The Twelver Shia, also known as Ithna Ashariyyah (Arabic: إثنا عشرية), are the largest branch of Shia Islam. They believe in a line of twelve divinely appointed leaders (Imams), starting with Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, and ending with Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed to be in occultation and will return as the Mahdi (guided one) to establish justice on Earth.

Core Beliefs of Twelver Shia Islam

Twelver Shia share fundamental Islamic beliefs with other Muslims, such as the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), belief in the prophethood of Muhammad, and accountability in the Hereafter. However, their theology is distinguished by their emphasis on the Imamate, which forms the cornerstone of Twelver Shia doctrine.

1. The Imamate

The Imamate refers to the spiritual and political leadership of the Muslim community, which Twelvers believe is divinely appointed. The Imams are considered infallible and possess divine knowledge, guiding the community in both spiritual and worldly matters. The twelve Imams are:

1. Ali ibn Abi Talib
2. Hasan ibn Ali
3. Husayn ibn Ali
4. Ali Zayn al-Abidin
5. Muhammad al-Baqir
6. Ja’far al-Sadiq
7. Musa al-Kadhim
8. Ali al-Ridha
9. Muhammad al-Taqi
10. Ali al-Hadi
11. Hasan al-Askari
12. Muhammad al-Mahdi

The Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is believed to have gone into occultation in the 9th century and will reappear as the savior of humanity.

2. Justice (Adl)

Twelver Shia place a strong emphasis on justice as a central attribute of Allah and a guiding principle for governance and interpersonal relations.

3. Devotion to the Ahlul Bayt

Twelvers revere the Ahlul Bayt (the family of the Prophet), viewing them as exemplary models of piety, knowledge, and leadership.

Practices of Twelver Shia Islam

While Twelvers share the Five Pillars of Islam with other Muslims, they observe additional practices and rituals that reflect their unique theological perspectives:

1. Commemoration of Ashura
   • Twelvers mourn the martyrdom of Imam Husayn at the Battle of Karbala (680 CE) during the month of Muharram. This event symbolizes resistance to tyranny and devotion to justice.
2. Ziyarat (Pilgrimage to Shrines)
   • Pilgrimage to the shrines of the Imams, particularly in Karbala and Najaf, holds significant spiritual value for Twelvers.
3. Turbah in Prayer
   • Twelvers often use a piece of clay (turbah), typically from Karbala, during prostration in prayer, signifying humility and connection to sacred history.
4. Additional Acts of Worship
   • Twelvers emphasize acts of charity, mourning rituals, and special supplications (e.g., Dua Kumayl).

Historical Context

The division between Sunni and Shia Muslims originated after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, over disagreements about leadership. Twelvers believe that Ali was appointed by the Prophet as his successor. Over time, the Imamate lineage became central to their faith.

The Twelver Shia community faced persecution under various dynasties, but their influence grew under the Safavid Empire (1501–1736), which established Twelver Shia Islam as the state religion of Iran. Today, Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Lebanon have significant Twelver populations.

Lessons from Twelver Shia Islam

1. Commitment to Justice
   • Twelvers emphasize the importance of standing against oppression and striving for a just society.
2. Spiritual Guidance
   • The role of the Imams as spiritual guides highlights the value of moral leadership and the pursuit of truth.
3. Resilience in Faith
   • Twelver history teaches perseverance and dedication to one’s beliefs, even in the face of adversity.
4. Devotion to Family Values
   • The reverence for the Ahlul Bayt underscores the importance of family as a source of inspiration and guidance.

Conclusion

The Twelver Shia tradition offers a unique perspective within Islam, centered on the divinely guided leadership of the Imams and devotion to justice, faith, and resilience. Through their distinctive practices, historical legacy, and theological focus, Twelver Shia Muslims continue to inspire values of moral integrity and unwavering dedication to the principles of Islam. Their emphasis on spiritual and social justice reflects the enduring significance of their contributions to the Islamic tradition.

Written by AI.  A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.