What is a ‘Twelver Shi’ah Muslim’?

The current race for mayor of New York City has raised this question: what is a Twelver Shi’ah Muslim? The reason for the question is that the current leader in the race belongs to that Islamic group.

First, let me say that I’m not writing this because of any personal political views. I’m an old-school political independent (the way journalists used to be years ago), so I take no political position in this article. My job as a journalist is to gather, confirm, and report news and information.

Second, let me say that I am writing about this because many people, including Christians, don’t know the history of Islam. Therefore, they are not familiar with the ‘Twelver Shi’ah’ branch of Islam.

Islam

Twelver Shi’ah is the largest of the three Shi’ah groups: Twelvers, Ismailis, and Bohras. However, Shi’ah is not the largest branch of Islam. That title belongs to the Sunni branch.

Twelver Shi’ah is the majority Islamic religion in Iran. The group also has a large number of adherents in Iraq (also some in Lebanon and Bahrain).

One of the primary reasons for the two branches of Islam is based on what happened following the death of the founder of Islam in 632 AD. Some Muslims (Shi’ah) believed that the spiritual and political leadership of Islam should go to Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, Alī. Other Muslims (Sunni) believed that the leadership should go to Abū Bakr. He was a close companion of Muhammad and was elected by a majority of Muslims to assume the leadership position following Muhammad’s death.

Twelvers

The term ‘Twelvers’ comes from the belief that the leadership of Islam was passed to Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, then to Alī’s son Ḥusayn, then to other imams who would follow through the years until reaching the twelfth imam, Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan. ‘Twelvers’ believe he was born about 870 AD, but has been hidden by Allah until a day and time yet to be revealed. Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan is also known as ‘The Hidden Imam’ and is believed to be sinless and infallible. Twelvers believe that revealing the ‘Twelfth Imam’ will begin Allah’s judgment of the world. Twelvers believe Jesus will also return at that time and work with Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan (also known as the Mahdī) to defeat evil on the earth. However, Twelvers believe Jesus will act in a supporting role to Mahdī as a follower by praying behind him thus promoting submission to Allah.

Sunni Islamists believe Jesus will return before the ‘Day of Judgment’ and kill the Antichrist (who they call Dajjāl). Sunnis believe Jesus will rule according to the Sharia Law of Islam and also be in a supporting role to the leader of Islam.

Christian Beliefs

That is a far cry from what Christians believe about the ‘End Times.’ Most Christians believe Jesus Christ will return at some point in the future, but that He will not be subservient to Allah or the Mahdī. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the eternal, sinless, infallible Son of God. The Bible also teaches that Christ will return to the earth to judge and rule it according to the Word of God (the Bible) at a future time. As for whether Jesus will appear in some type of subservience to another leader, the Bible clearly states:

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-12

This is one of many differences in beliefs between Christians and Muslims. You can read about others in an eBook I wrote years ago (beginning on page 57).

This is a brief look at ‘Twelver Shi’ah Muslims.’ If you are interested in learning more about them and what they believe, and how to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you can read the articles listed below:

Twelver Shiʿah – Britannica

Branches of Shia Islam

Key Differences Between Shia and Sunni Muslims

7 Crucial Differences Between Sunni and Shia Islam You Should Know

How Does Islam Differ from Christianity?

What is Islam, and what do Muslims believe?

Witnessing to Muslims – what is the key?

5 Pitfalls to Avoid When Sharing the Gospel with a Muslim