Hadith of the Twelve Successors Hadith of the Twelve Successors The hadith of the twelve successors, or twelve caliphs () is an Islamic prophecy, attributed to Muhammad. It is most popular among Twelver Shiites, as they interpret the prophecy was fulfilled by The Twelve Imams. The hadith (classified as Sahih) is widely accepted by all Muslim groups but its interpretation varies heavily. According to the prophecy there will reign twelve caliphs—presumably the first being crowned upon the Prophet's death—and after which the caliphate would cease to exist and mark the beginning of the judgement day or armageddon. It is stated that all twelve caliphs will
Criticism of Hadith male step-cousins) as guardian of a minor — (a hadith with no reference). These which are contradicted by "numerous hadiths/reports that women used to participate in mosques regularly and in large numbers"; in the second case by the transmitter (Abu Bakra, not to be confused with Rashidun Abu Bakr), being known for receiving punishment for false testimony; and in the third the hadith was quoted without any reference. Because hadith is "the basis for most" Islamic laws and codes "at the detailed level", which pertain "to people’s life, honour and property", and because many (especially revivalist and conservative Muslims) consider