The Succession of the Prophet Muhammad

This section explains The Succession of the Prophet Muhammad. Following the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, the Muslim community faced the critical decision of selecting a successor to lead them. This period of transition led to differing views on who was the rightful leader, resulting in the emergence of two main branches of Islam: Sunni and Shi’a.

Sunni Islam

Sunni Muslims constitute approximately 90 per cent of the global Muslim population. They believe that the most suitable person to succeed Muhammad was Abu Bakr, his father-in-law and closest companion. This decision was based on Abu Bakr’s deep knowledge of Islam, his longstanding support of the Prophet, and his ability to unify the Muslim community. Sunni Muslims acknowledge the legitimacy of the first four caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—whom they refer to as the ‘Four Rightly-Guided Caliphs’. These leaders are respected for their adherence to Islamic principles and their efforts to spread and consolidate the faith.

Shi’a Islam

Shi’a Muslims, who make up roughly 10 per cent of the global Muslim population, hold a different perspective on succession. They believe that the Prophet Muhammad designated his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, as his rightful successor. This belief is based on various statements and actions of the Prophet that they interpret as evidence of divine selection. Shi’a Muslims contend that leadership should remain within the Prophet’s family lineage, as they believe these individuals possess special spiritual and moral qualities essential for guiding the Muslim community.

After the death of Ali, Shi’a Muslims followed a line of twelve divinely appointed leaders known as imams. Unlike the Sunni caliphs, Shi’a imams are viewed as spiritual successors rather than political rulers. The concept of the imamate remains a fundamental belief in Shi’a Islam.

The Imamate in Shi’a Islam

The doctrine of the imamate is central to Shi’a belief. It asserts that true leadership of the Muslim community is vested in imams who are direct spiritual descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. Shi’a Muslims believe that these imams serve as protectors of the faith, guiding believers on the correct path. Each imam is believed to be divinely appointed and infallible in matters of religious interpretation.

Shi’a Muslims today continue to follow imams who are believed to be chosen by God to uphold Islamic teachings and ensure adherence to Shari’ah law.

The Twelvers

Twelver Shi’a Islam is the largest branch of Shi’a Islam. Followers believe that there were twelve divinely appointed imams after the Prophet Muhammad. The twelfth imam, known as the Mahdi, is believed to have been concealed by God and remains hidden. According to Twelver belief, the Mahdi will reappear at an appointed time to restore justice and equality in the world.

Shi’a Muslims regard the imams as essential guides who provide spiritual and moral leadership. They are deeply respected for their wisdom, knowledge, and their unwavering commitment to Islamic principles. Their guidance is seen as necessary to ensure the continued preservation and correct interpretation of Islamic teachings.

Isma’ili Shi’as

Isma’ili Shi’a Muslims, also known as the Seveners, represent another branch of Shi’a Islam. They differ from Twelvers in their belief regarding the line of succession. While Twelvers recognise twelve imams, Isma’ili Shi’as believe that the seventh imam, Isma’il, was the rightful successor. Isma’il was the son of one of the twelve imams, and his followers assert that each imam has the authority to appoint his own successor.

Isma’ili Shi’a communities maintain that their imams continue to provide spiritual leadership, adapting Islamic teachings to modern contexts while preserving the essence of the faith. They place great emphasis on intellectual exploration and the interpretation of religious texts.

Both Twelver and Isma’ili Shi’a Muslims uphold the importance of the imamate, though they differ in their understanding of succession. Their shared belief in the necessity of divinely appointed leadership continues to shape their religious practices and identity within the broader Muslim world.