Shiite Islam

Shiite Islam is the second-largest branch of Islam, comprising about 10-15% of Muslims worldwide.

Shiites believe that leadership of the Muslim community should have passed directly from the Prophet Muhammad to his cousin and son-in-law Ali, and then through Ali's descendants.

This succession dispute with Sunni Muslims dates to the 7th century.

Shiite Islam predominates in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan, with significant populations in Lebanon, Yemen, and elsewhere.

The tradition emphasizes the spiritual authority of imams descended from Ali and commemorates the martyrdom of Ali's son Husayn at Karbala.