Imamate

Ja'far al-Sadiq (c. 699-765) taught in Medina for some thirty-four years. Descended from Ali and from Abu Bakr, he held to study over revolt, and the Twelver school of law carries his name.

The division between Sunni and Shia Islam, originating from disputes over leadership succession after Prophet Muhammad's death, evolved into distinct theological, legal, and political traditions that have shaped Islamic civilization.