Twelver Shi'ism
Second-largest branch of Islam, making up perhaps 85 percent of Shias.
Twelver Shīʿa Islam is the second-largest branch of Islam. Although there are many Shia subsects, modern Shia Islam has been divided into three main groupings: Twelvers, Ismailis and Zaidis, with Twelvers being the largest and most influential group, making up perhaps 85 percent of Shias. Twelver Shia have their largest populations in the Middle East in Iran (75%), Iraq (45%), Bahrain (35-40%), Azerbaijan (75%), Kuwait (15%), Yemen (30%), Syria (12.5%) Lebanon (20%), Saudi Arabia (8%), Oman (6%), UAE (5%), Turkey (12.5%), and Qatar (5%). The schism between Shi'as and Sunnis happened after the death of Muhammad. Members of the 'ummah' who later on became representatives of the Shi'ita branch preferred Abu Bakr over Ali ibn Abi Talib, as the successor of the Prophet and as the rightful rulers of the Muslim community. Abu Bakr was appointed caliph by senior Muslims, while Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad.
- field
- Islamic theology and jurisprudence
- known_for
- Belief in the Twelve Imams as divinely appointed successors to Muhammad
Lore & Background
The schism between Shi'as and Sunnis happened after the death of Muhammad. Members of the 'ummah' who later on became representatives of the Shi'ita branch preferred Abu Bakr over Ali ibn Abi Talib, as the successor of the Prophet and as the rightful rulers of the Muslim community. Abu Bakr was appointed caliph by senior Muslims, while Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad. A major source of conflict in the Muslim Middle East is the divisive nature between the two main sects of Islam: Sunni and Shi'a. Although these two sects agree on the fundamentals of Islam and the teachings of the Quran, they are in conflict about who would lead the Muslim community after Muhammad's death. The Battle of Siffin and the Battle of Karbala caused a significant schism between the two sects. Throughout the years, differences have arisen between practices, beliefs and culture. Many conflicts between the two communities have occurred.
Reader's Guide
Twelver Shia have their largest populations in the Middle East in Iran (75%), Iraq (45%), Bahrain (35-40%), Azerbaijan (75%), Kuwait (15%), Yemen (30%), Syria (12.5%) Lebanon (20%), Saudi Arabia (8%), Oman (6%), UAE (5%), Turkey (12.5%), and Qatar (5%). The schism between Shi'as and Sunnis happened after the death of Muhammad. Members of the 'ummah' who later on became representatives of the Shi'ita branch preferred Abu Bakr over Ali ibn Abi Talib, as the successor of the Prophet and as the rightful rulers of the Muslim community. Abu Bakr was appointed caliph by senior Muslims, while Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad. A major source of conflict in the Muslim Middle East is the divisive nature between the two main sects of Islam: Sunni and Shi'a. Although these two sects agree on the fundamentals of Islam and the teachings of the Quran, they are in conflict about who would lead the Muslim community after Muhammad's death. The Battle of Siffin and the Battle of Karbala caused a significant schism between the two sects.
Did You Know?
- Twelvers make up perhaps 85 percent of all Shias.
- Twelver Shia have their largest population in Iran at 75% of the country.
- The Battle of Siffin and the Battle of Karbala caused a significant schism between Sunni and Shi'a.
- Abu Bakr was appointed caliph by senior Muslims, while Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad.
- Twelver Shia form about 45% of Iraq's population and 20% of Lebanon's population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twelver Shi'ism?
It is the largest branch within Shia Islam, centered on the conviction that God chose twelve specific Imams to serve as both spiritual leaders and political heads of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad.
Who are the Twelve Imams in Twelver Shi'ism?
They are a lineage of divinely appointed successors—beginning with Ali ibn Abi Talib and ending with Muhammad al-Mahdi—who are believed to hold infallible guidance, special knowledge, and the authority to interpret Islamic law for the Ummah.
Who are the key figures credited with establishing Twelver Shi'ism as a distinct school?
Muhammad al-Baqir (the fifth Imam) and his son Ja'far al-Sadiq (the sixth Imam) are traditionally recognized as the scholars who systematized the theology, jurisprudence, and legal methodology that define the Twelver tradition.
Where does Twelver Shi'ism hold official state status?
Iran is the most prominent example, where Twelver Shi'ism serves as the established state religion and shapes the country's constitutional and legal framework.
How large is the global Twelver Shi'a community?
Estimates place the worldwide population of Twelver Shi'as between roughly 170 and 220 million, making it the single largest Shia subgroup and a significant portion of the broader Islamic community.
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