The imamate in Shi'a Islam
I can explain the importance of the imamate within Shi'a Islam.
The imamate in Shi'a Islam
I can explain the importance of the imamate within Shi'a Islam.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The imamate is one of the five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam.
- The imamate 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 imamate helps shape Shi'a beliefs and practices.
Keywords
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 direct successor of the Prophet Muhammad
Imamate - a belief in Shi’a Islam in the authority of the appointed Imams
Common misconception
That Shi'a Muslims belive the Imams are Prophets or divine beings in some way.
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.
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The imamate in Shi'a Islam, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The imamate in Shi'a Islam, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Islam: beliefs unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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