Imamate

The word Imamate (Arabic: إمامة‎ Imāmah) is an Arabic word (from Imam) with an English language suffix (ate) meaning leadership. Its use in theology is confined to Islam.

Theological usage

The term Caliphate, an anglicanized Arabic word from Khalifah meaning succession, is often used interchangeably with the term Imamate. Both terms, not always but most often, refer to the position of Succeeding and Leading the Muslim community after the death of the Prophet Muhammad.

• Imamah (Shi'a doctrine) - A divine institution which succeeded the institution of Prophethood. Its appointees (Imams) are divinely appointed; e.g. Prophethood and Prophets.
  • Imamah (Shi'a Twelver doctrine) - The doctrine of Imamate according to the Twelvers.
  • Imamah (Nizari Ismaili doctrine) - The doctrine of Imamate according to the Nizari Ismailis.
  • Imamah (Mustali Ismaili doctrine) - The doctrine of Imamate according to the Mustaali Ismailis.
  • Zaydi - The doctrine of the Imamate according to Zaydis.
• Caliphate - A non-divine institution which succeeded the institution of Prophethood. Its appointees (Caliphs) are not divinly appointed; e.g. an Islamic scholar.
• Khalifatul Masih - Successor of the Messiah - A divine institution in Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which succeeded the institution of Prophethood. Its considered to be the second manifestation of God's power. Its appointees (Caliphs) are divinly appointed.

Theological literature on the Imamate doctrine

• Imamate and Leadership - by Mujtaba Musavi Lari
• Imamate: The Vicegerency of the Prophet - by Sa'id Akhtar Rizvi

Historical usage

• Caucasian Imamate - a state during the early and mid-19th century in the Eastern Caucasus.