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
Hadith terminology "with something, such as numerous chains of narration, strengthening it." Ibn Hajar's definitions indicate that there are five conditions to be met for a particular "hadith" to be considered "ṣaḥīḥ": A number of books were authored in which the author stipulated the inclusion of "ṣaḥīḥ hadith" alone. According to Ahl al-Sunna, this was only achieved by the first two books in the following list: "Ḥasan" ( meaning "good") is used to describe "hadith" whose authenticity is not as well-established as that of "ṣaḥīḥ hadith", but sufficient for use as supporting evidence. Ibn Hajar defines a "hadith" that is "ḥasan lithatihi"""ḥasan"