Shia

Shia Islam

Shia Islam is one of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Sunni Islam. It is distinguished by its belief in the Imamah, which posits that the leadership of the Muslim community should remain within the family of the Prophet Muhammad, specifically, those designated as Imams. These leaders are considered by Shia Muslims to be the rightful successors to Muhammad, endowed with divine guidance and infallibility.

Beliefs

Shia Islam holds several core beliefs that distinguish it from Sunni Islam. The most significant of these is the concept of the Imamah. Shias believe that the Imam is not only the political leader but also the spiritual guide of the community and has the authority to interpret the Quran and Sharia based on hidden knowledge granted to them by God. The most important and contentious belief is the idea that Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, was the rightful successor to the Prophet and the first Imam.

The Twelve Imams

The majority of Shia Muslims adhere to the Twelver tradition, which recognizes twelve Imams, beginning with Ali and ending with Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed to be hidden and will reappear as the Mahdi to bring justice to the world. Each Imam in the Twelver Shia tradition is considered sinless by nature and chosen by God through the Prophet.

Practices

Shia religious practices can be seen in the observance of Ashura, the day that marks the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala. This event has a central place in Shia identity and is commemorated with public displays of mourning and passion plays reenacting the martyrdom.

Shia Islam also places emphasis on the purity of its religious leaders, the ahl al-bayt (family of the house), and often practices visitation (ziyarat) to the tombs of the Imams, particularly in the cities of Najaf, Karbala, and Qom.

History

After the death of Muhammad, the question of his rightful successor led to the division between Sunni and Shia Islam. Over the centuries, this division has deepened with various historical conflicts, most notably the Battle of Karbala.

Shia communities are predominantly found in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Lebanon, with significant populations in Syria, Pakistan, and India. Despite being a minority in the Muslim world, Shia Islam has significant political and cultural influence in these regions.

Demographics

Shia Muslims constitute about 10-15% of the overall Muslim population worldwide. Iran is the largest Shia country, where they make up about 90% of the population, followed by Iraq and Bahrain.

Contemporary issues

Shia Islam today faces several challenges and issues, including sectarian violence, political tensions, and discrimination in predominantly Sunni countries. The rise of groups like ISIS has also led to increased targeting of Shia communities in the Middle East and South Asia.

See also

• Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Hussein ibn Ali
• Shia view of the Sahaba
• Shia clericalism