Answer:
Sunni Muslims accept all four leaders, including Abu Bakr and Ali, as the rightful successors of Muhammad. Shi'a Muslims, also called 'the party of Ali', believe that Muhammad chose Ali as his successor rather than having a bloodline successor.
Imamate is the Shi'a belief that all modern imams should be spiritual descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. Shi’a Muslims believe that imams protect the religion and help to guide Muslims along the right path. Today, Shi'a Muslim communities are led by imams, who are seen as having been chosen by God. Shi’a Muslims believe that imams are exemplary individuals who obey all teachings. Shi’a Muslims believe that imams are inspired by God, are without sin and are infallible, which means that they can interpret the teachings of the Qur’an without making any errors.
Today, Shi’a Muslim communities are led by imams, who are seen as having been chosen by God. Imams should be exemplary individuals who obey all teachings.
Origins of Imamate
After the Prophet Muhammad died, the Muslim community had to choose a successor. Abu Bakr, who was Muhammad’s father-in-law and closest friend, became the leader of the Sunni Muslim community.
Sunni Muslims, who make up around 90 per cent of the global Muslim population, agree that the rightful successor to Muhammad was Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s father-in-law. They recognise two further leaders who came after Abu Bakr. They then recognise a fourth leader, Ali (Muhammad’s cousin). Sunni Muslims accept all four leaders, including Abu Bakr and Ali, as the rightful successors of Muhammad.
Shi’a Muslims, also called ‘the party of Ali’, believe that Muhammad chose Ali as his successor rather than having a bloodline successor. After Ali’s death, Shi’a Muslims were led by twelve imams, whom they believe were spiritual successors to the Prophet Muhammad rather than having any family connection to him. This was the beginning of the Imamate. Shi’a Muslims make up around 10 per cent of the global Muslim population.
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