Shia, also known as Shiite, is a term used to refer to a branch of Islam. It is one of the two major denominations within the religion, the other being Sunni. Shia Muslims make up a significant portion of the Muslim population worldwide, accounting for approximately 10-15% of all Muslims.
This branch of Islam originated as a political disagreement concerning the rightful succession after the death of Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. Shia Muslims believe that the leadership of the Muslim community should have passed on to Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, rather than to Abu Bakr, who eventually became the first caliph of the Sunni tradition.
Shia Muslims have distinct religious practices and beliefs compared to Sunnis. They place a strong emphasis on the concept of Imamate, which refers to the belief in a line of infallible spiritual leaders or Imams. These Imams are considered divinely appointed and hold a special role in guiding the community. The most important figure in Shia Islam is the twelfth Imam, who is believed to have gone into occultation and will return as the Mahdi (a messianic figure) at the end of time.
Throughout history, Shia Muslims have developed their own religious rituals, traditions, and jurisprudence. This includes mourning processions and self-flagellation practices during the month of Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
It is important to note that while Shia and Sunni Muslims have theological differences, they share core beliefs and obligations as prescribed by Islam, such as the belief in one God (Allah) and the observance of the Five Pillars of Islam.
