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 "musnad" ( meaning "supported") "hadith" as: A "musnad hadith" should not be confused with the type of "hadith" collection similarly termed "musannaf", which is arranged according to the name of the companion narrating each "hadith". For example, a "musnad" might begin by listing a number of the "hadith", complete with their respective "sanads", of Abu Bakr, and then listing a number of "hadith" from Umar, and then Uthman ibn Affan and so on. Individual compilers of this type of collection may vary in their method of arranging those Companions whose "hadith" they were collecting. An example of this type of