Ithna Ashari also known as Twelver Shia Islam, I embrace a faith deeply rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the spiritual guidance of the Twelve Imams. This branch represents the largest group within Shia Islam, with significant populations in countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon.
Core Beliefs:
- Tawhid (Oneness of God): A fundamental belief in the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah.
- Adl (Divine Justice): The conviction that Allah is just and equitable, and all actions are in accordance with divine wisdom.
- Nubuwwah (Prophethood): The belief in the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH) as the final messenger, who conveyed Allah’s ultimate guidance to humanity.
- Imamah (Leadership): The doctrine that spiritual and temporal leadership was divinely appointed to the Twelve Imams, beginning with Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) and concluding with Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (AS), who is believed to be in occultation and will reappear to establish justice. Wikipedia
- Ma’ad (Resurrection): The belief in the Day of Judgment, where individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds.
The Twelve Imams:
The Twelve Imams are considered the spiritual and political successors to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They are revered for their piety, knowledge, and leadership. The line of Imams is as follows:
- Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)
- Imam Hasan ibn Ali (AS)
- Imam Husayn ibn Ali (AS)
- Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (AS)
- Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (AS)
- Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS)
- Imam Musa al-Kadhim (AS)
- Imam Ali al-Ridha (AS)
- Imam Muhammad al-Taqi (AS)
- Imam Ali al-Hadi (AS)
- Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS)
- Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (AS)
Each Imam played a pivotal role in guiding the Muslim community, preserving the teachings of Islam, and exemplifying moral and spiritual excellence.
Jurisprudence:
The legal framework followed by Twelver Shia Muslims is known as Ja’fari Fiqh, named after the sixth Imam, Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS). This school of thought emphasizes the use of reason and consensus, alongside the Quran and Hadith, in deriving legal rulings. It encompasses various aspects of daily life, including rituals, personal conduct, and social justice.
Practices and Rituals:
- Salat (Prayer): Performed five times a day, with specific nuances in the method of execution compared to other Islamic traditions.
- Sawm (Fasting): Observance of fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage): Undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.
- Zakat and Khums (Almsgiving): Obligatory charitable contributions to support the less fortunate and the community.
- Commemoration of Ashura: A significant observance marking the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (AS) at the Battle of Karbala, symbolizing the struggle against oppression and injustice.
The Awaited Mahdi:
A central tenet of Twelver Shia belief is the anticipation of the return of the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi (AS). It is believed that he is in a state of occultation and will reappear as the Mahdi to establish justice and equity on earth.
Conclusion:
As a follower of the Ithna Ashari tradition, my faith is deeply intertwined with the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and the Twelve Imams. Their lives and guidance serve as a beacon, illuminating the path of righteousness, justice, and devotion to Allah. The principles and practices of Twelver Shia Islam provide a comprehensive framework for spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and communal harmony.
