istini

istini refers to a group of people who believe in the Imamate of Ali ibn Abi Talib as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. This belief is a foundational element of Shia Islam. The term "istini" itself is derived from the Arabic word "isna'ashariyah," meaning "twelver," referencing the number of Imams they recognize. These Imams are considered to be divinely appointed spiritual and political successors to the Prophet, beginning with Ali.

The Twelver Shia believe that the lineage of the Imams continues through Ali's descendants, specifically through his son Hussein. They hold that the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is alive and in occultation (hidden from humanity) and will reappear at the end of times to establish justice and peace. This belief in the hidden Imam and his eventual return is a central tenet of their faith.

Twelver Shia Islam is the largest branch of Shia Islam and is prevalent in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Lebanon, as well as in significant communities in Pakistan, India, and other parts of the world. Their religious practices and interpretations of Islamic law are guided by the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, as transmitted through the Prophet Muhammad and the Twelve Imams.