Xiita

Xiita, also known as Shia Islam or Shi'ism, is one of the two major branches of Islam. The name derives from the Arabic "Shi'at Ali," meaning "partisans of Ali." Shiites believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, was the rightful successor to the Prophet. This belief stems from their interpretation of certain Quranic verses and hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet) that they believe designate Ali as the Prophet's spiritual and political successor.

The central tenets of Shia Islam include the belief in the Imamate, which posits that leadership of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad was divinely appointed and passed through Ali and his descendants. These divinely appointed leaders are known as Imams, who are considered infallible and possess special spiritual authority. Different branches of Shia Islam recognize varying numbers of Imams. The Twelver branch, the largest, believes in twelve Imams, the last of whom is believed to be in occultation (hidden) and will return as the Mahdi.

Shiites also place emphasis on the concept of Ahl al-Bayt, the household of the Prophet Muhammad, and hold them in high esteem. Rituals and observances in Shia Islam often differ from Sunni Islam, notably in the commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the Prophet's grandson and the third Imam, at the Battle of Karbala. This event is a central point of mourning and remembrance for Shiites, particularly during the month of Muharram. Geographically, significant Shia populations are found in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and Lebanon, with smaller communities present worldwide.