How was Shia formed?
Shias adhere to the teachings of Muhammad and the religious guidance of his family (who are referred to as the Ahl al-Bayt) or his descendants known as Shia Imams. The first part was the emergence of the Shia, which starts after Muhammad’s death in 632 and lasts until Battle of Karbala in 680.
What is the concept of Shia?
1 : the Muslims of the branch of Islam comprising sects believing in Ali and the Imams as the only rightful successors of Muhammad and in the concealment and messianic return of the last recognized Imam — compare sunni. 2 : shiite. 3 : the branch of Islam formed by the Shia.
Where did Shia originate?
Shia Muslims are in the majority in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Azerbaijan and, according to some estimates, Yemen. There are also large Shia communities in Afghanistan, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
What caused the formation of Sunni and Shia Muslims?
The original split between Sunnis and Shiites occurred soon after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, in the year 632. “There was a dispute in the community of Muslims in present-day Saudi Arabia over the question of succession,” says Augustus Norton, author of Hezbollah: A Short History.
Do Shia believe in Muhammad?
The Shia believe that Muhammad designated Ali as his successor by God’s command (Eid Al Ghadir). Ali was Muhammad’s first-cousin and closest living male relative as well as his son-in-law, having married Muhammad’s daughter Fatimah.
What does Shia literally mean?
Al-Shahrastani expresses that the term Shia refers to those who believe that Ali is designated as the Heir, Imam and caliph by Muhammad and that Ali’s authority is maintained through his descendants. For the Shia, this conviction is implicit in the Quran and the history of Islam.
Do Shias believe in Muhammad?
Shia Muslims believe that just as a prophet is appointed by God alone, only God has the prerogative to appoint the successor to his prophet. They believe God chose Ali to be Muhammad’s successor, infallible, the first caliph (khalifah, head of state) of Islam.
Who is the founder of Shia religion?
Ali ibn Abi Talib
While the founder of all Islam is clearly Muhammad, the founder of Shia Islam is unquestionably his nephew and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib. Ali would become the founder, Caliph, and first Imam of the Shia Islamic sect.
What is the conflict between Shia and Sunni?
Shia and Sunni Islam are the two major denominations of Islam. The origin of their separation can be traced back to a dispute over the succession to the Islamic prophet Muhammad as a caliph of the Islamic community.