List of Twelvers Imams

10. **Imam Ali al-Hadi (828-868 CE)**: Often facing challenges from the ruling authorities, al-Hadi’s life illustrates the intersection of religious leadership and political strife. His capacity to maintain the Imam’s role amid external pressures invited a deeper understanding of loyalty, sacrifice, and the preservation of Shia identity through clandestine networks of support.

11. **Imam Hasan al-Askari (846-874 CE)**: The eleventh Imam’s life was shrouded in secrecy due to the omnipresent threats from the rulers of his time. His emphasis on the impending Mahdism—awaiting a savior—marks a pivotal shift in Shia eschatology. This belief not only cultivates hope but also galvanizes the community, reinforcing bonds of loyalty and anticipation for divine justice.

12. **Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (born 869 CE)**: The twelfth Imam is central to Shia beliefs regarding the Mahdi, the awaited savior who will establish justice and equity in a world filled with oppression. His occultation symbolizes hope and faith in the divine plan, assuring the Shia community that justice will ultimately prevail despite contemporary challenges. The anticipation of al-Mahdi fosters a strong bond within the community, inspiring efforts to embody ideals of justice and equity in daily life.