The Twelve Imams

Today's history lesson is about the first Twelve Imams of Islam (the religion of Peace).  They were the spiritual and societal leaders of Islam.  Today's Imams are reputed to be sinless and exemplerary for all of the Muslim community over which they rule.

1.  Ali ibn Abu Talib, successor to "the Prophet."  Killed with a poisoned sword, 661 A.D.
2.  Hassan ibn Ali, Muhammad's grandson and son of the above.  Poisoned by his wife, 680 A.D.
3.  Husayn ibn Ali, another grandson of Muhammad.   Beheaded during battle, 680 A.D.
4.  Ali ibn al-Hussein, psalmist.  Poisoned c. 658 A.D.
5.  Muhammad ibn Ali, legal scholar.  Poisoned 732 A.D.
6.  Ja'far ibn Muhammad, Islamic theologian, scholar.  Poisoned 765 A.D.
7.  Musa ibn Ja'far, Shi'a leader during schismatic period.  Poisoned 799 A.D.
8.  Ali ibn Musa, crown prince by Caliph Al-Ma'mun.  Poisoned 817 A.D.
9.  Muhammad ibn Ali, famously generous.  Poisoned by wife, 835 A.D.
10. Ali ibn Muhammad, poisoned in 688 A.D.
11.  Hassan ibn Ali, poisoned 874 A.D.
12. Muhammad ibn al-Hassan, the "Madhi."  Believed to be living "in occultation" since 872 A.D.
      Communicated via a succession of "deputies" until 941 A.D.
     
Sunni Muslims believe that the "Mahdi will have a broad forehead and a pointed (prominent) nose," and he will fill the earth with justice by establishing Islam throughout the world. He will rule for seven years,  not altogether unlike the "Antichrist" of The Revelation in the New Testament writings of Christianity.  Shi'a writings do not mention the Madhi's nose.  Both groups believe that he is a direct descendant of Muhammad, through the lineage of Fatima.

Now you know a bit more about "the religion of Peace."  Perhaps now you will look into the Cordoba House Project http://cordobainitiative.org/, and why the "ground zero" site is so important to Moslems as a proposed site for a "mega-Mosque."  hint:  Read about Cordoba, Spain, and the "reconquista."
It reperesents the pinpoint for the Islamic conquest of America.  Period.  Have a nice day.