2.1.3 Belief in Imams Flashcards
What does Imam mean?
Leader
Do Sunni and Shi’a have the same belief about Imams?
No
Shi’as see Imams as the successors of Muhammad
What does the word Caliph mean?
Successor to Muhammad
Who do Sunni Muslims think was the first Caliph?
Abu Bakr
Who do Shi’a Muslims think was the first Caliph?
Ali, Muhammad’s uncle’s son
Why do Sunni Muslims think that Abu Baker was the first Caliph?
He was from the same tribe as Muhammad
Why do Shi’a Muslims think that Ali was the first Caliph?
He was the first male convert to Islam and he was part of Muhammad’s family
Shi’a Muslims do not acknowledge the first 3 Caliphs as being valid
Who were the first 4 Caliphs?
Abu Bakr
Umar
Uthman
Ali
What is Al-Imamah?
The Shi’a belief in 12 Imams, all of whom were direct descendants of Muhammad - beginning with Ali.
They are believed to be infallible.
Their role was to preserve the religion of Islam.
How do Shi’a Muslims believe Allah protects the Immah?
That Allah protects them from committing any sin thus keeping the religion pure and true.
How is Shari’ah Law linked to the Imams?
They interpreted the law that was told to Muhammad and this became Shari’ah Law.
What happened to the first 11 Imams?
They were martyred.
What is believed about the 12th Imam?
Believed to still be alive but waiting to reappear at Allah’s appointed time when he will come as a Messiah to bring justice, peace and co-existence at the end of the world.
What source of authority is linked to belief in Imams?
Qur’an
Surah 21:73 ‘We made them Leaders (Imams) who guide (people) by our command, and We revealed to them the doing of good and the establishing of salah, and giving of zakat (charity) and they were worshippers of Us (alone)
