Shia Islam

Shia Islam is one of the two major branches of Islam; the other is Sunni Islam. The foundational idea of Shia thought is that leadership of the Muslim community (the imamate) properly belongs to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly Ali ibn Abu Talib and his descendants. This group comprises a small portion of Muslims, generally estimated at between 10 and 15 percent, with the largest populations in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and Lebanon.

The word "Shia" means "group" or "followers," originally derived from the phrase "Shiat Ali" (followers of Ali). Shia and Sunni Islam share the fundamental articles of faith—the oneness of God, the prophethood of Muhammad, and the Quran—but differ on matters concerning religious authority, accepted hadith (reports of the Prophet's words and deeds), and certain legal schools.

Historical Origins

The split emerged from a dispute over leadership following the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE. One group held that Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, had been designated as his successor. Others supported the selection of Abu Bakr. The dispute intensified during the sectarian conflicts of Islam's first century, particularly following the event of Karbala in 680, where Hussein ibn Ali was killed. Karbala became the central focus of Shia commemoration and practice, observed especially during the month of Muharram.

The Imamate

The imamate is a concept central to Shia thought. The imam is not merely a political leader but possesses religious authority derived from God. Most Shias believe that the imams are protected from error and sin. Differences among Shia groups rest largely on the number and lineage of imams they recognize.

Major Branches

The largest group is Twelver Shia (Ithnā ʿAsharīya), which recognizes twelve imams, the last of whom is believed to be in a state of concealment (ghayba) and will return in the future. This became the official religion of Iran from the 16th century onward under the Safavids. Ismaili Shia (Sevener) diverged over the succession of the seventh imam; today it has several branches, including Nizari, which follows the Aga Khan. Zaidi Shia, concentrated in Yemen, resembles Sunni Islam in many legal matters.

Religious Learning and Authority

During the period of concealment, religious interpretation passed to scholars (mujtahideen). Major centers of learning include Najaf (Iraq) and Qom (Iran). The concept of marja al-taqlīd (source of emulation) holds that ordinary Shias follow the legal rulings of a preeminent scholar of their choice. The doctrine of wilāyat al-faqīh (guardianship of the jurist), developed by Ruhollah Khomeini, argues that a qualified jurist may assume state leadership; this view is not accepted by all Shia scholars.