Shiite
Not a Sunni
A Shiite is a Muslim belonging to the branch of Islam that regards Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's son-in-law, as his rightful successor.
Shiites are the majority in Iran and Iraq but a minority worldwide, comprising roughly 10-15% of Muslims globally.
The historical split with Sunni Islam dates to disputes over leadership following Muhammad's death.
Also spelled Shia.
The Shiite cleric addressed the congregation.
State ruled by imam
- MahdiIslam's foretold deliverer
- occultationCelestial body blocking another
- infallibilityIncapacity for mistakes
- intercessionActing on another's behalf
Wilayat al-Faqih · Ghadir Khumm · succession · return · guidance · authority · jurisprudence · hadith
One who replaces another
- cousinAunt or uncle's child
- FatimahMuhammad's youngest daughter
- CaliphateIslamic successor-state realm
- martyrdomSuffering for conviction
Ghadir Khumm · rightful heir · sword · justice · wisdom · shrine · veneration
Islamic day of fasting
- MuharramOpening Islamic calendar month
- lamentationPassionate expression of grief
- mourningPeriod following loss
- processionFormal moving line
flagellation · passion play · pilgrimage · chest-beating · commemoration · martyrdom · suffering · weeping
Islamic republic in Asia
- HezbollahLebanese Shiite militant organization
- HouthiYemeni rebel faction
- BahrainIsland monarchy, Arabian Gulf
- IraqMiddle Eastern republic
Lebanon · Islamic Revolution · theocracy · sectarian · minority · persecution · discrimination · political mobilization
Senior Shia clerical title
- KhameneiIran's highest authority
- turbanWrapped cloth headdress
- clerical hierarchyRanked religious leadership structure
- religious authorityGoverning force in faith
Levantine esoteric religion
- diversityState of varied elements
- schismFormal organizational fracture
- lineageDescent from progenitors
- succession disputeConflict over inheritance rights
Bright metal-covered roof hemisphere
- pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
- seminaryClergy training college
- mausoleumMonumental building for interment
- holy cityReligiously venerated urban center
Imamate
State ruled by imam
- MahdiIslam's foretold deliverer
- occultationCelestial body blocking another
- infallibilityIncapacity for mistakes
Wilayat al-Faqih · intercession · Ghadir Khumm · succession · return · guidance · authority · jurisprudence · hadith
successor
One who replaces another
- cousinAunt or uncle's child
- FatimahMuhammad's youngest daughter
- CaliphateIslamic successor-state realm
martyrdom · Ghadir Khumm · rightful heir · sword · justice · wisdom · shrine · veneration
Ashura
Islamic day of fasting
- MuharramOpening Islamic calendar month
- lamentationPassionate expression of grief
- mourningPeriod following loss
procession · flagellation · passion play · pilgrimage · chest-beating · commemoration · martyrdom · suffering · weeping
Iran
Islamic republic in Asia
- HezbollahLebanese Shiite militant organization
- HouthiYemeni rebel faction
- BahrainIsland monarchy, Arabian Gulf
Iraq · Lebanon · Islamic Revolution · theocracy · sectarian · minority · persecution · discrimination · political mobilization · resistance
Ayatollah
Senior Shia clerical title
- KhameneiIran's highest authority
- turbanWrapped cloth headdress
- clerical hierarchyRanked religious leadership structure
Druze
Levantine esoteric religion
golden dome
Bright metal-covered roof hemisphere
- pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
- seminaryClergy training college
- mausoleumMonumental building for interment