Twelvers facts for kids
Twelvers, also known as Twelver Shias, are a large group of Shia Muslims. They believe that after Prophet Muhammad, God chose twelve special leaders to guide people. These leaders are called Imams.
About 85% of all Shia Muslims are Twelvers. Most of them live in countries like Iran (90%), Iraq (65%), and Azerbaijan (85%). You can also find many Twelvers in Lebanon (35%), Kuwait (35%), and Bahrain (80%). There are also large groups in Pakistan (20%) and Afghanistan (18%).
The Twelve Imams
Twelver Shia Muslims follow the teachings of twelve Imams. They believe these Imams were chosen by God to lead the Muslim community after Prophet Muhammad. Each Imam played an important role in guiding their followers.
Here are the twelve Imams:
- Ali ibn abi Talib (Ameerul Mu'mineen)
- Hasan ibn Ali (al-Mujtabaa)
- Husayn ibn Ali (ash-Shaheed)
- Ali ibn Husayn (Zaynul Aabideen)
- Muhammad al-Baqir
- Jafar as-Sadiq
- Musa al-Kadhim
- Ali ar-Ridha
- Muhammad at-Taqi, al-Jawaad
- Ali al-Haadi, an-Naqi
- Hasan al-Askari
- Muhammad al-Mahdi
Images for kids
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Calligraphic representation of 12 Imams along with the name of the Prophet Muhammad.
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18th century mirror writing in Ottoman calligraphy. It shows the phrase 'Ali is the vicegerent of God'.
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Names of The Fourteen Infallibles (Masūmeen - Descendants Of Muhammad) written in the form of the Arabic name على 'Ali'.
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Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, where the Battle of Karbala took place.
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A shrine dedicated to Mohammad Helal Ali.
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The beautiful Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran.
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The shrine of Fatimah Ma'sumah in Qom, Iran.
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The shrine of Sultan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Baqir.
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A mosque in Qom, Iran, at night.
See also
In Spanish: Imamíes para niños
