SHIA MUSLIM Meaning and
Definition
-
Shia Muslim refers to an adherent or a follower of the Shia branch of Islam, which is one of the two major sects within the religion, the other being Sunni Islam. Shia Muslims make up a significant portion of the global Muslim population, estimated to be around 10-15%.
Shia Islam originated as a response to the succession of Islamic leadership following the Prophet Muhammad's death in the 7th century. Shia Muslims believe that Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, was the rightful successor and the first Imam (religious and political leader) after the Prophet. They assert that the imamate is a divinely ordained position, preserved for their twelve holy Imams, with the twelfth being in occultation and expected to return as the Mahdi or Messiah.
Shia Muslims have different religious practices and doctrines compared to Sunni Muslims. They possess their unique jurisprudential system derived from the teachings of their Imams. Shia Muslims also emphasize the commemoration of the martyrdom of their Imams, particularly Imam Hussein, Muhammad's grandson, during the event of Ashura.
Geographically, the majority of Shia Muslims are concentrated in a few countries such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan. However, Shia communities can be found worldwide and have contributed significantly to the cultural, intellectual, and political spheres within Islamic civilization.
It is important to note that the terms "Shia" and "Shiite" are often used interchangeably to refer to followers of Shia Islam, with the former being more common in academic contexts.
Common Misspellings for SHIA MUSLIM
- ahia muslim
- zhia muslim
- xhia muslim
- dhia muslim
- ehia muslim
- whia muslim
- sgia muslim
- sbia muslim
- snia muslim
- sjia muslim
- suia muslim
- syia muslim
- shua muslim
- shja muslim
- shka muslim
- shoa muslim
- sh9a muslim
- sh8a muslim
- shiz muslim
- shis muslim
Etymology of SHIA MUSLIM
The word "Shia" comes from the Arabic term "Shi'a" (شِيعَة), which means "supporters" or "followers". The adjective form is "Shi'i" (شِيعِيّ), which means a supporter or follower of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
The term "Shia Muslim" is used to describe the second-largest branch of Islam after Sunni Islam. It originated from the early divisions within the Muslim community after Muhammad's death in 632 CE. Shias believe that the leadership of the Muslim community should have been passed down to Ali and his direct descendants, while Sunnis believe in the legitimacy of the caliphs who succeeded Muhammad but were not his direct family members.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
