Roots of Faith
The 12 Shia Beliefs
Understanding the core principles of Shia Islam โ Usul al-Din (Roots of Religion) and the divinely guided leadership of the Twelve Imams (AS).
Usul al-Din (ุฃุตูู ุงูุฏูู)
Core Principles of Faith
The five essential roots of religion in Shia Islam that form the foundation of our belief system.
Tawhid
ุงูุชูุญูุฏOneness of Allah
Belief that Allah is One, unique, and without partner. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all that exists. Nothing is comparable to Him, and He alone deserves worship.
โSay: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.โ
โ Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4)
Adalah
ุงูุนุฏูDivine Justice
Allah is perfectly just and fair in all matters. He does not oppress anyone, and all His actions are based on wisdom and justice.
โIndeed, Allah does not do injustice, even as much as an atom's weight.โ
โ Surah An-Nisa (4:40)
Nubuwwah
ุงููุจูุฉProphethood
Allah sent prophets and messengers to guide humanity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the Seal of the Prophets.
โMuhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.โ
โ Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40)
Imamah
ุงูุฅู ุงู ุฉDivine Leadership
After Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), leadership of the Muslim community continued through twelve divinely appointed Imams from the Ahlul Bayt.
โO you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.โ
โ Surah An-Nisa (4:59)
Qiyamah
ุงูููุงู ุฉDay of Judgment
Every person will be resurrected and held accountable before Allah. The righteous will enter Paradise.
โSo whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it.โ
โ Surah Az-Zalzalah (99:7-8)
Ahlul Bayt (ุน)
The Twelve Imams
The divinely appointed leaders who guided the Muslim community after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Amir al-Mu'minin
Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)
ุนูู ุจู ุฃุจู ุทุงูุจ
The cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the first Imam, and the rightful successor. Known for his unparalleled knowledge, justice, and courage.
Al-Mujtaba
Imam Hasan ibn Ali (AS)
ุงูุญุณู ุจู ุนูู
The elder grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), known for his patience, generosity, and peace-making treaty that preserved the Muslim community.
Sayyid al-Shuhada
Imam Husayn ibn Ali (AS)
ุงูุญุณูู ุจู ุนูู
The younger grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), who sacrificed his life at Karbala standing against tyranny and injustice.
Al-Sajjad
Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (AS)
ุนูู ุฒูู ุงูุนุงุจุฏูู
Known for his devotion in worship and his profound supplications collected in Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya.
Baqir al-Ilm
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (AS)
ู ุญู ุฏ ุงูุจุงูุฑ
The 'Splitter of Knowledge' who established the foundations of Shia Islamic scholarship.
Al-Sadiq
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (AS)
ุฌุนูุฑ ุงูุตุงุฏู
Founder of the Ja'fari school of thought, he taught thousands of scholars in various sciences.
Al-Kadhim
Imam Musa al-Kadhim (AS)
ู ูุณู ุงููุงุธู
Known for his forbearance, patience, and deep worship even while enduring imprisonment.
Al-Ridha
Imam Ali al-Ridha (AS)
ุนูู ุงูุฑุถุง
Known for his wisdom and scholarly debates, spreading Islamic knowledge throughout the empire.
Al-Jawad
Imam Muhammad al-Taqi (AS)
ู ุญู ุฏ ุงูุชูู
Known for his remarkable knowledge and wisdom at a young age.
Al-Hadi
Imam Ali al-Hadi (AS)
ุนูู ุงููุงุฏู
The 'Guide' who led the Shia community through spiritual and scholarly guidance.
Al-Askari
Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS)
ุงูุญุณู ุงูุนุณูุฑู
The father of Imam al-Mahdi, who prepared the community for the period of occultation.
Al-Hujjah, Al-Qa'im
Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (AS)
ู ุญู ุฏ ุงูู ูุฏู
The twelfth and final Imam, the awaited savior who will reappear to establish justice throughout the world.