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GCSE Religious Studies · key term
The belief in the authority of divinely appointed Imams who guide the Muslim community after Muhammad, beginning with Ali.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and Eduqas
Paper 1
The Shi’a belief in the divinely authorised leadership of the Imams, who preserve and explain religious guidance after Muhammad.
Revise: Articles of faith and roots of Usul ad-DinImamah — the authority of the Imams.** Shi’a Muslims believe that authoritative guidance continues after Muhammad through divinely authorised Imams associated with his family. These Imams preserve and explain the faith; they do not replace Muhammad as prophets.
Specification 1.2 · Paper 1, Paper 2
Use the named root and explain its meaning: naming Imamah alone does not explain belief in Allah-appointed successors to Muhammad.
Distinguish an Imam in the Shi'a doctrine of Imamah from an imam who leads prayers at a mosque.
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Imamah concerns guidance after Muhammad. Shi’a Muslims believe that Allah specially appointed Imams as Muhammad’s successors and authoritative guides, beginning with Ali, a member of Muhammad’s household. These Imams belong to the Prophet’s family line.
Specification 1.2, 3.2 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
Belief in the authority of the Imams whom Allah appoints to guide the Muslim community after Muhammad.
Revise: The Five Roots of 'Usul ad-Din in Shi'a IslamThe roots are Tawhid, 'Adl, Nubuwwah, Imamah and Mi'ad. Together they connect belief in one just God with the guidance he provides and humanity’s final return to him. Many of their central teachings are shared with Sunni Muslims; Imamah is particularly important in distinguishing Shi'a understandings of religious authority.
The Shi'a belief in divinely appointed leaders, beginning with Ali, who guide the Muslim community after Muhammad.
Component 3
Belief in the authority of divinely chosen Imams who guide the Muslim community after Muhammad.
Revise: Sunni Articles of Faith and Shi'a RootsImamah — the authority of the Imams. Shi'a Muslims believe that Allah chose Ali to succeed Muhammad as the community's guide, and that Muhammad announced this choice. The Imams continue to protect and explain the faith after the end of prophethood: they are guides, not new prophets.
