twelver

twelver

A child saves a shiny twelver in her piggy bank.

Definition

Noun (also Twelver): - A member of a branch of Shia Islam: "Twelver" refers to a follower of the Twelver (Ithna Ashari) sect, which believes in a line of twelve Imams (spiritual and political successors to the Prophet Muhammad), with the twelfth Imam being in occultation (hidden) and expected to return as a messianic figure.

Usage Examples
  • (They adhere to the belief in twelve Imams.)
  • (The sect's doctrine centers on the twelfth Imam's eventual reappearance.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Twelver Shia": a full term for the branch, often used in academic or comparative religious contexts.

    • Twelver Shia differs from Zaydi or Ismaili Shia in its recognition of twelve Imams. (The term specifies the branch within Shia Islam.)
  • "Twelver jurisprudence": the legal school (Ja'fari) followed by Twelver Muslims.

    • Twelver jurisprudence is one of the main sources of law in Iran. (The legal system based on Twelver teachings.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Twelverism (n): the doctrine or system of beliefs of Twelver Shia.

    • Twelverism has influenced Persian culture and politics for centuries. (The belief system as a whole.)
  • Ithna Ashari (adj/n): Arabic-derived term for "Twelver," used interchangeably.

    • Ithna Ashari Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. (Another name for the same sect.)
Synonyms
  • Ithna Ashari: the Arabic term for "Twelver" (meaning "twelver" in Arabic).
  • Ja'fari: after the sixth Imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq; often used to refer to the legal school of Twelver Shia.
Phrasal Verbs (Not applicable)

No phrasal verbs are associated with "Twelver," as it is a noun referring to a religious group.

Related Idioms (Not applicable)

No idioms are directly associated with "Twelver," as it is a specific religious term rather than a general word.