Shi'a Islam and the Imamate

Overview

Recall questions on the meaning of Shi'a, who should have led after the Prophet, the doctrine of nass and the event treated as Ali's designation.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What does the name Shi’a mean, and where does it come from?

   Model answer

   It is short for Shi’at Ali, meaning the party or followers of Ali.

2. 2

   Who do Shi’a Muslims believe should have led the community after the Prophet died?

   Model answer

   Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law.

3. 3

   What is meant by nass in Shi’a teaching about the Imamate?

   Model answer

   It is the explicit designation of each Imam by God, made known through the Prophet or the previous Imam, rather than election by the community.

4. 4

   Which event do Shi’a Muslims regard as the Prophet’s public designation of Ali?

   Model answer

   The gathering at Ghadir Khumm on the return from his farewell pilgrimage.

5. 5

   What is the Ahl al-Bayt, and why does it matter for the Imamate?

   Model answer

   It is the household of the Prophet, and Shi’a Muslims believe leadership was entrusted to his descendants through it.

6. 6

   What does it mean to say the Imams are ma’sum?

   Model answer

   They are held to be protected by God from sin and from error, so their teaching can be trusted absolutely.

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