Shia Islam

The second-largest branch of Islam, comprising approximately 10-15% of the world’s Muslims (150-200 million adherents). Shia Islam originated in the belief that Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was the rightful successor to the Prophet, and that leadership should remain within Muhammad’s family (Ahl al-Bayt).

Core Beliefs

Imamate

Shias believe in the Imamate—divinely appointed leaders from Muhammad’s bloodline through Ali and Fatimah. The Imam is infallible, possesses special knowledge, and provides authoritative guidance for the community.

The Twelve Imams

The largest Shia group, Twelver Shia, recognizes twelve Imams beginning with Ali. The Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is believed to be in occultation (hidden) since 874 CE and will return as the Mahdi before the Day of Judgment.

Five Pillars and Ancillaries

Shias affirm the Five Pillars but add principles known as the Ancillaries of Faith, including:

• Jihad - Struggle in God’s path
• Khums - One-fifth tax on income
• Enjoining good and forbidding wrong
• Tawalla and Tabarra - Love for the Ahl al-Bayt and dissociation from their enemies

Ghadir Khumm

Shias interpret Muhammad’s statement at Ghadir Khumm—“For whomever I am his mawla (master/authority), Ali is his mawla”—as explicit designation of Ali as successor.

Historical Development

• 632 CE - Death of Muhammad; Shias believe Ali should have succeeded
• 656-661 CE - Ali’s caliphate; conflict with Muawiyah
• 680 CE - Battle of Karbala; Husayn (Ali’s son) martyred; defining moment for Shia identity
• 8th-9th centuries - Line of Twelve Imams; development of distinct jurisprudence
• 874 CE - Occultation of Twelfth Imam; era of scholarly authority begins
• 16th century - Safavid dynasty establishes Twelver Shi’ism as state religion in Iran
• Modern era - Iranian Revolution (1979); rise of political Shi’ism

Major Branches

Twelver Shia (Ithna Ashari)

The largest group (~85% of Shias), predominant in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan. Awaits return of the Hidden Imam.

Ismaili Shia

Recognizes seven Imams (split after the sixth Imam). Led by the Aga Khan, Ismailis emphasize esoteric interpretation and are known for philanthropy.

Zaidi Shia

Closest to Sunni Islam; predominant in Yemen. Recognizes Zayd ibn Ali as fifth Imam and doesn’t believe in a hidden Imam.

Practices

Ashura and Karbala Commemorations

The martyrdom of Husayn at Karbala (10th of Muharram, Ashura) is central to Shia identity. Commemorations include mourning rituals, processions, and passion plays (ta’ziyeh).

Visiting Shrines (Ziyara)

Pilgrimage to shrines of the Imams and their descendants is deeply important. Major sites include Najaf and Karbala (Iraq), Mashhad and Qom (Iran).

Marjaʿiyyah

In the absence of the Hidden Imam, Twelver Shias follow learned scholars (Ayatollahs) who serve as sources of emulation (marjaʿ) in religious matters.

Temporary Marriage (Mut’ah)

Shia law permits temporary marriage for a fixed period, a practice rejected by Sunnis.

Geographic Distribution

Shia Muslims are the majority in Iran (90-95%), Iraq (60-65%), Bahrain (60-70%), and Azerbaijan (85%). Significant Shia minorities exist in Lebanon, Yemen, Pakistan, India, and Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Theological Distinctives

Shia theology developed its own schools of thought:

• Greater emphasis on reason (‘aql) in jurisprudence
• Allowance for ijtihad (independent reasoning) by qualified scholars
• Distinct hadith collections emphasizing reports from the Imams
• Esoteric (batini) interpretation of Quran alongside exoteric (zahiri)

Relation to Other Islamic Traditions

The Sunni-Shia divide stems from the succession dispute after Muhammad’s death. Theological differences developed over centuries, including the role of the Imams, sources of religious authority, and legal rulings. Despite historical conflicts, both traditions share core Islamic beliefs and practices. Relations vary by region and period, from peaceful coexistence to sectarian tension. Most Sufis historically have been Sunni, though Shia mysticism exists.