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 of the Quran and Sunnah single manner. The hadith also refutes the shi'a tradition that the wives of the Prophet are not part of ahlul bayt. Because the truth of the matter is that Zaid clearly says, "His wives are the members of his family...". It is true that he mentions that the hadith is pertaining to Ali, Aqil, and Jafar, and all their offsprings; but, as is the well-known position in the sunni tradition, a companion or anyone other than the prophet can not make official any ruling or opinion. Zaid did not tell why he believes the hadith is pertaining only to Ali,