Shias

Non-Sunni Muslims

Shias are Muslims who follow Shia Islam, the second-largest branch of the faith after Sunni Islam.

The division dates to a seventh-century dispute over succession to the Prophet Muhammad—Shias believed leadership should pass through his family line.

Shias form the majority in Iran, Iraq, and Bahrain, with significant populations elsewhere.

Also spelled Shiites.

rituals

Ashura

Islamic day of fasting

theology

Imamate

State ruled by imam

  • AliArabic name, "sublime"
  • MahdiIslam's foretold deliverer
  • TawhidIslamic monotheistic principle
mourning

martyrdom

Suffering for conviction

persecution · tragedy · redemption · remembrance · weeping · black · shroud · elegies · chest-beating · procession

clergy

Ayatollah

Senior Shia clerical title

  • KhameneiIran's highest authority
  • MullahReligious leader's formal address

Khomeini

geography

Bahrain

Island monarchy, Arabian Gulf

  • LebanonMideast coastal nation
  • IraqMiddle Eastern republic
  • IranIslamic republic in Asia

Azerbaijan · Lucknow · Hyderabad

politics

Hezbollah

Lebanese Shiite militant organization

geopolitics · resistance · militia · theocracy · marginalization · representation

Categories
Opposites
islamic sectarian division

ShiasSunnis

Largest Islamic denomination

Sunni Muslims · Sufis

religious identity contrasts

Shiasatheists

Those without religious faith

non-Muslims · Christians · Jews · Hindus · Buddhists

Phrases
Family

Shia, Shiite, Shiites, Shi'a

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
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