THE 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS - CESD

major doctrinal divisions within islamB. SHI’I DOCTRINE1) The Twelver SchoolBelief in the infallibility (‘Ismah) of the Twelve Imams descended from the familyof the Prophet (Ahl al Bayt) who are believed to be the spiritual and rightful politicalauthorities of the Muslim community (Umma). The twelfth Imam, the Mahdi,is believed to be in occultation to return in the future.2) Isma’ili SchoolThe Qur’an and Hadith are said to have truths lying with a single living Imam,descended directly from the Prophet. Also known as ‘seveners’ for their beliefthat Isma’il ibn Ja’far was the seventh and final leading-Imam of the Muslimcommunity.3) Zaidi SchoolThe infallibility of the Twelve Imams and the notion of occultation are rejectedin favor of accepting the leadership of a living Imam. The Imamate can be heldby any descendant of the Prophet (Sayyid). Zaidis are also known as ‘fivers’for their belief that Zayd ibn Ali was the fifth and final leading-Imam of theMuslim community.C. IBADI DOCTRINEIbadis believe that God created the Qur’an at a certain point in time, and thatGod will not be seen on the Day of Judgment. They also believe in the eternalnature of hell for all those who enter it.15