Ibadhi's conception of imamate

We aim to illuminate the conception of the imamate, which is the most remarkable view of the Ibadiyya that has managed to carry itself to the present day, around its own sources. Considering the conditions of the period in which they lived, Ibadiyye, which we can call the libertarians of that day, will also bring a different perspective to today's political understanding. This sect, which does not see itself as the continuation of the Kharijites in the historical sense, appears with its original imamate views. By aiming to apply their belief and understanding styles and putting them into practice within a state organization, the difficulties they had to establish a state and their patient attitude towards them reflect the essence of their conception of imamate. Because, besides bringing original political terms such as kitmān, shurāt, diffā' and zuhūr to Islamic thought and political philosophy, they also describe the processes of statehood with these concepts. Although they have adhered to their traditions for many years, some changes and differences have occurred in their conception of imamate over time. These intra-sectarian differences can also be traced in the historical development of the Ibadis. However, their respect for freedom of thought and their attempt to maintain their moderate attitudes are closely related to their conception of faith and imamate. Our study consists of an introduction and two parts. In the introduction, information is given focusing on topics such as the importance of the research, its purpose, the method used in the research and the sources of the research. In the first part of our research, the birth, formation and development of Ibadhis are discussed. Here, the historical adventure of Basra, Yaman-Hadramut, Uman and North African Ibadism is handled. Then, the creed views on the issue of faith and great sin, which we have established a relationship with the imamate theories, are given. When it comes to the second part, the main subject of the research is here. In this section, firstly, the meaning areas of the concepts of imamate and caliphate were touched upon, then the issue of the obligation of the imamate, the necessary conditions for the presidency, the duties of the state and the different approaches within the sect that emerged over time in the conception of the imamate were examined. Keywords: Ibadhiyah, İmamate, Kitmān, Shurāt, Zuhūr