Imamiyya

This article is about Imamiyya. For other concept named Imami, see Imami (disambiguation).

Imāmiyya (Arabic: امامیّه) is a major sub-branch of Shi'ism, alongside Zaydiyya and Isma'iliyya, which is also called Ja'fari School or Ithna 'Ashari (Arabic: إثنی عشري, Twelver Shi'a). Its adherents believe in the Imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) after the Prophet (s). Imami Shi'a believes that the term "Shi'a," when used in a general sense, only refers to Imamiyya. However, the term Shi'a may refer to all three branches in theological discussions.

The meaning of the term "Imamiyya" has changed over time; therefore, its meaning must be investigated, considering the historical context in which it was used.

Term

In Islamic theology, the term "Imamiyya" refers to a major branch of Shi'ism, which is also called Twelver Shi'ism. Three main Imamiyya beliefs include the Imamate, the infallibility of the Imam (a), and the divine designation of the Imam (a).

Abu l-Hasan al-Ash'ari considers the Imamiyya as a branch of Shi'ism that was given this name because they believe the imamate of 'Ali b. Abi Talib (a) was by the designation of the Prophet (s).

Al-Shahristani also regards the Imamiyya as a branch of Shi'ism that believes the Prophet (s) designated 'Ali (a) as his successor and maintains that there is nothing more important than Imamate in Islam .

References

Shi'a Denominations
Shiism Kaysaniyya Harbiyya Bayaniyya Rawandiyya Hashimiyya Karbiyya Zaydiyya Nawusiyya Jarudiyya Butriyya Jaririyya Na'imiyya Fatahiyya Isma'iliyya Nizariyya Mubarakiyya Musta'liya Qarmatians Sevener Tayyibiyya Waqifiyya Sulaymaniyya (Bohra) Dawudiyya (Bohra) Imamiyya