Shia Islam: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:44, 2 July 2005

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{{Islam}}

'''Shi'a Islam''' ({{lang-ar|شيعى}} or ''follower''). (English has traditionally used ''Shiite'' or ''Shi'ite'') is the second largest Islamic denomination.

'''Shi'a''' is short for '''Shi'áte Ali''' ({{lang-ar|شیعته علی}}), a follower of [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], who was the prophet[[Prophet]] [[Muhammad]]'s relative, a member of the [[Ahlul Bayt]] and cousin. Shi'a Muslims believe that Ali should have followed Muhammad as the leaderdirect successor and Leader of the Muslims. Sunni Muslims believe that [[Abu Bakr]], the first caliph to hold power after Muhammad, held his office legitimately. This difference of opinion regarding an event in [[632|632 CE]] may seem like a minor matter to some, but this [[schism]] shaped two Muslim traditions which differ sharply in many of their beliefs and practices.

Adherents of Shi'ism are found around the world, some countries have a higher concentration of followers, such as [[Iran]], [[Iraq]], [[Pakistan]], [[India]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Lebanon]], [[Azerbajijan]], [[Bahrain]] and other [[Persian Gulf]] states. Accurate number of adherents are disputed due to persecution and certain governments intentionally reporting lower numbers, rough estimates are that around 15-30% of all Muslims follow Shi'ism.

Adherents of Shi'ism are found around the world, some countries have a higher concentration of followers, such as [[Iran]], [[Iraq]], [[Pakistan]], [[India]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Lebanon]], [[Azerbajijan]], [[Bahrain]] and other [[Persian Gulf]] states. Accurate numberfigures of adherents are disputed due to persecution and certain governments intentionally reporting lower numbers, rough estimates are that around 15-30% of all Muslims follow Shi'ism.

'''Shi'a''' is short for '''Shi'áte Ali''' ({{lang-ar|شیعته علی}}), a follower of [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], who was the prophet [[Muhammad]]'s relative, a member of the [[Ahlul Bayt]] and cousin. Shi'a Muslims believe that Ali should have followed Muhammad as the leader of the Muslims. Sunni Muslims believe that [[Abu Bakr]], the first caliph to hold power after Muhammad, held his office legitimately. This difference of opinion regarding an event in [[632|632 CE]] may seem like a minor matter to some, but this [[schism]] shaped two Muslim traditions which differ sharply in many of their beliefs and practices.