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Year 11 - Religious education

The Imamah

Muslim beliefs

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will learn about key beliefs in the worldview of Islam such as the nature of Allah, prophethood and the role of texts. They will gain a critical understanding of Islamic theology and key stories that underpin it.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the importance of the Imamah within Shi'a Islam.

Key Notes

  • The Imamah is one of the five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam.
  • The Imamah refers to specific leaders as guides of Islam following the death of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Shi'a Muslims believe Ali was chosen to be the Prophet Muhammad's successor and first Imam.
  • All of the Imams following Ali were born of the Prophet's bloodline, and were infallible.
  • The belief in Imamah helps shape Shi'a beliefs and practices.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Ali: cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, first Imam in Shi'a Islam
  • Imam: a title for a leadership position within Islam
  • infallible: free from error or mistake
  • Shi'a: branch of Islam believing Ali was the correct direct successor of the Prophet Muhammad
  • Imamah: a belief in Shi'a Islam in the authority of the appointed Imams

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That Shi'a Muslims belive the Imams are Prophets or divine beings in some way.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

The Imamah is one of the five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam. The Imamah refers to specific leaders as guides of Islam following the death of the Prophet Muhammad.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Ali'

cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, first Imam in Shi'a Islam.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: That Shi'a Muslims belive the Imams are Prophets or divine beings in some way. Correction: The Prophet Muhammad was the final prophet and the Imams are not believed to be prophets or divine beings in any way. They were without sin and rightly chosen to lead the community after the death of the final Prophet Muhammad.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 Religious education guide library.