According to this doctrine, the Twelfth Imam entered ghaybah (occultation) — a state of divine concealment — in the 9th century. He is considered to be still alive and will one day return as the Mahdi, a messianic figure who will establish global justice.
There is only one man who has died and been resurrected to live forevermore — Jesus Christ.
There is only one man who will one day return as King of kings and Lord of lords to “establish global justice” — Jesus Christ.
Those making similar claims about any other person who has ever lived are dealing in counterfeit spiritual currency.
Twelver Shi‘ism (the dominant Shia branch in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and elsewhere) teaches that there are twelve divinely appointed Imams. The line ends with the Twelfth Imam, also called the Hidden Imam or al‑Mahdi, who is believed to be alive but concealed by God until the appointed time.
What Twelver Shi‘ism Actually Teaches
Twelver Shia Muslims believe that God appointed a line of twelve Imams, beginning with Ali and ending with Muhammad ibn al‑Hasan al‑Mahdi, born around 870 CE. According to this doctrine, the Twelfth Imam entered ghaybah (occultation) — a state of divine concealment — in the 9th century. He is considered still alive and will one day return as the Mahdi, a messianic figure who will establish global justice.
For many people, the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims can feel confusing, but it actually begins with a very simple historical question: Who should have led the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad died in 632 CE?
Sunni Muslims believed leadership should be chosen by the community, and they supported Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad. Shia Muslims believed leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, beginning with Ali, his cousin and son‑in‑law. What started as a political disagreement eventually grew into two distinct traditions with their own practices, scholarship, and spiritual leadership structures.
Over time, Sunnis developed a system where no single leader holds divine authority. Instead, religious understanding comes from scholars and four major schools of interpretation. Shia Muslims, especially the Twelver branch, believe in a line of Imams—descendants of Ali—who carry spiritual guidance and authority. These differences shape how each community approaches religious leadership, law, and devotion, even though both share the same core beliefs about God, the Qur’an, and the Prophet Muhammad.
Today, Sunni Muslims make up the vast majority of the global Muslim population—about 85 to 90 percent. Shia Muslims represent roughly 10 to 15 percent worldwide, forming significant communities in places like Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Pakistan.
The most notable Shia‑majority nation is Iran, where about 90 percent of the population follows Twelver Shi’ism. This identity became central to Iran’s culture and religious life beginning in the 16th century under the Safavid dynasty.
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on events from the Middle East and around the world of interest to people of faith and brings that content to our readers. Here’s the latest from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Targeted Israeli strike in central Gaza
On 25 October 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a strike in central Gaza targeting a member of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine who was allegedly planning an attack on Israeli troops. The strike took place despite the cease-fire in place since earlier this month. Eyewitnesses reported a drone attack on a car injuring four people, and shelling by Israeli tanks in eastern Gaza City. Reuters
Nearly 100 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the cease-fire began
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 93 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip by Israeli attacks since the cease-fire went into effect on 10 October 2025. Reports also mention Israeli forces shot and wounded at least six Palestinians in various parts of Gaza. Al Jazeera
U.S. and Qatar engage in Gaza peacekeeping / mediation roles
On 25 October 2025, during a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar expressed willingness to contribute to a peacekeeping force in Gaza. This comes amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to shore up the cease-fire and define post-conflict governance in Gaza. The Times of Israel
Unexploded ordnance injures children in Gaza as families return home
In Gaza City, six-year-old twins Yahya and Nabila Shorbasi were critically injured when they mistook unexploded bombs for a toy in rubble from their damaged home, following the cease-fire. Health officials say hundreds more children have been wounded in similar accidents. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) reports over 560 unexploded items found during the cease-fire in Gaza, with many more likely hidden under debris. AP News
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events from the world of faith and religion and brings that content to our readers.
Mob Burns Nigerian Woman to Death Over Blasphemy Claim
In central Nigeria, a mob burned a food vendor named Amaye to death after accusing her of making comments deemed blasphemous toward the Prophet Muhammad. The incident occurred over the weekend and was confirmed by police in Niger State. From Arab News
Palestinian Journalist Islam Abed Killed by Israeli Forces
Islam Abed, a reporter working for Al-Quds Today TV, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Sunday. His death adds to the growing number of media workers who have lost their lives covering the conflict. From The New Arab
LGBTIQ+ Muslims Find Safe Spaces in Indonesia
In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the Pondok Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah, an Islamic boarding school serving LGBTIQ+ Muslims, opened a new location. It provides a rare, affirming religious environment that embraces both Islamic faith and diverse gender identities. From ABC
Moroccan Feminist on Trial Denied Release Amid Health Crisis
Moroccan feminist and LGBTQ+ activist Ibtissam Lachgar, facing blasphemy charges for wearing a T-shirt with messages seen as insulting to Islam and the monarchy, was denied provisional release despite her serious health condition—she has cancer and needs urgent surgery. Her detention is drawing criticism from human rights advocates. From AP News
