Islamic Political Thought: The Imamate doctrine in the Zaydi and Imami schools

The topic of Shi’a Imamate is fundamental because of its significant implications in Islamic theology. The Shi’a perception of Imamate is one of the doctrinal issues that have caused the Muslims to differ because the Shi’a claim is that the Messenger of God designated a successor that should be followed for guidance. Despite this claim, the Muslims differed about this subject of Imamate from the beginning of Islam up until the present day, so it shouldn’t be dismissed, neglected or undermined.

The topic of Imamate and the claim of ‘Alī b. Abī Ṭālib being a Divinely appointed Imam should be researched critically and objectively. This is especially important because there are innumerable hadiths about the Divine appointment of ‘Alī from multiple early sources.