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
Introduction to the Science of Hadith al-Kattānī. `Āʼishah bint `Abd al-Raḥmān said in the foreword of her edition of the "Introduction": His book about the sciences of hadith is the best known of his works without comparison, to the extent that it is sufficient to say, "the Book of Ibn al-Ṣalāḥ", the intent being understood due to its popularity and stature. With the previous scholars, its subject matter overcame it, thus being referred to as, "the Book of Ibn al-Ṣalāḥ about `Ulūm al-Ḥadīth" or as he referred to it in its opening pages, "the Book of Familiarity with the Types of `Ulūm al-Ḥadīth". It has become