Imams

Question 1

What is the importance of the Imamate for Shi’a muslims

Answer 1

• means leadership
• One of the five roots of faith
• Ali, first Imam and was of the bloodline of Muhammad
• 12th Imam Will reappear before the end of time
• they interpret the shari’ah law
• don’t commit any sin
• Don’t receive revelations
• Get guidance from angels
• Unique knowledge of scripture

Question 2

What does Imam mean for sunnis

Answer 2

Sunni Muslims use the term imam for the leader of prayer

Question 3

Explain the split between Sunni and Shi’a Islam

Answer 3

• Muhammad died but appointed no successor
• sunnis wanted Abu bakr, shi’as wanted Ali
• Abu bakr became the successor when Ali was busy with Muhammad funeral, so the shi’as went off with Ali as their leader and the two parties split.

Question 4

Why did the sunnis believe Abu Bakr was the right successor

Answer 4

Because when Muhammad had been ill in the past, he had stepped up to lead the prayer and showed interest in being the successor.

Question 5

What is Imamate

Answer 5

The divine appointment of Imams

Question 6

Why are Imams so important

Answer 6

They rule justly and can interpret the qur’an and Shariah law without fault. To preserve and explain the divine law and give guidance to people who need to know how to live life correctly.