Imams (Shiites)

Imamate, or Imamah (Arabic: إمامة), is a central doctrine in Shia Islam. It refers to the religious and spiritual leadership of the Muslim community after the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims hold that Muhammad designated his cousin and son-in-law Ali as his successor, and that divine guidance continued through the Twelve Imams, who are the Prophet’s descendants through Ali and Fatima. Sunni Muslims also respect the Twelve Imams and their families. However, they do not believe the Twelve Imams were divinely appointed leaders. So, while both branches deeply respect them, they differ regarding their religious authority.