Ithna Ashariyya, also known as the Twelver sect, is the largest branch of Shia Islam. Followers believe in a line of twelve Imams, starting with Ali ibn Abi Talib and ending with the Mahdi, who is believed to be in occultation and will return to bring justice. The Ithna Ashariyya community emphasizes the importance of the Quran and the teachings of the Imams. They hold that these leaders are divinely appointed and possess special knowledge and authority to interpret Islamic teachings, guiding their followers in both spiritual and practical matters.