The 14 Masomeen (A.S): Lights of Guidance in Islam

Learn about the lives and teachings of the 14 Masomeen (A.S) — the infallible and purified guides of Islam whose love, knowledge, and sacrifice inspire believers worldwide.

Introduction: Who Are the 14 Masomeen (A.S)?

The term Masoom refers to infallible — a person shielded by Allah (SWT) from sin and mistake. Shia Islam’s 14 Masomeen (A.S) are the most divinely purified and chosen personalities:

• The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

• His dearest daughter, Hazrat Fatimah al-Zahra (A.S)

• And the Twelve Imams (A.S), who took his place as spiritual leaders of the Muslim world.

They are collectively referred to as the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S) — “The People of the House.” They are revered in the Holy Qur’an for their spiritual cleanliness:

“Indeed, Allah only wishes to remove impurity from you, O People of the House, and to purify you completely.” — Qur’an 33:33

Their lives exemplify faith, justice, mercy, and submission to Allah. All believers can take lessons from their deeds and words.

The 14 Masomeen (A.S)

1. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

The last Messenger of Allah and the Seal of Prophethood, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) introduced Islam as a comprehensive way of life. His compassion, patience, and mercy knew no bounds. He declared:

“I leave behind two weighty things: the Book of Allah and my Ahl al-Bayt (A.S); if you hold firmly to them, you will never go astray.”

• Birth: 17 Rabi‘ al-Awwal, 570 CE (in Mecca)

• Death: 28 Safar, 11 AH / 632 CE (in Medina)

2. Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (A.S)

Lady Fatimah (A.S), daughter of the Prophet (S.A.W) and wife of Imam Ali (A.S), was the very personification of modesty, purity, and bravery. She was a staunch defender of truth and protector of the Islamic message with wisdom and strength.

• Birth: 20 Jumada al-Thani, 605 CE (in Mecca)

• Martyrdom: 3 Jumada al-Thani, 11 AH / 632 CE

3. Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S)

The Prophet’s (S.A.W) first cousin and first Imam, Imam Ali (A.S) had unequalled courage, wisdom, and justice. His letters and sermons in Nahjul Balagha are still eternal lessons in leadership, humility, and honesty.

• Birth: 13 Rajab, 600 CE (inside the Kaaba, Mecca)

• Martyrdom: 21 Ramadan, 40 AH / 661 CE (in Kufa)

4. Imam Hasan ibn Ali (A.S)

The second Imam (A.S) was the older grandson of the Prophet (S.A.W). He was generous and patient, opting for peace rather than war to safeguard the cohesion of the Muslim Ummah. His agreement with Muawiyah demonstrated wisdom and wisdom.

• Birth: 15 Ramadan, 3 AH / 625 CE (in Medina)

• Martyrdom: 7 Safar, 50 AH / 670 CE (in Medina)

5. Imam Husayn ibn Ali (A.S)

The third Imam (A.S) is the representation of sacrifice and courage. He faced tyranny at Karbala for the sake of justice and truth. His martyrdom became an immortal message of bravery and justice for all of mankind.

“I did not rise for fame or power but to reform the nation of my grandfather.” — Imam Husayn (A.S)

• Birth: 3 Sha‘ban, 4 AH / 626 CE (in Medina)

• Martyrdom: 10 Muharram, 61 AH / 680 CE (in Karbala)

6. Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (A.S)

The fourth Imam (A.S) or Imam Sajjad lived through the tragedy of Karbala. He initiated spirituality and forbearance in Islam through his prayers and supplications, which are collected in Sahifa Sajjadiya.

• Birth: 5 Sha‘ban, 38 AH / 659 CE (in Medina)

• Martyrdom: 25 Muharram, 95 AH / 713 CE (in Medina)

7. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S)

The fifth Imam (A.S) was famous for disseminating knowledge and wisdom of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. His name al-Baqir signifies “the one who opens knowledge.” He promoted reasoning and learning as forms of worship.

• Birth: 1 Rajab, 57 AH / 677 CE (in Medina)

• Martyrdom: 7 Dhul-Hijjah, 114 AH / 732 CE (in Medina)

8. Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (A.S)

The sixth Imam (A.S) was an outstanding scholar and educator whose pupils were renowned jurists and scientists. He formulated the Ja’fari school of thought and underlined the compatibility of faith and intellect.

Birth: 17 Rabi‘ al-Awwal, 83 AH / 702 CE (in Medina)

Martyrdom: 25 Shawwal, 148 AH / 765 CE (in Medina)

9. Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S)

Seventh Imam (A.S) was known for his forgiveness, patience, and devotion. He never lost his faith in Allah even after lengthy imprisonments. His tranquil persistence made him gain the name al-Kazim, meaning “he who restrains anger.”.

• Birth: 7 Safar, 128 AH / 745 CE (in Abwa, near Medina)

• Martyrdom: 25 Rajab, 183 AH / 799 CE (in Baghdad prison)

10. Imam Ali al-Raza (A.S)

The eighth Imam (A.S) was known for his humility, wisdom, and exchange of words with scholars of different faiths. As the heir to the Abbasid Caliph, he utilized his authority to propagate the real message of Islam.

• Birth: 11 Dhul-Qa‘dah, 148 AH / 765 CE (in Medina)

• Martyrdom: 17 Safar, 203 AH / 818 CE (in Tus, Iran)

11. Imam Muhammad al-Taqi (A.S)

The ninth Imam (A.S), or al-Jawad (“the generous”), was an Imam at a very tender age. People of all ages and status were inspired by his extensive knowledge and generosity.

• Birth: 10 Rajab, 195 AH / 811 CE (in Medina)

• Martyrdom: 29 Dhul-Qa‘dah, 220 AH / 835 CE (in Baghdad)

12. Imam Ali al-Naqi (A.S)

The tenth Imam (A.S) was a perfect example of piety and knowledge. Even under constant watch, he went on guiding the Muslim community patiently, truthfully, and wisely.

• Birth: 15 Dhul-Hijjah, 212 AH / 828 CE (in Medina)

• Martyrdom: 3 Rajab, 254 AH / 868 CE (in Samarra)

13. Imam Hasan al-Askari (A.S)

The eleventh Imam (A.S) had a brief but significant life. He consolidated the believers’ faith through letters and teachings in spite of strict prohibitions by rulers of his era.

• Birth: 8 Rabi‘ al-Thani, 232 AH / 846 CE (in Medina)

• Martyrdom: 8 Rabi‘ al-Awwal, 260 AH / 874 CE (in Samarra)

14. Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (A.S)

The twelfth Imam (A.S), al-Mahdi, is the messianic savior. By Allah’s will, he is in occultation and shall return to bring peace, justice, and truth on the face of the earth. He is the source of hope for the faithful.

• Birth: 15 Sha‘ban, 255 AH / 869 CE (in Samarra)

• Status: Alive, in occultation (Ghaybah)