Shia Islam

Definition

Shia Islam is one of the two main branches of Islam, distinguished by its belief in the rightful leadership of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, and his descendants. Shia Muslims hold that leadership should stay within the Prophet's family, which has significant implications for their religious practices, political beliefs, and historical experiences, especially within land-based empires that shaped the Islamic world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shia Islam comprises about 15-20% of the total Muslim population, with significant concentrations in countries like Iran, Iraq, and Bahrain.
2. The split between Shia and Sunni Islam originated from a disagreement over the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad after his death in 632 CE.
3. Shia Muslims commemorate Ashura to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, which is central to Shia identity.
4. In many land-based empires, such as the Safavid Empire in Persia, Shia Islam was established as the state religion, shaping governance and societal structure.
5. Shia Islam has unique religious practices and beliefs, including the veneration of Imams and rituals like Taqiyya, which allows for dissimulation in situations where one’s safety or faith is threatened.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the beliefs about leadership in Shia Islam and Sunni Islam.
  • In Shia Islam, leadership is based on the belief that only descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his cousin Ali are legitimate leaders or Imams. This contrasts with Sunni Islam, where leaders can be chosen by consensus from among the community. The division stems from differing views on who should lead the Muslim community after Muhammad's death, affecting religious practices and political structures within various empires.
• Discuss the significance of Ashura in Shia Islam and how it reflects their historical experiences.
  • Ashura is a pivotal observance for Shia Muslims, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Karbala. This event symbolizes resistance against tyranny and injustice, resonating deeply within Shia identity. It not only fosters communal solidarity but also serves as a reminder of their struggle against oppression throughout history. Celebrating Ashura through mourning rituals reinforces their distinct religious identity in a broader Islamic context.
• Evaluate how the establishment of Shia Islam as state religion in empires like the Safavid Empire influenced political power dynamics in the region.
  • The Safavid Empire's establishment of Shia Islam as its state religion significantly altered political power dynamics in the region by creating a distinct Shia identity that set it apart from its Sunni neighbors. This move consolidated power under a centralized authority that promoted religious unity and loyalty among its subjects while simultaneously intensifying sectarian tensions with Sunni communities. The Safavid commitment to Shia Islam not only shaped domestic policies but also influenced diplomatic relations with neighboring states, impacting regional stability for centuries.

Related terms

Sunni Islam:

The largest branch of Islam, Sunni Muslims believe that the community should select its leaders, emphasizing the role of consensus and historical precedents over hereditary succession.

Imamate: The concept in Shia Islam that refers to the leadership position held by Imams, who are seen as divinely appointed leaders with spiritual and political authority.

Fatimid Caliphate: A Shia Islamic caliphate that existed from the 10th to 12th centuries, known for its cultural and intellectual achievements, as well as its rival claim to leadership against Sunni caliphates.