Imamate

The imamate (Arabic: إمامة) is a theological concept concerning the leadership of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad. The term 'imam' means leader or one to be followed. While all Muslims use the word, Shia doctrine treats the imamate as a fundamental principle of religion, not merely a political matter.

According to Shia doctrine, an imam is a person divinely chosen and appointed by the Prophet, bearing responsibility for leadership of both religious and worldly affairs. Sunni Islam, by contrast, refers to leadership after the Prophet as the 'caliphate', based on consultation (shura) and recognition by scholars and people, not divine appointment.

Foundations of the doctrine

Shia scholars argue that the community must always have a just leader who expounds divine law. In their view, an imam possesses 'nass' (explicit designation) transmitted from the Prophet or a preceding imam. The imam is also associated with the attribute of 'isma' — infallibility from error and sin in religious matters. This doctrine of infallibility is rejected by Sunni Islam.

Divisions among Shias

Shias do not agree on the number and succession of imams. The largest group, the Twelver Shias, believe in twelve imams beginning with Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Ismailis diverged in the line of succession after Jafar al-Sadiq's son. The Zaidis reduced the number of imams and made armed uprising a significant condition, and interpret infallibility differently.

Occultation and political implications

Twelver Shias believe the last imam entered a state of occultation (concealment) from which he will eventually return. This raised a critical question: who governs the community while the imam is absent. Historical answers have ranged from scholars alone administering religious law, to a later theory granting scholars governmental authority. This latter view became the basis for Iran's political system after 1979, although many Shia scholars hold different positions.