Shi'a Islam

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

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Shi'a is short for Shi'áte Ali ({{lang-ar|???? ???}}), a follower of Ali ibn Abu Talib who was the Islamic prophet Muhammad's cousin, his son-in-law, and the father of Muhammad's only descendants. He was the male head of the Ahlul Bayt, Muhammad's household, after Muhammad died. Shi'a Muslims believe that Ali should have followed Muhammad as the direct 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 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.

Related Topics:
Ali ibn Abu Talib - Prophet - Muhammad - Ahlul Bayt - Sunni Muslims - Abu Bakr - Caliph - 632 CE - Schism

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