Shiismo

Shi'ism, also known as Shia Islam or Shia Islamism, is one of the two major branches of Islam, alongside Sunni Islam. It emerged as a distinct theological and political movement following the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, centered around the belief that the Islamic community should be led by the descendants of the Prophet’s daughter Fatimah and her husband Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law.

The core tenet of Shi'ism is the concept of *Imamate*, which holds that Ali and his direct descendants—known as *Imams*—are divinely appointed leaders who possess infallible knowledge and guidance. Shi'ite Muslims believe that the first four Imams were martyred during the early Islamic conquests, and the fifth Imam, Ali al-Hadi, disappeared without a successor, leading to a period of division among Shi'ite factions. The Twelver (or Imami) majority, which constitutes the largest group, maintains that the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, will return to Earth at the end of time to restore justice and rule over the world.

Shi'ism is characterized by its emphasis on the Quran as the sole divine revelation, while also valuing the teachings of the Imams, known as *Hadith*. Rituals such as Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, are central to Shi'ite practice, as are prayers and acts of charity. The Shi'ite community is further divided into various sects, including Ismaili, Zaidi, and Ahl al-Kisa, each with distinct theological interpretations and historical developments.

Politically, Shi'ism has historically been associated with movements seeking to reclaim or maintain influence over Islamic governance, particularly in regions like Iran, Iraq, and Bahrain. The Islamic Republic of Iran, founded in 1979, is the most prominent Shi'ite state, governed under the leadership of an Ayatollah, a high-ranking religious scholar who serves as both spiritual and political authority. Despite its historical struggles, Shi'ism remains a significant and influential branch of Islam, shaping cultural, religious, and political landscapes across the Middle East and beyond.