Shia Islam is spelled as /ˈʃiːə ˈɪslɑːm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "shee" (long "ee" sound) and the second syllable is pronounced as "uh." The stress falls on the first syllable. The "i" in Shia is pronounced as a long "ee" sound and the "a" in Islam is pronounced as "ah." Shia Islam is a branch of Islam that believes in the imamate, which is the belief in the spiritual and political leadership of the descendants of Prophet Muhammad.
Shia Islam, also known as Shi'ism, is one of the two major branches of Islam, the other being Sunni Islam. It is the second-largest branch in terms of worldwide Muslim population, accounting for approximately 10-15% of the total Muslim population. Shia Muslims primarily believe in the principles of Islamic faith as prescribed in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Qur'an, but they also follow a distinct set of beliefs and practices that differentiate them from Sunni Muslims.
The Shia branch emerged following the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, when a disagreement arose regarding the succession of leadership within the Muslim community. Shia Muslims believe that leadership should have been passed down to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, while Sunni Muslims believe in a caliphate based on consensus. This disagreement forms the basis of the historical divide between the two branches.
Shia Islam encompasses a rich and diverse set of theological beliefs and practices, including veneration of Imams, who are believed to be divinely appointed leaders and successors of the Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims also observe mourning rituals during the month of Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet, who is highly revered in Shia Islam.
Throughout history, Shia Islam has developed various sub-sects and schools of thought, each with its own distinct practices and interpretations. Nonetheless, all Shia Muslims share a common adherence to the belief in the Imams and their guidance as the rightful successors of the Prophet Muhammad.
The word "Shia" in "Shia Islam" originates from the Arabic term "Shīʿah" which means "sect" or "party". In the context of Islam, it refers to the "partisans" or "followers" of Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. The term "Shia" first emerged during the succession crisis after the death of Muhammad in the 7th century. The Shia sect believed that Ali should have been the rightful successor to the Prophet, while the majority Sunni sect believed in electing the caliphs. Over time, the followers of Ali developed distinct theological, jurisprudential, and political differences from their Sunni counterparts, identifying themselves as the Shia sect within Islam. Hence, "Shia Islam" refers to the branch of Islam that follows the teachings and beliefs of Ali and his descendants.