How Do You Spell TWELVER?

Pronunciation: [twˈɛlvə] (IPA)

The word "twelver" is spelled as it sounds - /twɛlvər/. It is a term used to refer to a Shia Muslim who believes in the leadership of twelve Imams after Prophet Muhammad. The pronunciation of the word follows the traditional English spelling rules, with the "w" making the "wuh" sound and the "e" making the "eh" sound. The "r" at the end of the word is silent, which is common in many English words. With its straightforward spelling and pronunciation, "twelver" is an easy word to understand and use.

TWELVER Meaning and Definition

1. Twelver refers to a follower of the Twelver Shia branch of Islam, also known as Imami Shiism. The term "Twelver" originates from the belief that the Twelfth Imam, also known as the Hidden Imam or Mahdi, is the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad. Twelvers believe in the infallibility of the twelve Imams, beginning with Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, and ending with Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed to have gone into occultation and will return as the Messianic figure at the end of times.

   Twelvers consider the Imams as divinely appointed spiritual leaders with divine knowledge and authority, believed to be the only rightful guides for Muslims after the Prophet Muhammad. They place great emphasis on the concept of Imamate, considering the Imams as inheritors of Prophet Muhammad's religious and political authority.

   Twelver Shiites make up the largest Shia denomination and are particularly influential in countries like Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Lebanon. This branch is characterized by practices such as mourning ceremonies during the Islamic month of Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the third Imam and central figure in the Battle of Karbala.

   The term "Twelver" is widely used by scholars and observers to differentiate this branch from other Shia sects, such as Zaidis, Ismailis, and Alawis, who follow different lines of Imams and have distinct beliefs and practices.

Etymology of TWELVER

The word "Twelver" is derived from the Arabic term "ithnā‘ashariyyah" (إثنا عشرية) which means "Twelver Shiism" or "Twelver Imāmism". The term refers to the belief system and sect within Shiite Islam that recognizes twelve descendants of Prophet Muhammad as the legitimate leaders or Imams of the Muslim community after him. The number twelve indicates the twelve Imams, beginning with Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, and ending with Muhammad al-Mahdi, who disappeared in the 9th century and is expected to return as the messianic figure. Therefore, "Twelver" is a common English term used to refer to people who follow this branch of Islam.