twelver
Twelver, also called Ithna'ashariyya, is the largest branch of Shia Islam. It holds that twelve divinely appointed Imams succeeded the Prophet Muhammad in spiritual and temporal leadership, from Ali ibn Abi Talib to Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed to be in occultation and will reappear as the guided redeemer.
Imams are regarded as rightful, infallible guides who transmit sacred knowledge and interpret revelation. The twelve
Core beliefs include Usul al-din: belief in God, divine justice, prophethood, Imamate, the Day of Resurrection,
Practices align with the Five Pillars, with Shia-specific observances such as the mourning of Husayn's martyrdom
Geographically, Twelvers are the majority in Iran and have significant communities in Iraq, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Bahrain,