Shia Islam

Shia Islam

Shia Islam is the second-largest branch of Islam, and its followers make up approximately 10-20% of the global Muslim population. The primary distinction between Shia and Sunni Islam lies in the question of leadership after the death of Prophet Muhammad. While Sunnis believe that the leader (caliph) should be selected by consensus, Shia Muslims believe that leadership should have passed through the Prophet’s family, specifically to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.

The term “Shia” comes from the Arabic “Shiat Ali”, meaning "the party of Ali," reflecting the belief that Ali and his descendants, known as the Ahl al-Bayt (People of the House), are the rightful leaders of the Muslim community. Shia Islam places significant emphasis on the family of the Prophet, particularly the Imams, who are considered divinely chosen and infallible spiritual leaders.

Core Concepts
Shia Islam shares many fundamental beliefs with Sunni Islam, such as the oneness of God (Tawhid) and the belief in the finality of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission. However, Shia Islam has distinct beliefs in the Imamate, which is the leadership of the Muslim community after Muhammad’s death. Shia Muslims believe that the Imams are divinely appointed, infallible, and have a special spiritual and political authority.

The central tenet of Shia Islam is the belief in the Twelve Imams, starting with Ali and followed by his descendants. These Imams are viewed as the spiritual guides and rightful leaders of the Muslim community. Additionally, Shia Islam emphasizes the concept of Ma'sum (infallibility) of the Imams, meaning they are free from sin and error. This belief is central to Shia devotion and practice.

Historical Context
Shia Islam emerged shortly after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, when a dispute arose over the question of who should lead the Muslim community. Sunni Muslims believed that the leader should be chosen by consensus, leading to the selection of Abu Bakr as the first caliph. In contrast, Shia Muslims believed that leadership should have passed to Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, due to his close relationship with the Prophet.

The tension between these two views came to a head after the death of Ali, with the division of the Muslim community into two major branches: Sunni and Shia. One of the most pivotal moments in Shia history is the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, in which the Prophet’s grandson, Imam Husayn, was martyred. This event is seen as a symbol of resistance to tyranny and oppression, and Ashura, the day of Husayn’s martyrdom, is observed with mourning and remembrance by Shia Muslims.

Shia Islam has developed its own set of religious practices and interpretations of Islamic law, shaped by the teachings of the Imams and the historical experiences of the Shia community. Over the centuries, Shia Islam has experienced periods of persecution and marginalization, especially under Sunni-majority empires, but it has also flourished, particularly in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and parts of South Asia.

Modern-Day Relevance
Today, Shia Islam is practiced predominantly in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and Lebanon, with significant communities in Pakistan, India, and Yemen. The Shia community has maintained its distinct identity through religious practices, rituals, and beliefs, and it continues to play a vital role in global Islamic thought and politics.

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 was a turning point for Shia Islam, as it established an Islamic republic based on Shia principles, with the Wilayat al-Faqih system of governance, which places political authority in the hands of the highest-ranking religious scholar, known as the Supreme Leader. This model of governance has influenced other Shia-majority countries and movements.

Shia Islam’s relationship with Sunni Islam remains complex, with significant theological, political, and social differences, especially in the context of modern-day conflicts in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, Shia Muslims continue to contribute to global religious thought, particularly in the fields of theology, philosophy, and social justice.

Subsects
While Shia Islam is a distinct branch of Islam, it also contains several subsects, which vary in terms of theological beliefs, practices, and political stances:

• Twelver Shia: The largest group within Shia Islam, Twelver Shia Muslims believe in the Twelve Imams, starting with Ali and ending with the hidden Imam, Imam al-Mahdi, who is believed to be in occultation and will return as a messianic figure to restore justice to the world. Twelver Shia Islam is the dominant form of Shia Islam in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain.

• Ismaili Shia: The Ismaili branch of Shia Islam diverged from the Twelvers after the death of the sixth Imam, Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq. Ismailis believe that the Imamate should have passed to Ismail, the son of Imam Ja'far, and they follow a different line of Imams. The Ismaili community is diverse, with two main branches: the Nizari Ismailis, led by the Aga Khan, and the Dawoodi Bohra Ismailis, who follow a distinct hierarchical leadership.

• Zaidi Shia: Predominantly found in Yemen, Zaidism is based on the teachings of Zayd ibn Ali, the grandson of Imam Husayn. Zaidis differ from Twelvers in their belief that the Imam should be chosen from among the descendants of Ali, but they reject the idea of the divinely appointed, infallible Imams. Zaidism is often considered closer to Sunni Islam in terms of its approach to theology and jurisprudence.

• Alawite: Predominantly found in Syria and Turkey, Alawites are an esoteric sect with distinct beliefs that blend elements of Shia Islam, Christian, and pre-Islamic traditions. Although they regard Ali as a central figure, their practices and theology differ significantly from mainstream Shia Islam.

Modern Methodology and Practices
Shia Muslims continue to practice the core tenets of Islam, including the Five Pillars of Islam, which are shared with Sunni Muslims. However, Shia Muslims emphasize the importance of the Imamate in their spiritual lives, with the Imams acting as intermediaries between God and humanity.

• Ashura: One of the most important religious observances for Shia Muslims is the mourning of Ashura, the day that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husayn at the Battle of Karbala. This event is central to Shia identity, and it is marked by processions, passion plays, and other forms of religious observance.

• Mourning Rituals: Shia Muslims engage in mourning rituals during the month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar and the time leading up to Ashura. These rituals include the recitation of elegies, public processions, and sometimes self-flagellation to demonstrate grief and solidarity with Imam Husayn’s suffering.

• Visiting Shrines: Shia Muslims place great significance on visiting the shrines of the Imams and their family members, particularly the shrines of Imam Ali in Najaf, Imam Husayn in Karbala, and Imam Musa al-Kadhimin Baghdad. These shrines serve as spiritual centers and places for communal worship and reflection.

• Fiqh and Jurisprudence: Shia Islam has its own system of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), which is primarily based on the rulings of religious scholars (Ayatollahs) rather than consensus. Shia Muslims turn to their scholars for guidance on matters of law, ethics, and daily life.

Related Points or Practices

• Tawassul: The practice of seeking intercession through the Imams, particularly Imam Husayn, as a means of drawing closer to God.

• Haddad: The term for the religious mourning rituals observed during Muharram, especially around Ashura, which are seen as a way to renew one’s faith.

• Maqtal: The narrative and recounting of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn and his companions at Karbala, often recited during religious gatherings.

Why It Matters
Shia Islam offers a distinct perspective on Islamic belief and practice, focusing on the importance of the Imamate and the spiritual authority of the Prophet’s family. The historical and theological foundations of Shia Islam have shaped the beliefs and practices of millions of Muslims worldwide. Understanding Shia Islam provides deeper insight into the diversity of the Islamic world, and the rich tradition of devotion, spiritual leadership, and social justice that Shia Muslims continue to uphold.

References

1. The Qur'an

2. Shi'ism: A Religion of Protest by Hamid Dabashi

3. The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Theology by Sabine Schmidtke

4. "Shia Islam: The History of the Islamic Tradition" by Sheila Blair

5. "Shia Islam: A Guide to the History, Beliefs, and Practices" by Nasr Shahram

6. BBC Religion: Shia Islam