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What is Shia Islam? - Twelverism

Let's Talk Religion・36 minutes read

Shia Islam, specifically the Twelver branch, believes in a line of 12 imams from Prophet Muhammad's family with a focus on reason and interpretation after the occultation of the 12th imam, impacting Shia practices and theology significantly. Differences between Shia and Sunni include prayer postures, temporary marriage, and attitudes towards jihad, with Safavid era bringing changes in Islamic law and the development of Jaffari school by scholars like Sheikh Tuzi.

Insights

  • Shia Islam is divided into Twelver Shia, with 12 imams recognized, and Ismailis, with distinct beliefs, emphasizing the importance of imams for interpreting religious texts and guiding the community.
  • The Safavid era witnessed the development of the Jaffari school of law, named after Imam Jaffar al-Sadiq, which later split into rationalist Usulis and traditionalist Akhbaris, reflecting a historical struggle between reason and tradition within Shia theology.

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    Sunni and Shia

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Summary

00:00

"Sunni and Shia: Key Differences and Beliefs"

  • Islamic religion is often divided into Sunni and Shia branches, with various sub-branches and schools of thought within each.
  • The major branch of Shia Islam, associated with Iran, is known as Ithna Ashari or Twelver Shia.
  • Twelver Shia constitutes about 15-20% of Muslims globally, with political power in Iran.
  • Sunni and Shia differ on the issue of authority after Prophet Muhammad's death, with Sunnis recognizing the community of scholars as authoritative.
  • Shia believes in a line of imams from Prophet Muhammad's family, starting with Ali, as the true leaders of the community.
  • Shia doctrine emphasizes the need for an imam at all times to interpret the Quran and Sunnah correctly.
  • The Twelver branch of Shia recognizes 12 imams, with Jaffar Assadiq being a central figure in formulating core beliefs.
  • After Jaffar Assadiq, the Shia community split into Ismailis and Twelvers, with Twelvers believing in 12 imams.
  • The 12th and final imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, went into hiding and is believed to return at the end of time.
  • Twelver Shia underwent a shift in emphasis and methodology in law and theology after the occultation of the 12th imam, leading to a focus on reason and interpretation by scholars like Sheikh Mufidd.

15:36

Evolution of Shia Jurisprudence and Beliefs

  • Jurists in the post-Imam era relied heavily on reason and intellect, notably Sheikh Murphid who merged Shiism with the rationalistic Mua'tazila school of theology.
  • Sheikh Tuzi, a student of Mufid, is credited with founding Shia jurisprudence and compiling two major collections of hadith.
  • After the Great Occultation, Shia methodology shifted towards emphasizing reason, intellect, and personal interpretation, a trend still prevalent in Shia theology today.
  • Contrary views exist regarding the historical development of Shia thought, with some scholars highlighting early engagement in reasoning and interpretation by the companions of the Imams.
  • From the 11th century onwards, Shia thought emphasized reinterpretation and returning to original sources, contrasting with Sunni jurisprudence's period of taqlid or imitation.
  • Twelver Shia practices align with Sunni practices in many aspects but differ significantly in the role of Imams, who hold authority to interpret the Quran and Sunnah.
  • Shiites have distinct collections of hadith from Sunnis, with practices like the annual Ashura holiday commemorating Imam Hussain's martyrdom being significant.
  • Shiism adopts a matasa light theology, emphasizing esotericism, and the division of reality into exoteric and esoteric aspects, with a focus on inner meanings.
  • The Imams in Shia belief are attributed with miraculous powers and esoteric knowledge, central to Shia doctrine and practices.
  • The absence of the Imam in occultation impacts Shia practices, such as the limitation of offensive military jihad to defensive actions only.

31:06

Evolution of Jaffari School in Safavid Era

  • Safavid era brought significant changes in Islamic law, particularly in the Jaffari school of law.
  • The Jaffari school was named after the sixth Imam Jaffar al-Sadiq and developed by scholars like Sheikh Tuzi.
  • Under Safavids, a resurgence of traditionalist school challenged the rationalistic tendency of the Jaffari school.
  • Jaffari school split into Usuli (rationalists) and Akhbaris (traditionalists) during the Safavid era.
  • Akhbaris gained prominence in the 18th century but Usulis regained dominance in the 19th century.
  • Shiites faced oppression and developed the concept of taqiyya to hide their identity in Sunni-ruled lands.
  • Differences between Shiites and Sunnis include prayer postures, temporary marriage, and attitudes towards jihad.
  • Safavid era saw flourishing of Shiite intellectual traditions, with influential philosophers like Mulla Sadra.
  • Mulla Sadra's philosophy combined Ibn Sina's works with mystical strands, influencing Shiism significantly.
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