma’ili’s believed that the seventh Imam should have been Isma’il, not his younger brother (who was chosen by the Twelvers).
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1

Buddhism

1.1

Key Beliefs

1.1.1The Dhamma1.1.2The Five Skandhas1.1.3Aspects of Human Life1.1.4The Buddha1.1.5The Ascetic & Enlightened Life1.1.6Dhukka1.1.7Samudaya1.1.8Nirodha1.1.9Magga1.1.10The Wheel of Life1.1.11End of Topic Test - Buddhism Key Beliefs
1.2

Practices

1.2.1Places of Worship1.2.2Objects of Worship1.2.3Puja1.2.4Meditation1.2.5Death1.2.6Festivals1.2.7End of Topic Test - Buddhism Practices
1.3

Ethics

1.3.1Kamma1.3.2Five Moral Precepts1.3.3End of Topic Test - Buddhism Ethics
2

Christianity

2.1

Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God2.1.2The Problem of Evil2.1.3Monotheism2.1.4Creation2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation2.1.6The Trinity and Creation2.1.7Afterlife2.1.8Heaven and Hell2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs
2.2

Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human2.2.3The Crucifixion2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension2.2.6Sin2.2.7Original Sin2.2.8Punishment2.2.9The Means of Salvation2.2.10Achieving Salvation2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation2.2.13Theories of Salvation2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation
2.3

Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship2.3.2Prayer2.3.3Sacrament2.3.4Baptism2.3.5Other Sacraments2.3.6Eucharist2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations2.3.8Christmas & Easter2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals
2.4

Community

2.4.1Local Community2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth2.4.3Worldwide Church2.4.4Reconciliation2.4.5Persecution2.4.6Caring for Those in Need2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices
3

Catholicism (Christianity)

3.1

Key Beliefs

3.1.1The Trinity3.1.2Creation3.1.3Incarnation3.1.4Redemption3.1.5Life After Death3.1.6Heaven and Hell3.1.7End of Topic Test - Catholic Key Beliefs
3.2

The Seven Sacraments

3.2.1Meaning & Significance3.2.2Baptism3.2.3Confirmation3.2.4Reconciliation3.2.5Anointing of the Sick3.2.6Marriage3.2.7Holy Orders3.2.8The Eucharist3.2.9End of Topic Test - The Seven Sacraments
3.3

Practices

3.3.1Prayer3.3.2Popular Piety3.3.3Pilgrimage3.3.4Pilgrimages HyperLearning3.3.5Funeral Rites3.3.6The Duty to Love Our Neighbour3.3.7Catholic Agencies3.3.8Catholic Social Teaching3.3.9Justice3.3.10War3.3.11Mission & Evangelism3.3.12End of Topic Test - Catholic Practices
4

Islam

4.1

Key Beliefs

4.1.1Oneness of God4.1.2Six Articles of Faith4.1.3Five Roots of Usul4.1.4The Nature of God4.1.5Angels4.1.6Freedom4.1.7Life After Death4.1.8Human Responsibility4.1.9End of Topic Test - Muslim Key Beliefs
4.2

Authority

4.2.1Prophethood4.2.2The Holy Books4.2.3The Imamate4.2.4End of Topic Test - Muslim Authority
4.3

Practices

4.3.1Worship4.3.2Ten Obligatory Acts4.3.3Shahadah4.3.4Salah & Its Significance4.3.5Mosques4.3.6Rak'ahs4.3.7Sawm4.3.8Zakah4.3.9Hajj4.3.10Jihad4.3.11Festivals & Commemorations4.3.12End of Topic Test - Muslim Practices4.3.13Exam-Style Questions - Muslim Practices
5

Judaism

5.1

Key Beliefs

5.1.1The Nature of God5.1.2God as One5.1.3God's Name5.1.4God as Creator5.1.5Free Will5.1.6God as Law Giver and Judge5.1.7The Divine Presence & Beliefs5.1.8Role of the Messiah5.1.9End of Topic Test - Jewish Key Beliefs5.1.10Exam-Style Questions - Jewish Beliefs
5.2

Covenant & The Mitzvot

5.2.1The Promised Land5.2.2Abraham5.2.3The Covenant5.2.4The Covenant at Sinai5.2.5The Covenant at Sinai 25.2.6Key Moral Principles5.2.7End of Topic Test - Covenant & The Mitzvot
5.3

The Synagogue & Worship

5.3.1The Synagogue & Its Importance5.3.2Public Acts of Worship5.3.3Shabbat5.3.4Worship & Law5.3.5End of Topic Test - Synagogue & Worship

Practice questions on The Imamate

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    Who is recognised as the first Shi'a Imam?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Features of the Imamate in Shi'a Islam?True / false
  3. 3
    Whilst Shi'a Muslims look to their Imam for leadership, who are Sunni Muslims led by?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    Who do Sevener Muslims believe the seventh Imam should have been?Multiple choice
  5. 5
    What do Twelver Shia Muslims believe about the final leader?Multiple choice
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The Holy Books

End of Topic Test - Muslim Authority