IMAM ALI

IMAM ALI

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Imam Ali” in the holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Imam Ali and Shiite's Muslims” and its relation with “Shi'the Muslims”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “Imam Ali” and tries to gauge its effect on “”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “Imam Ali” and tries to describe the overall effect of “Imam Ali” on “Shi'the Muslims”.

Table of Contents

BACKGROUND4

RESEARCH PROBLEM4

AIM OF STUDY5

LITERARY THEORY5

LITERARY MOVEMENT5

CONCLUSIONS11

IMPACT ON FUTURE SCHOLARS11

REFERENCES13

Imam Ali

Background

Islam rose to prominence around seventh century around Mecca and Medina in Arabian Peninsula. Muhammad Prophet was born in 570 A.D. In city of Mecca, at age of 25 he married his first wife and his revelations began in 610 A.D. At age of forty Muhammad received the vision while at the cave on Mount Hira. (Watt 1973)

This was three miles from Mecca. During this time, angel Gabriel appeared to him and gave him the vision. This vision over the period of time became known as sacred scripture, Qur'an. From 610 to 622 A.D., Muhammad lived in Mecca and continued to receive communications from Gabriel. In year 619 it is said that Muhammad was taken by angel Gabriel. To Jerusalem where he met Abraham, Moses and Jesus and led them in prayer. After that encounter Muhammad led Muslim armies to take over Arabian Peninsula until his death in 632. (Rippin 1990)

Research Problem

The problem study of this paper will be to review idea and historical dispute between Sunni and shi'a Muslims, as Shi'a Muslims claim that Ali was successor of Muhammad. They established imamate and named Ali leader. The imams ruled until end of ninth century when twelveth imam disappeared.

Aim of Study

The aim of this research is to show development of Shiites and Sunni Muslims, their contradictions and concepts. The main difference between Sunni Muslims and Shiites is in different view on Imamate. For Sunni Muslims Imam is spiritual and temporal head that is appointed by will of Muslim community. For Shiites Imam is bearer of Divine paradise that is inherited by Ali's descendants. (Al-Azmeh 1988)

Literary Theory

The adherents - this is common name for different groups and sects that acknowledge Ali Ibn Abu Talib and his descendants as only legal successors of Prophet Muhammad. Correspondingly, first three righteous caliphs Shiites consider as usurpers. (Hodgson 1974)

Literary movement

Shiites are divided into moderate (Zaidites and Imamites), Extreme (Gulates) and Ismailites.

There are moderate Shiites (Zaidites) - this is most moderate branch of Shiites, which acknowledges Imamate of Zaid Ibn Ali. After his death Zaidites continued to show great political activity, thinking that objective index of dignity of the pretender to Imamate is his readiness with weapons in his hands to achieve supreme power. In field of doctrine they are close to Sunni Muslims - they acknowledge that Imam must be from descendants of Ali Ibn Abu Talib, they disclaim Divine Nature of Imamate and study about hidden Imam (Gaiba), and they do not curse first ...