ImamiTwelver

Imami Twelver refers to the largest branch of Shia Islam, followed by approximately 85% of all Shia Muslims. The name "Twelver" comes from their belief in twelve divinely ordained Imams who are the spiritual and political successors to the Prophet Muhammad. These Imams are believed to be infallible and chosen by God. The lineage of the Imams begins with Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, and continues through his descendants.

The Twelver Shia believe that the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, went into occultation (ghaybah) in the 9th century CE and will return at the end of time to establish justice and peace throughout the world. Until his return, leadership of the community is often vested in qualified religious scholars, known as mujtahids, who interpret Islamic law based on the Quran and the teachings of the Imams. They follow a legal school known as Ja'fari jurisprudence.

Key theological tenets include Tawhid (oneness of God), Adl (divine justice), Nubuwwah (prophethood), Imamat (Imamate), and Qiyamah (resurrection). Twelvers observe specific religious practices and holidays, including Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the third Imam. Their sacred texts include the Quran and various collections of Hadith attributed to the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams.