Shia

Shia Islam, also spelled Shi’a, is one of the two major branches of Islam. It emphasizes the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad’s rightful successors from his family, known as the Imams. Shia belief holds that Imams are divinely appointed and possess special spiritual and political authority.

After the death of Muhammad, a dispute over who should lead the Muslim community caused a split. Shia Muslims maintain that Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was designated by the Prophet to be his successor. His descendants, starting with Hasan and Husayn, are revered as the Imams.

The largest Shia group is the Twelvers, who believe there have been twelve Imams, the last of whom is in occultation and will return as the Mahdi. Other branches include the Ismailis and Zaidi Muslims.

Shia practice includes commemorations of the martyrdom of Husayn at Karbala, especially during the month of Muharram, and pilgrimages to shrines such as the tomb of Ali in Najaf and the tomb of Husayn in Karbala. Different communities also follow distinct legal and devotional traditions.

Geographically, Shia communities are concentrated in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain, with sizable populations in Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and the Gulf states. Diasporas exist in many other countries. In the modern era, Shia Islam shapes religious authority, education, and politics in places such as Iran and parts of the Middle East, while engaging in interfaith dialogue with other Muslims and with non-Muslims.