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{{ShiaTerms}} {{ShiaTerms}}


'''Shī‘a Islam''', also '''Shi‘ite Islam''' or '''Shi‘ism''' (] {{lang|ar|شيعة}} ''{{ArabDIN|šīʿa}}''), is the second largest denomination of the ] faith after ]. Shias adhere to the teachings of the ] and the religious guidance of his family (who are referred to as the ]) or his descendents known as ].]'s bloodline continues only through his beloved daughter ] and cousin ] which alongside the prophet's grandsons are the ]. Thus, Shi'as consider ]'s descendents as the true source of guidance while considering the first three ruling Sunni ] a historic occurrence and not something attached to faith. The singular/adjective form is ''{{ArabDIN|šīʿī}}'' ({{lang|ar|شيعي}}.) and refers to a follower of the faction of Imam Ali according to the Shia ideology. '''Shī‘a''', also '''Shi'ah''' and '''Shi‘ite''' (] {{lang|ar|شيعة}} ''{{ArabDIN|šīʿa}}''), is the second largest denomination of Islam. The singular/adjective form is ''{{ArabDIN|šīʿī}}'' ({{lang|ar|شيعي}}.) and refers to a follower of the faction of Imam ] according to the Shia ideology.


Shias adhere to the teachings of ] and the religious guidance of his family (who are referred to as the ]) or Muhammad's descendents known as ]. Muhammad's bloodline continues only through his daughter ] and her husband ], who alongside the Prophet Muhammad's grandsons are among the '']'' (''"people of the house "''). According to Shia theology the definite persons which have been called ] are the teachers of Islam and guides of Muslim society after death of prophet and people should refer to them and they're the appointed rulers of Muslims. Thus, Shi'as consider Prophet Muhammad's descendants as the true source of guidance while considering the first three ruling Sunni ] a historic occurrence and not something attached to faith.
Shia Islam, like ], has at times been divided into many branches; however, only three of these currently have a significant number of followers. The best known and the one with most adherents is the ] ('''{{lang|ar|اثنا عشرية}}''' ''{{ArabDIN|iṯnāʿašariyya}}'') which have a large percentage in ] 90% and ]; the others are ], ], and ]. ]s and ]s consider themselves Shias, although this is sometimes disputed by mainstream Shias<ref name="alawite"></ref>. The ] among the Shias are the ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] orders and denominations. Twenty percent of Turkey's population is ] while Lebanon and Syria have a large presence of Druze and Alawites.

In second and third century of Islamic history Shia Islam has been divided into many branches because of disagreement on who is the real Imam; however, only three of these currently have a significant number of followers. The best known and the one with most adherents is the ] ('''{{lang|ar|اثنا عشرية}}''' ''{{ArabDIN|iṯnāʿašariyya}}'') which have a large percentage (90%) in ] and ]; the others are ] and ]. ]s and ]s consider themselves Shias, although this is sometimes disputed by mainstream Shias.<ref name="alawite"></ref> The ] among the Shias are the ], ], ], Noorbakhshi, ], ], Hamadani and ] orders and denominations.

According to most sources, including the US Library of Congress, present estimates indicate that approximately 85% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and approximately 15% are Shi'a. Today there are estimated to be between 130 and 190 million Shi'a Muslims<ref>http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=R120</ref> (including ], ], ]s) throughout the world, about three quarters of whom reside in Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan and India.<ref name="85-15"> http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/40241_islamsects.shtml Independent News source mentioning Sunni-Shia demographic statistics]</ref><ref name="shia"></ref>


==Etymology== ==Etymology==
] ]
{{main|Shia etymology}} {{main|Shia etymology}}


"Shia" is the short form of the historic phrase ''{{ArabDIN|šīʿat ʿAlī}}'' ({{lang|ar|شيعة علي}}), meaning "the followers of Ali" or "the faction of Ali". Both Shia and Sunni sources trace the term to the years preceding the death of Muhammad; see ]. "Shia" is the short form of the historic phrase ''{{ArabDIN|šīʿa bayt ʿAlī}}'' ({{lang|ar|شيعة علي}}), meaning "the followers of the House of Ali" or "the faction of the family of Ali". Both Shia and Sunni sources trace the term to the years preceding the departure of Prophet Muhammad from this world.


The word "Shia" means "followers; members of party". It can be interpreted in a wider sense than just "followers of Ali": it signifies a claim that the Shia Muslims are the followers and believers of (Allah) the Almighty Creator of existence, His Prophets (Guides to Heaven), His Messages and the Ahlul Bayt (The Family of the House of Prophet Mohammad) and the prophet's descendents which are the ] Fathered by ]. The Messenger of Allah (Prophet Mohammad) said to Imam Ali: "Good News to you O Ali! Verily you and your companions and your Shia (followers) will be in Paradise."."{{Fact|date=February 2007}} The word "Shia" means "followers; members of party". This word had used for the followers of some notable persons during first century, then it was restricted to Ali's followers.
It can be interpreted in a wider sense than just "followers of Ali": it signifies a claim that the Shia Muslims are the followers and believers of (God) the Almighty Creator of existence, His Prophets (Guides to Heaven), His Messages and the Ahlul Bayt (The Family of the House of Prophet Mohammad) and the prophet's descendents which are the ] Fathered by ]. The Messenger of God (Prophet Mohammad) said to Imam Ali: "Good News to you O Ali! Verily you and your companions and your Shia (followers) will be in Paradise."<!--These refrences should be checked:Sahih of Muslim, vol. XV, p.176; Sahih, of Bukhari, vol. IV, p.207; Muruj al-dhahab, vol.lll, p.23 and vol.ll, p.437; Tarikh-i Abi'l-Fida', vol.l, pp.127 and 181.-->{{check}}


==The Origin and Growth of Shi'ism==
==Overview==
{{POV check}}
{{Seealso|Succession to Muhammad}}
], one of the most cherished ] collections]] ], one of the most cherished ] collections]]


According to all Shi'a and some Sunni scholars like ] Shia has originated during life of prophet. Shia refer to some verses of Quran and narrate some ]s from prophet which shows Muslim should follow Ali as an Imam specially they insist on ] and ].
'''Shia''' Muslims believe that the descendents from Muhammad through his beloved daughter ] and his son-in-law ] (the ]) were the best source of knowledge about the ] and Islam, the most trusted carriers and protectors of Muhammad's ] (traditions), and the most worthy of emulation.

Some of the ] like ], ], ], ] believed that after the death of the Prophet the ] and religious authority belonged to Ali. When ] chose as caliph they protested against him but others didn't support them.<ref>Trikh-i Ya'qubi.vol.ll, p.102</ref> <ref>Tarikh.i Tabari, vol.ll, pp.445-460</ref> But Ali did not fight ], ] or ] to prevent civil war amongst the Muslims, which was still a nascent community. <ref></ref>

The seminal event in Shia history is the martyrdom in ] CE of Ali's son Imam Hussein, who led an uprising against the caliph (71 of
Imam Hussein's family members and followers were killed as well). For the Shia, Imam Hussein came to symbolize resistance to tyranny. This event resulted in division in ] and later it was divided into two major sects while each of them has numerous branches.


During 700 and 750 CE ] and ] theorized and expanded ] and ] of Shia.
In particular, Shia Muslims recognize the succession of Ali (Muhammad's cousin, son-in-law, the first young man to accept ] — second only to Muhammad's wife ] — the male head of the ] or "people of the house") and the father of the Prophet Muhammad's only bloodline as opposed to that of the ] recognized by ] Muslims. Shia Muslims believe that Ali was appointed successor by Muhammad's direct order on many occasions, and that he is therefore the rightful leader of the Muslim faith.


==]==
This difference between following either the ] (Muhammad's family and descendents) or the ] ] has shaped Shia and non-Shia views on some of the Qur'an, the ] (narrations from the prophet) and other areas of Islam. For instance, the collection of Hadith venerated by Shia Muslims is centered around narrations by members of the Ahl al-Bayt, while some Hadith by narrators not belonging to the Ahl al-Bayt are not included (those of ], for example). Ali was the third successor to Abu Bakr and, for the Shia, the
{{POV check}}
first divinely sanctioned "imam," or male descendant of the Prophet
{{main article|Imamah (Shia doctrine)}}
Muhammad. The seminal event in Shia history is the martyrdom in ] CE of Ali's son
The main characteristics of Shia is Imamah. All shia believe that there is an Imam as the teacher, guide and ruler of the religious and secular aspects of life of any Muslim. He should be one of descendants of prophet and all of them believe that ], ], ] are imams, however there are differences in who are the later imams.
Hussein, who led an uprising against the "illegitimate" caliph (72 of
Hussein's followers were killed as well). For the Shia, Hussein came to
symbolize resistance to tyranny.


According to ]<ref>Tabatabaei, Muhammad Husayn, ''Shi'a'', translated by ], Qom:Ansarian Publications:173</ref> :
Regardless of the dispute about the Caliphate, the Shia recognize the religious authority of the ]s, also called ''Khalifa Ilahi.''
<blockquote>The imamate and religious leadership in Islam may be studied from three different perspectives: from the perspective of Islamic government, of Islamic sciences and injunctions, and of leadership and innovative guidance in the spiritual life. Shi'ism believes that since Islamic society is in dire need of guidance in each of these three aspects, the person who occupies the function of giving that guidance and is the leader of the community in these areas of religious concern must be appointed by God and the Prophet.
</blockquote>

Imams were the best source of knowledge about the ] and ]. The collection of Hadith venerated by Shia Muslims is centered around narrations by members of the Ahl al-Bayt, while some Hadith by narrators not belonging to the Ahl al-Bayt are not included. Shia, in addition to seeking to authenticate the chain transmission of hadith, considers the correlation of the text of the hadith with the Quran as a necessary condition for its validity. In Shia sources there are many hadiths of the Prophet and the Imams with authentic chains of transmission which themselves assert that a hadith contrary to the Quran has no value. Only that hadith can be considered valid which is in agreement with the Quran. A hadith heard directly from the mouth of the Prophet or one of the Imams is accepted as is the Quran. As for hadiths received through intermediaries, the majority of Shia act upon them if their chain of transmission is established at every step or if there exists definite proof concerning their truth. Therefore it can be said that for Shi'ism a certain and definitely established hadith is absolutely binding and must be followed, while a hadith which is not absolutely established but which is generally considered as reliable is utilized only in the elaboration of the injunctions of the Shari'ah.<ref>Tabatabaei, Muhammad Husayn, ''Shi'a'', translated by ], Qom:Ansarian Publications:102, 103</ref> Thus Shia follows ] on the basis of ] which has derived from ].


==Demographics== ==Demographics==

''See ] or ] for details.'' ''See ] or ] for details.''
] ]


By some estimates, approximately 15% of the world's Muslims are Shia. There are an estimated 130 to 190 million Shia Muslims<ref>http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=R120</ref> (including ], ], ]s) throughout the world, about three quarters of whom reside in ], ], ], ], ], and ]. <ref name="85-15"> http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/40241_islamsects.shtml Independent News source mentioning Sunni-Shia demographic statistics]</ref><ref name="shia"></ref> By some estimates, approximately 10% of the world's Muslims are Shia. There are an estimated 150 to 200 million Shia Muslims<ref>http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=R120</ref> (including ], ], ]s) throughout the world, about three quarters of whom reside in ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="85-15"> http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/40241_islamsects.shtml Independent News source mentioning Sunni-Shia demographic statistics]</ref><ref name="shia"></ref>


A large portion of the world's Shia live in the ]. They constitute a majority in Azerbaijan, Iraq, ] and especially Iran, where 90% of the population is Shia, giving it the highest percentage of Shia Muslims of any country in the world. In ] Shia form a ], and they remain as significant minorities in ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Among the smaller Persian Gulf states, ], ] and the ] also have significant Shia minorities, as does the ] of ]. A large portion of the world's Shia live in the ]. They constitute a majority in Azerbaijan, Iraq, ] and especially Iran, where 90% of the population is Shia, giving it the highest percentage of Shia Muslims of any country in the world. In ] Shia form a ], and they remain as significant minorities in ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Among the smaller Persian Gulf states, ], ] and the ] also have significant Shia minorities, as does the ] of ].
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About 20% of ]'s Muslim population is Shia, and significant Shia communities exist on the coastal regions of ] and ] in ] (see ]). Shia presence is negligible elsewhere in ], where Muslims are predominantly ] Sunnis. About 20% of ]'s Muslim population is Shia, and significant Shia communities exist on the coastal regions of ] and ] in ] (see ]). Shia presence is negligible elsewhere in ], where Muslims are predominantly ] Sunnis.


According to the Shia, one of the lingering problems in estimating the Shia population is that unless the Shia form a significant minority in a Muslim country, the entire population is often listed as Sunni. The reverse, however, has not held true, which may contribute to imprecise estimates of the size of each sect. For example, the 1926 rise of the ] in Arabia brought official discrimination against Shia <ref name="saudi"></ref>. The Shia-majority areas of ], ] and ] on the ], and western Arabia provinces of ], ] and ], that had large Shia minorities, have officially been completely stripped of their religious identities. Some Shia claim that they endure much bigotry and other indignities from ] authorities daily and that Shia pilgrims from other countries are often singled out for harassment (see ]); in Saudi Arabia they are called ''accaf'' (عكف) which means rejecters (رافضه). According to the Shia, one of the lingering problems in estimating the Shia population is that unless the Shia form a significant minority in a Muslim country, the entire population is often listed as Sunni. The reverse, however, has not held true, which may contribute to imprecise estimates of the size of each sect. For example, the 1926 rise of the ] in Arabia brought official discrimination against Shia.<ref name="saudi"></ref> The Shia-majority areas of ], ] and ] on the ], and western Arabia provinces of ], ] and ], that had large Shia minorities, have officially been completely stripped of their religious identities. Some Shia claim that they endure much bigotry and other indignities from ] authorities daily and that Shia pilgrims from other countries are often singled out for harassment (see ]); in Saudi Arabia they are called ''accaf'' (عكف) which means rejecters(رافضه).

For a more accurate and detailed map of Shia population in the Middle East, see

http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/images/maps/MidEastReligionCore_lg.jpg

For the relationship between Shia-inhabited parts of the Middle East and the oil and gas rescourses, see

http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/images/maps/Shias_Oil_lg.jpg


==Doctrines== ==Doctrines==
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''']''' (''Usūl al-Dīn'') ''']''' (''Usūl al-Dīn'')
* ] (Oneness): The Oneness of God * ] (Oneness): The Oneness of God
* ] (Justice): The Justice of God * ] (Justice): The Justice of God
* ] (Prophethood): God has appointed perfect and infallible prophets and messengers to teach mankind the religion (that is, a perfect system of how to live in "peace" ("submission to God")) * ] (Prophethood): God has appointed perfect and infallible prophets and messengers to teach mankind the religion (that is, a perfect system of how to live in "peace" ("submission to God"))
* ] (Leadership): God has appointed specific leaders to lead and guide mankind — a prophet appoints a custodian of the religion before his demise * ] (Leadership): God has appointed specific leaders to lead and guide mankind — a prophet appoints a custodian of the religion before his demise
* ] (The Day of Judgment): God will raise mankind for Judgment * ] (The Day of Judgment): God will raise mankind for Judgment
''']''' (''Furū al-Dīn'') ''']''' (''Furū al-Dīn'')
* ] — called "Namaaz" in Persian — (Prayer) – Performing the five daily prayers (Prayers can be made up for at night) * ] — called "Namaz" in Persian — (Prayer) – Performing the five daily prayers (Prayers can be made up for at night)
* ] — called "Roozeh" in Persian — (Fast) – fasting during the holy month of ] (Able to eat after the sun goes down) * ] — called "Ruzeh" in Persian — (Fast) – fasting during the holy month of ] (Able to eat after the sun goes down)
* ] (Pilgrimage) – performing the pilgrimage to ] (once in a lifetime) * ] (Pilgrimage) – performing the pilgrimage to ] (once in a lifetime)
* ] (Poor-rate) – paying the poor-tax (2.5% of your wealth every year should go to the poor) * ] (Poor-rate) – paying the poor-tax (2.5% of your wealth every year should go to the poor)
* ] (One-fifth of savings) – paying tax to the Imam (سهم اما) * ] (One-fifth of savings) – paying tax to the Imam (سهم اما)
* ] (Struggle) – struggling to please the Almighty. The greater, or internal Jihad is the struggle against the evil within one's soul in every aspect of life. The lesser, or external, Jihad is the struggle against the evil of one's environment in every aspect of life. This is not to be mistaken with the common modern misconception that this means "Holy War". Writing the truth (jihad bil qalam) and speaking truth in front of an oppressor are also forms of Jihad. * ] (Struggle) – struggling to please the Almighty. The greater, or internal Jihad is the struggle against the evil within one's soul in every aspect of life. The lesser, or external, Jihad is the struggle against the evil of one's environment in every aspect of life. This is not to be mistaken with the common modern misconception that this means "Holy War". Writing the truth (jihad bil qalam) and speaking truth in front of an oppressor are also forms of Jihad.
* ] – commanding what is good * ] – commanding what is good
* ] – forbidding what is evil * ] – forbidding what is evil
* ] – loving the Ahlul Bayt and their followers * ] – loving the Ahlul Bayt and their followers
* ] – dissociating oneself from the enemies of the Ahlul Bayt * ] – dissociating oneself from the enemies of the God, Prophet Muhammad, and Ahlul Bayt
{{Expand-section|date=January 2007}} {{Expand-section|date=January 2007}}


===Additional doctrines=== ===Additional doctrines===
{{Main|Additional Shia doctrines}} {{Main|Additional Shia doctrines}}
Shia have many other doctrines that are shared with other Muslims, such as wearing of the ''].'' However, some are seen as more predominantly used by Shias, such as ] (Arabic: '']''), which is the dissimulation of one’s religious beliefs when one fears for one's life and the lives of one's family members. Shia have many other doctrines that are shared with other Muslims, such as wearing of the ]. However, some are seen as more predominantly used by Shias, such as ] (Arabic: '']''), which is the dissimulation of one’s religious beliefs when one fears for one's life and the lives of one's family members.


===Misconceptions=== ===Misconceptions===
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There are seemingly widespread misconceptions about Shia doctrines, regarding how and why the Shia uphold them. There are seemingly widespread misconceptions about Shia doctrines, regarding how and why the Shia uphold them.


It is often said that the Shia worship or deify Imam Ali; however, this refers to a group who actually lived in Ali's time and who saw him as an incarnation of God. Ali, upon learning this, had them killed (they are known as the ''Ghulat'' and have no association with the Shia). The term Shia literally means the Party. Early on, the Shia were referred to as ''Shiat Ali'', or ''The Party of Ali''. While the majority of Muslims at the time of Muhammed's death favoured ] as the Caliph, a large portion of the population supported Ali, the prophet's son-in-law and cousin. Therefore, the Shia do not recognize Abu Bakr, ] and ] as the first three caliphs. (Ali was recognized as the fourth caliph in 656 C.E.) It is often said that the Shia worship or deify Imam Ali; however, this refers to a group who actually lived in Ali's time and who saw him as an incarnation of God. Ali, upon learning this, had them killed (they are known as the ''Ghulat'' or ''Nosairi'' and have no association with the Shia). The term Shia literally means the Party. Early on, the Shia were referred to as ''Shiat Ali'', or ''The Party of Ali''. While the majority of Muslims at the time of the passing away of the prophet favoured ] as the Caliph, a large portion of the population supported Ali, the prophet's son-in-law and cousin. Therefore, the Shia do not recognize Abu Bakr, ] and ] as the first three caliphs. (Ali was recognized as the fourth caliph in 656 C.E.)


Shia Islam was seen by some as a political-religious sect that recognizes the leadership of Ali and his descendants. Theologically, Sunni Islam and Shia Islam do not differ, however many ] that developed later on did become differentiated. Shia Islam claims it follows the words of Muhammad as given to him through divine guidance from God in the ''Qur'an.'' Shia Islam was seen by some as a political-religious sect that recognizes the leadership of Ali and his descendants. Theologically, Sunni Islam and Shia Islam do not differ, however many ] that developed later on did become differentiated. Shia Islam claims it follows the words of Prophet Muhammad as given to him through divine guidance from God in the Qur'an.


However, the ]s a sect of Shia Islam, hold Ali as an incarnation of God.<ref>"The ages of the world are seven in number, each of these having its own manifestation of deity. But the manifestation of the 7th age is not a ] who is yet to come, but the historical person `Ali ibn abu Talib. This is stated in the crudest form in Sura 1 i of the Majmu`: "I testify that there is no God but `Ali ibn abu Talib." `Ali is also called the Ma`na ("Idea"; cf. the ] of the ]), hence the Nosairis are also called the Ma`nawiyya." - From the ]</ref> The majority of Shias denounce such beliefs as blasphemous{{Fact|date=January 2007}} and against the grain of Islam (absolute, total and inarguable belief and existence of one God). Shia do not view Ali as a Prophet as many accuse them of doing. He is seen only as the proper protector of the Islamic nation after the death of the prophet Muhammad. However, the ]s a sect of Shia Islam, hold Ali as an incarnation of God.<ref>"The ages of the world are seven in number, each of these having its own manifestation of deity. But the manifestation of the 7th age is not a ] who is yet to come, but the historical person `Ali ibn abu Talib. This is stated in the crudest form in Sura 1 i of the Majmu`: "I testify that there is no God but `Ali ibn abu Talib." `Ali is also called the Ma`na ("Idea"; cf. the ] of the ]), hence the Nosairis are also called the Ma`nawiyya." - From the ]</ref> The majority of Shias denounce such beliefs as blasphemous{{Fact|date=January 2007}} and against the grain of Islam (absolute, total and inarguable belief and existence of one God). Shia do not view Ali as a Prophet as many accuse them of doing. He is seen only as the proper protector of the Islamic nation after the death of the prophet Muhammad.


While Shia and Sunni Muslims accept the same sacred text, the ''],'' it is claimed by Salafi's that the Shia dispute the current version. Nonetheless, Shias says that the accusation is false, as they believe that the ''Qur'an'' has never been maliciously altered.<ref></ref> While Shia and Sunni Muslims accept the same sacred text, the ], it is claimed by Salafi's that the Shia dispute the current version. Nonetheless, Shias says that the accusation is false, as they believe that the Qur'an has never been maliciously altered.<ref></ref>


==Denominations== ==Denominations==
]), IRAN]] ]), IRAN]]
* Most Shia are ] (Isna Asharai) and they recognize twelve Imams. * Most Shia are ] (Isna Asharai) and they recognize twelve Imams.
# ] (]–]), also known as ''Ali, Amir al-Mo'mineen'' (commander of the faithful), also know as ''Shah-e Mardan Ali'' (King of men) # ] (]–]), also known as ''Ali, Amir al-Mo'mineen'' (commander of the faithful), also know as ''Shah-e Mardan Ali'' (King of men)
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# Musa ibn Jafar (]–]), also known as '']'' # Musa ibn Jafar (]–]), also known as '']''
# Ali ibn Musa (]–]), also known as '']'' # Ali ibn Musa (]–]), also known as '']''
# Muhammad ibn Ali (]–]), also known as ''Muhammad al Jawad'' (]), also known as ''Taki'' # Muhammad ibn Ali (]–]), also known as ''Muhammad al Jawad'' (]), also known as ''Taqi''
# Ali ibn Muhamad (]–]), also known as '']'', also known as ''Naki'' # Ali ibn Muhammad (]–]), also known as '']'', also known as ''Naqi''
# Hasan ibn Ali (]–]), also known as '']'' # Hasan ibn Ali (]–]), also known as '']''
# Muhammad ibn Hasan (]–?), also known as '']'' # Muhammad ibn Hasan (]–?), also known as '']''
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{{Main|Status of a Shia Imam}} {{Main|Status of a Shia Imam}}


Shia Islam holds that the ] is one of the fundamentals of Islam (a part of the ''Usul-Ad-din'') and that one should follow the Imams of ], in order to correctly follow the Prophet Muhammad and his ''Sunnah.'' The Shia believe that the Imams of Ahlul Bayt are ] based on one of the verses of ''Quran'':<br> Shia Islam holds that the ] is one of the fundamentals of Islam (a part of the ''Usul-Ad-din'') and that one should follow the Imams of ], in order to correctly follow the Prophet Muhammad and his ]. The Shia believe that the Imams of Ahlul Bayt are ] based on one of the verses of ''Quran'':<br>


{{cquote|And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless. }} {{cquote|And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity; and obey God and His Messenger. And God only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless. }}


'''Sunni sources In Sahih Muslim, Chapter of virtues of companions, section of the virtues of Ali, 1980 Edition Pub. In Saudi Arabia, Arabic version, v4, p1874, Tradition #37''' '''Sunni sources In Sahih Muslim, Chapter of virtues of companions, section of the virtues of Ali, 1980 Edition Pub. In Saudi Arabia, Arabic version, v4, p1874, Tradition #37'''
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Narrated Yazid Ibn Hayyan: Narrated Yazid Ibn Hayyan:


We went to ] and said to him: You have found goodness (for you had the honor) to live in the company of the Prophet (PBUH&HF) and offered prayer behind him, and the rest of the Hadith is the same (as 3 traditions before) but the Prophet said: "Behold, for I am leaving amongst you two weighty things, one of them is the Book of Allah...", and in this (Hadith) these words are also found: We said: "Who are his Ahlul-Bayt (that the Prophet was referring to)? Are they his wives?" Thereupon Zaid said: "No, by Allah! A woman lives with a man (as his wife) for a while; he then divorces her and she goes back to her parents and her people. The Ahlul-Bayt of the Prophet are his lineage and his descendants (those who come from his blood) for whom the acceptance of charity (Sadaqah) is prohibited. We went to ] and said to him: You have found goodness (for you had the honor) to live in the company of the Prophet (PBUH&HF) and offered prayer behind him, and the rest of the Hadith is the same (as 3 traditions before) but the Prophet said: "Behold, for I am leaving amongst you two weighty things, one of them is the Book of God...", and in this (Hadith) these words are also found: We said: "Who are his Ahlul-Bayt (that the Prophet was referring to)? Are they his wives?" Thereupon Zaid said: "No, by God! A woman lives with a man (as his wife) for a while; he then divorces her and she goes back to her parents and her people. The Ahlul-Bayt of the Prophet are his lineage and his descendants (those who come from his blood) for whom the acceptance of charity (Sadaqah) is prohibited.


The Ahlul Bayt are the perfect example for mankind, and like the ]s, they should be emulated in acts and deeds. The Shia believe that the Imams of Ahlul Bayt carry the divinely appointed responsibility of protecting Islam and enacting the example of the pure '']'' of ]. The Imams of Ahlul Bayt have guided Muslims throughout history, in many cases under the most horrible circumstances and under the most severe forms of discrimination due to the cruel policies of the reigning governments of the time. They are seen as incorruptible and infallible role models for ] that have shown the way of goodness and prosperity in this world and the next in the best way until their martyrdom or occultation. The Ahlul Bayt are the perfect examples for mankind, and like the ]s, they should be emulated in acts and deeds. The Shia believe that the Imams of Ahlul Bayt carry the divinely appointed responsibility of protecting Islam and enacting the example of the pure '']'' of ]. The Imams of Ahlul Bayt have guided Muslims throughout history, in many cases under the most horrible circumstances and under the most severe forms of discrimination due to the cruel policies of the reigning governments of the time. They are seen as incorruptible and infallible role models for ] that have shown the way of goodness and prosperity in this world and the next in the best way until their martyrdom or occultation.


==Jurisprudence== ==Jurisprudence==
Line 124: Line 147:
'''Ja'fari jurisprudence''' or '''Ja'fari ]''' is the name of the jurisprudence of the ] ] ], derived from the name of ], the 6th ]. '''Ja'fari jurisprudence''' or '''Ja'fari ]''' is the name of the jurisprudence of the ] ] ], derived from the name of ], the 6th ].


The Ja'ffari Shia consider ''Sunnah'' to be the oral traditions of Muhammad and their implementation and interpretation by the Imams who were all scholars and descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter ] and her husband, the first Imam, ]. The Ja'ffari Shia consider ''Sunnah'' to be the oral traditions of the prophet and their implementation and interpretation by the Imams who were all scholars and descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter ] and her husband, the first Imam, ].


===Role of religious scholars=== ===Role of religious scholars===
{{Main|The Shia clergy}} {{Main|The Shia clergy}}
Shia Muslims believe that the study of Islamic literature is a continual process, and is necessary for identifying all of God's laws. Sunni Muslims also believe that they can interpret the ''Qur'an'' and ''hadith'' with the same authority as their predecessors - that the door to '']'' was never closed. However, the opinion of the 1st and 2nd Century (7th and 8th century Gregorian calendar) scholars ], ], ], and ] are given greater weight. Shia Muslims believe that the study of Islamic literature is a continual process, and is necessary for identifying all of God's laws. Sunni Muslims also believe that they can interpret the Qur'an and ] with the same authority as their predecessors - that the door to '']'' was never closed. However, the opinion of the 1st and 2nd Century (7th and 8th century Gregorian calendar) scholars ], ], ], and ] are given greater weight.


===Differences of Shia and Sunni traditions=== ===Differences of Shia and Sunni traditions===
Because Islamic law is based partly on the ''hadith,'' Shia rejection of some ] hadith and Sunni rejection of some Shia hadith means that the versions of the law differ somewhat. For example, while both Shia and Sunni pray five times each day, some of the prayer times differ. Shia do not believe that there is a set time for As'r and Ish'a prayers, and therefore, they are prayed together with the Thu'hur and Mugrib prayers, respectively. Likewise, Shia do not perform non obligatory prayers like Tar'raweeh, which is prayed during Ramadaan. Because Islamic law is based partly on the hadith, Shia rejection of some ] hadith and Sunni rejection of some Shia hadith means that the versions of the law differ somewhat. For example, while both Shia and Sunni pray five times each day, some of the prayer times differ. Shias believe that the combining of the timings of Dhur and Asr prayers, and, the Maghrib and Isha prayers was allowed by the Prophet. Therefore, they may pray together Dhu'hurain (Dhur and then Asr) and Mugribain (Mughrib and then Isha) prayers, respectively.<ref></ref>. Likewise, Shia do not perform non obligatory prayers like Tar'raweeh, which is prayed during Ramadaan (since they consider this an innovation), however the daily non-obligatory prayers are observed along with several other non-obligatory prayers.


Also another issue of difference between the sects is that ] or "temporary marriage" which is not forbidden for the Shia because it is found in a number of Shia traditions that the practice is permitted. There are ] Shia traditions which maintain that mut'ah is forbidden but these are dismissed as they contradict other narrations on mut'ah which were deemed more acceptable.<ref> The Shia sheikh Tusi gives the explanation that although this hadith is ], it was narrated by Ali under ] and therefore the contradiction between this hadith and those Shia narrations permitting mut'ah can be overlooked.</ref> Many Shia discourage the practice of Mut'ah, but maintain that it is permissible. Also another issue of difference between the sects is that ] or "temporary marriage" which is not forbidden for the Shia because it is found in a number of Shia traditions that the practice is permitted, even some sunni scholars believe that this practice was at first allowed and later disallowed. <ref>.</ref>. There are ] Shia traditions which maintain that mut'ah is forbidden but these are dismissed as they contradict other narrations on mut'ah which were deemed more acceptable.<ref> The Shia Sheikh Tusi gives the explanation that although this hadith is ], it was narrated by Hazrat Ali under ] and therefore the contradiction between this hadith and those Shia narrations permitting mut'ah can be overlooked.</ref> Many Shia discourage the practice of Mut'ah, but maintain that it is permissible.

The Shi'a perform ], often directed to members of lineage of Muhammad such as Ali and ] or Shi'a ]s or saints. The ] school of the Sunnis condemn this as ].<ref>,.</ref>.
<ref>.</ref>


== Supplications == == Supplications ==
The Shia have a rich collection of prayers believed to be traced back to the Shia Imams (] and his descendants through ]'s daughter). These prayers are held in a high esteem among the Shia. These prayers (''dua'') include: The Shia have a rich collection of prayers believed to be traced back to the Shia Imams (] and his descendants through ]. These prayers are held in a high esteem among the Shia. These prayers (''dua'') include:


* *
* *
* *


==Religious calendar== ==Religious calendar==
] strike their chests during the Remembrance of Muharram.]]

All Muslims, Sunni or Shia, celebrate the following annual holidays: All Muslims, Sunni or Shia, celebrate the following annual holidays:
* ] (عيد الفطر), which marks the end of fasting during the month of ] and falls on the first day of ]. * ] (عيد الفطر), which marks the end of fasting during the month of ] and falls on the first day of ].
* ], which marks the end of the ] or pilgrimage to ], starts on the 10th day of ]. * ], which marks the end of the ] or pilgrimage to ], starts on the 10th day of ].


The following holidays are observed by Shia only, unless otherwise noted: The following holidays are observed by Shia only, unless otherwise noted:
* ] celebrates ], the occasion when Prophet Muhammad announced Imam Ali's imamate before a multitude of Muslims. Eid al-Ghadeer is held on the 18th of ]. Although this day was announced by prophet Muhammad as a day that all Muslims should celebrate as all that accompanied the prophet in his last hajj did, including the first and second caliphs.
* The ] and ] (عاشوراء) for Shia commemorates Imam ]'s ]dom. Imam Husayn was grandson of prophet Mohammad, who was martyred by Yazid ibn Muawiyah, the Sunnis' 6th Khalif. Ashurah is a day of deep mourning which occurs on the 10th of ]. Sunnis also celebrate Ashurah, but give it a different meaning (see ]).
* ] commemorates the suffering of the women and children of Imam Husayn's household. After Husayn was killed, they were marched over the desert, from ] (central Iraq) to Shaam (], Syria). Many children died of thirst and exposure along the route. Arba'een occurs on the 20th of ], 40 days after ]. * The ] and ] (عاشوراء) for Shia commemorates Imam ]'s ]dom. Imam Husayn was grandson of prophet Mohammad, who was martyred by ], the Sunnis' 6th Khalif. Ashurah is a day of deep mourning which occurs on the 10th of ]. Sunnis also celebrate Ashurah, but give it a different meaning (see ]).
* ] commemorates the suffering of the women and children of Imam Husayn's household. After Imam Husayn was killed, they were marched over the desert, from ] (central Iraq) to Shaam (], Syria) via Kufah (Iraq). Many children died of thirst and exposure along the route. Arba'een occurs on the 20th of ], 40 days after ].
* ], ]'s birth date, is celebrated by the Shia on the 17th of ], which coincides with the birth date of the sixth imam, ].
* ] is the birth date of the 12th and final imam, ]. It is celebrated by Twelvers on the 15th of ]. Many Shia fast on this day to show gratitude. * ], ]'s birth date, is celebrated by the Shia on the 17th of ], which coincides with the birth date of the sixth imam, ].
* ] is the birth date of the 12th and final imam, ]. It is celebrated by Twelvers on the 15th of ]. Many Shia fast on this day to show gratitude.
* ] celebrates ], the occasion when Muhammad announced Ali's imamate before a multitude of Muslims. Eid al-Ghadeer is held on the 18th of ].
* ] celebrates a meeting between the ] and a Christian deputation from ]. Al-Mubahila is held on the 24th of Dhil-Hijjah. * ] celebrates a meeting between the ] and a Christian deputation from ]. Al-Mubahila is held on the 24th of Dhil-Hijjah.
==History of Shia-Sunni relations==
{{Main|Historical Shia-Sunni relations}}
The Shia believe that the split between the Shia and Sunni began with the passing away of the prophet, when some number of Muslims supported the successorship of Ali and the rest accepted Abu Bakr, then Umar and Uthman. They believe that the successorship was given to Imam Ali at Ghadir Khum (a hadith accepted by both Sunni and Shi’a scholars{{Fact|date=January 2007}}), and that the testimony that can be traced back to reliable sources is to be trusted, while traditions that cannot be fully verified are suspect.
Shia and Sunni historians record that many Shia have been persecuted, intimidated, and killed, through what Shia consider a ] against ]'s ]ate.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} Many prominent ] scholars are known to have openly considered the Shia as Raafidite(heretic). ], one of the most prominent early scholars of his time said in regard to the Shia ''"I have not seen among the heretics a people more famous for falsehood than the Raafidite Shi’ites."''<ref>Ibn Taymeeyah, Minhaaj as-Sunnah an-Nabawiyyah, 1/39</ref> Such statements stem mainly from differences in beliefs regarding ], ], and ], and in the Shia's use of various concepts, such as ].
The renowned ] university of theology in ], originally founded by the Shia during the reign of the ] caliphate in 988,<ref></ref> considers Shia philosophy to be an indivisible part of the body of Islamic jurisprudence.<ref></ref> Today, both Sunni and Shia students graduate from the Al-Azhar university which also teaches regarding both doctrines and uses certain Shia material in its courses. (See ]). On ], ], ] ] -the head of the al-Azhar Theological school- announced the ]
<blockquote>1) Islam does not require a Muslim to follow a particular Madh'hab (school of thought). Rather, we say: every Muslim has the right to follow one of the schools of thought which has been correctly narrated and its verdicts have been compiled in its books. And, everyone who is following such Madhahib can transfer to another school, and there shall be no crime on him for doing so.
2) The Ja'fari school of thought, which is also known as "al-Shia al-Imamiyyah al-Ithna Ashariyyah" (i.e., The Twelver Imami Shi'ites) is a school of thought that is religiously correct to follow in worship as are other Sunni schools of thought.
Muslims must know this, and ought to refrain from unjust prejudice to any particular school of thought, since the religion of God and His Divine Law ('']'') was never restricted to a particular school of thought. Their jurists (Mujtahidoon) are accepted by Almighty God, and it is permissible to the "non-Mujtahid" to follow them and to accord with their teaching whether in worship (Ibadaat) or transactions (Mu'amilaat).<ref>al-Sha'ab newspaper (Egypt), issue of July 7, 1959</ref><ref>al-Kifah newspaper (Lebanon), issue of July 8, 1959</ref></blockquote>
] ] has made differing statements on the matter, and seems to have changed his stance on Shi'aism as he acquired more knowledge on the topic:
<blockquote>"Let it be known to all that the Shi`ah are Muslims who believe in the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad(peace and blessings be upon him).
Yes, there is no doubt that the Shi`ah have their beliefs and dogmas which we condemn as heresy but this doesn’t make them non-Muslims."
(August 17, 2006)<ref></ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>"He pointed out that he travelled to Iran around 8 years ago and met with former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and was received enthusiastically. And he told the Shia scholars there that if there is to be a true discussion and unity amongst us it is necessary for a number of things to be fully stopped, such as your saying that the Quran in our hands is altered and that the Mushaf Faatemah is an addition to this Quran, and the constant insults upon the Sahaabah, May God be plaesed with them . And it is beyond imagination that I would say Abu Bakr, Radhia Allahu Anhu, and you say, La'anahu Allah, this is totally unacceptable. Also to stop consistently talking about Hazrat Ali's higher right to Khilaphah, for all them have died and the matter is finished, and that Umar bin Abdul Aziz was asked on the past conflict between Hazrat Ali and Imam Muawiyah and the blood in this conflict, he said that God has cleansed our hands from this blood so why should we soil our tongues with it."
(September 3, 2006)<ref></ref></blockquote>
Similar '']s'' (promoting the acceptance of Shi'as into mainstream Islam) have not been issued by some Sunni scholars or universities. A number of contemporary Sunni scholars such as Shaykh Dr ] (who released a ''fatwa'' regarding praying with the Shia) maintain that Shia are not considered as Muslims, unless they deny certain beliefs found in a number of Shia ''hadith'' books like ] that are accepted by the majority of ] Shia:
The Shia and Sunnis differ in their view of ] (one of the wives of the Muhammad. The Shia have a dim view of her character whereas the Sunnis consider her an exemplary woman. The differences stem primarily from her (perceived) dishonourable behaviour with the Prophet and her taking a position opposed to the fourth Caliph Ali when he was the ruler. For more details, refer to ]


==Documentation Shi'as use to support their historical claims==
==History of Shia-Sunni relations==
===Quranic documentation===
{{Main|Historical Shia-Sunni relations}}

1. Chapter 5, Verse 55. (the incident of Ali's ring during prayers)
The Shia believe that the split between the Shia and Sunni began with Muhammad's death, when some number of Muslims supported the successorship of Ali and the rest accepted Abu Bakr, then Umar and Uthman. They believe that the successorship was given to Ali at Ghadir Khum (a ''hadith'' accepted by both Sunni and Shi’a scholars{{Fact|date=January 2007}}), and that the testimony that can be traced back to reliable sources is to be trusted, while traditions that cannot be fully verified are suspect.

2. Chapter 5, Verse 3 and Verse 67. (claimed by Shi'as to have been revealed at Ghadir Khumm)
Shia and Sunni historians record that many Shia have been persecuted, intimidated, and killed, through what Shia consider a ] against ]'s ]ate.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} Many prominent ] scholars are known to have openly considered the Shia as "]" (disbelievers). ], one of the most prominent early scholars of his time said in regards to the Shia ''"I have not seen among the heretics a people more famous for falsehood than the Raafidite Shi’ites."''<ref>Ibn Taymeeyah, Minhaaj as-Sunnah an-Nabawiyyah, 1/39</ref> Such statements stem mainly from differences in beliefs regarding ], ], and ], and in the Shia's use of various concepts, such as ].

===Ahādith documentation===
The renowned ] university of theology in ], originally founded by the Shia during the reign of the ] caliphate in 988<ref></ref>, considers Shia philosophy to be an indivisible part of the body of Islamic jurisprudence. <ref></ref> Today, both Sunni and Shia students graduate from the Al-Azhar university which also teaches regarding both doctrines and uses certain Shia material in its courses. (See ]). On ], ], ] ] -the head of the al-Azhar Theological school- announced the ]
The following, from both Sunni and Shi'a sources, form the basis of the Shi'a claims vis-a-vis Hazrat ali's place in Islam:

<blockquote>1) Islam does not require a Muslim to follow a particular Madh'hab (school of thought). Rather, we say: every Muslim has the right to follow one of the schools of thought which has been correctly narrated and its verdicts have been compiled in its books. And, everyone who is following such Madhahib can transfer to another school, and there shall be no crime on him for doing so.
1. '''''Hadith of Ghadir Khomm''''', where the prophet chose Ali as general guardianship (wilāyat i Āmmah) of the people, and made Ali, like himself, their guardian (wali).

::-More than 100 of the companions of the prophet have recounted this hadith with numerous chains of transmission, and has been extensively recorded in books of both Sunni and Shia alike. For details see:
2) The Ja'fari school of thought, which is also known as "al-Shia al-Imamiyyah al-Ithna Ashariyyah" (i.e., The Twelver Imami Shi'ites) is a school of thought that is religiously correct to follow in worship as are other Sunni schools of thought.
::-Ghāyat al-Marām, p79.

::-The book Abaqāt of Musawi. India. Vol on Al-Ghadir.
Muslims must know this, and ought to refrain from unjust prejudice to any particular school of thought, since the religion of Allah and His Divine Law ('']'') was never restricted to a particular school of thought. Their jurists (Mujtahidoon) are accepted by Almighty Allah, and it is permissible to the "non-Mujtahid" to follow them and to accord with their teaching whether in worship (Ibadaat) or transactions (Mu'amilaat)<ref>al-Sha'ab newspaper (Egypt), issue of July 7, 1959</ref><ref>al-Kifah newspaper (Lebanon), issue of July 8, 1959</ref>.</blockquote>
::-The book Al-ghadir of Amini. Najaf.

] ] has made differing statements on the matter, and seems to have changed his stance on Shi'aism as he acquired more knowledge on the topic:
2. '''''Hadith-i Thaqalayn''''': In this Hadith, the prophet says: "I leave two things of value amidst you in trust, which if you hold on to you will never go astray: The Qur'an and the members of my household. These will never be separated until the day of Judgement."
<blockquote>"Let it be known to all that the Shi`ah are Muslims who believe in the Oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
::-This Hadith has been trasmitted from over a hundred channels from over 35 of the prophet's closest companions. For details see:
Yes, there is no doubt that the Shi`ah have their beliefs and dogmas which we condemn as heresy but this doesn’t make them non-Muslims."
::-The book Abaqāt of Musawi. India. Vol on Hadith-i Thaqalayn.
(August 17, 2006)<ref></ref></blockquote>
::-Ghāyat al-Marām, p211.

<blockquote>"He pointed out that he travelled to Iran around 8 years ago and met with former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and was received enthusiastically. And he told the Shia scholars there that if there is to be a true discussion and unity amongst us it is necessary for a number of things to be fully stopped, such as your saying that the Quran in our hands in altered and that the Mushaf Faatemah is an addition to this Quran, and the constant insults upon the Sahaabah, May Allah be plaesed with them . And it is beyond imagination that I would say Abu Bakr, Radhia Allahu Anhu, and you say, La'anahu Allah, this is totally unacceptable. Also to stop consistently talking about Ali's higher right to Khilaphah, for all them have died and the matter is finished, and that Umar bin Abdul Aziz was asked on the past conflict between Ali and Muawiyah and the blood in this conflict, he said that Allah has cleansed our hands from this blood so why should we soil our tongues with it."
3. ''The prophet never failed to appoint a successor when necessary: Whenever he would leave Medina, he would appoint a governor in his own place.''
(September 3, 2006)<ref></ref></blockquote>
::-Tārikh-i Yaqubi, Vol II. p59-60.

::-Sirah Ibn Hisham, Vol 2 p251 and p29, & Vol 4 p173 and p272.
Similar '']s'' (promoting the acceptance of Shi'as into mainstream Islam) have not been issued by some Sunni scholars or universities. A number of contemporary Sunni scholars such as ] (who released a ''fatwa'' regarding praying with the Shia) maintain that Shia are not considered as Muslims, unless they deny certain beliefs found in a number of Shia ''hadith'' books like ] that are accepted by the majority of ] Shia:

4. '''''Hadith-i da'wat-i 'ashirah''''': ''The prophet invited some forty men of the elders to a dinner, where he said to them: "which of you is willing to give me a truthful hand in this Divine Mission of mine, and become my brother and successor among all?" No one answered him there, except Ali, who said: "I will be your companion and minister." The prophet pointed at Ali and said: "He is my brother, inheritor, and vicegerent. You must obey him". People then laughed and told Abu Talib (Ali's father): "Mohammad has ordered you to obey your son".''
The Shia and Sunnis differ in their view of ] (one of the wives of the Prophet ]). The Shia have a dim view of her character whereas the Sunnis consider her an exemplary woman. The differences stem primarily from her (perceived) dishonourable behaviour with the Prophet and her taking a position opposed to the fourth Caliph ] when he was the ruler. For more details, please refer to ].
::-], Al-Tarikh, Cairo, Vol 2 , p63.

::-Abul Fidā, Al-Tarikh, Cairo, Vol 1, p116.
==Documentation Shi'as use to support their historical claims==
::-], al-Bidāyah wal-nihāyah, Cairo, Vol 3, p39.
===Quranic documentation===
::-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p232.

1. Chapter 5, Verse 55. (the incident of Ali's ring during prayers)
5. ''Jabir once quoted the prophet as such: "I swear by Him who holds my life in His hands, Ali and his partisans (Shi'a) will have salvation on the Day of Judgement".''

::-al-Durr al-Manthur. ]. Cairo. Vol 6. p379.
2. Chapter 5, Verse 3 and Verse 67. (claimed by Shi'as to have been revealed at Ghadir Khumm)
::-Ghāyat al-Marām, p326.

===Ahādith documentation===
6. ''Ibn Abbas once quoted the prophet as such: "When the Qur'anic verse XCVII, 7 was revealed, the prophet told Ali: This verse pertains to you and your partisans who will possess felicity on The Day of Judgement and God will be satisfied with you."''

::-al-Durr al-Manthur. ]. Cairo. Vol 6. p379.
The following, from both Sunni and Shi'a sources, form the basis of the Shi'a claims vis-a-vis Ali and their place in Islam:
::-Ghāyat al-Marām, p326.

1. '''''Hadith of Ghadir Khomm''''', where the prophet chose Ali as general guardianship (wilāyat i Āmmah) of the people, and made Ali, like himself, their guardian (wali).
7. ''When Abu Bakr was selected as Caliph, Ibn Abbas objected. Umar replied to him: "I swear to God Ali was the most deserving of all people to become Caliph. But for three reasons we pushed him aside:''
::-More than 100 of the companions of the prophet have recounted this hadith with numerous chains of transmission, and has been extensively been recorded in books of both Sunni and Shia alike. For details see:
##''He was too young.''
::-Ghāyat al-Marām, p79.
##''He was attached to the descendants of Abd al-Muttalib'' (Prophet Muhammad's gradfather).
::-The book Abaqāt of Musawi. India. Vol on Al-Ghadir.
##''People did not like to have prophecy and the caliphate assembled in one household." ''
::-The book Al-ghadir of Amini. Najaf.
::-Ibn Abi'l Hadid. Vol 1. p134.

2. '''''Hadith-i Thaqalayn''''': In this Hadith, the prophet says: "I leave two things of value amidst you in trust, which if you hold on to you will never go astray: The Qur'an and the members of my household. These will never be separated until the day of Judgement."
8.Hazrat Umar also replied to Ibn Abbas: ''"The Quraysh tribe would not have been able to bear Ali's caliphate, for had he become caliph, he would have forced the people to accept the pure truth and follow the right path. The Quraysh therefore would have sought to engage in war with him."''
::-This Hadith has been trasmitted from over a hundred channels from over 35 of the prophet's closest companions. For details see:
::-Tarikh-i Yaqubi. Vol 2. p137.
::-The book Abaqāt of Musawi. India. Vol on Hadith-i Thaqalayn.
::-Ghāyat al-Marām, p211.
9. '''''Hadith-i Haqq:''''' ''Umm Salmah once quoted The Prophet as saying: "Ali is always with the truth (Haqq) and The Qur'an, and The Qur'an and the truth are always with Ali, and until the day of Judgemnet they will not be separated from each other." ''

::-This Hadith has been transmitted through 15 channels in Sunni sources, and 11 channels in Shi'a sources.
3. ''The prophet never failed to appoint a successor when necessary: Whenever he would leave Medina, he would appoint a governor in his own place.''
::-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p539-540.
::-Tārikh-i Yaqubi, Vol II. p59-60.
::-Sirah Ibn Hisham, Vol 2 p251 and p29, & Vol 4 p173 and p272.
10. '''''Hadith-i Manzilah:''''' ''Sa'd ibn abi waqqas once quoted the prophet as such: "Ali is to me what Harun was to Moses, except that after me, there will be no other prophet."''

::-], al-Bidāyah wal-nihāyah, Cairo, Vol 7, p339.
4. '''''Hadith-i da'wat-i 'ashirah''''': ''The prophet invited some forty men of the elders to a dinner, where he said to them: "which of you is willing to give me a truthful hand in this Divine Mission of mine, and become my brother and successor among all?" No one answered him there, except Ali, who said: "I will be your companion and minister." The prophet pointed at Ali and said: "He is my brother, inheritor, and vicegerent. You must obey him". People then laughed and told Abu Talib (Ali's father): "Mohammad has ordered you to obey your son".''
::-], Al-Tarikh, Cairo, Vol 2 , p63. ::-Dhakhāir al-uqba, p63.
::-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p109, lists 100 versions of this Hadith from Sunni sources.
::-Abul Fidā, Al-Tarikh, Cairo, Vol 1, p116.
11. ''Salman Farisi once quoted the prophet as such: "After me the most learned of men is Ali".'' ::-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p528.
::-], al-Bidāyah wal-nihāyah, Cairo, Vol 3, p39.
::-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p232.
12. ''Ibn Abbas once quoted the prophet as such: "Ali is the most competent of people in Judgement".''
::-From the book Fidā'il al-Sahābah, mentioned in Ghāyat al-Marām, p528.
13. ''The prophet said: "Arbitration has been divided into ten parts. Nine parts are given to Ali, and one part is divided among all the people".''
::-], al-Bidāyah wal-nihāyah, Cairo, Vol 7, p359
In addition to these, there is extensive documentation that illustrates the acclaimed and special virtues of Ali and his distinctive services, in the eyes of the prophet and the people around the prophet. Shi'as use all these documentations to support their claims in their historical and ideological disputes with the majority Sunni.
==Major centers of Shia scholarship==
The two primary centers of ] are ] and ]. Other notable centers are:
* ]: ], ]
* ]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
* ]: ], ], ], ], ], ]
* ]: Jabal Amil Hawzah, ], ]
* ]: ], ], ]
* ]: ], ]
==Notable Shia Muslims==
5. ''Jabir once quoted the prophet as such: "I swear by Him who holds my life in His hands, Ali and his partisans (Shi'a) will have salvation on the Day of Judgement".''
===Scholars===
::-al-Durr al-Manthur. ]. Cairo. Vol 6. p379.
{{main|List of Shia Islamic scholars}}
::-Ghāyat al-Marām, p326.

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6. ''Ibn Abbas once quoted the prophet as such: "When the Qur'anic verse XCVII, 7 was revealed, the prophet told Ali: This verse pertains to you and your partisans who will possess felicity on The Day of Judgement and God will be satisfied with you."''
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::-al-Durr al-Manthur. ]. Cairo. Vol 6. p379.
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::-Ghāyat al-Marām, p326.
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7. ''When Abu Bakr was selected as Caliph, Ibn Abbas objected. Umar replied to him: "I swear to God Ali was the most deserving of all people to become Caliph. But for three reasons we pushed him aside:''
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##''He was too young.''
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##''He was attached to the descendants of Abd al-Muttalib'' (Muhammad's gradfather).
##''People did not like to have prophecy and the caliphate assembled in one household." ''
===Contemporary Scholars===
::-Ibn Abi'l Hadid. Vol 1. p134.
====Iran====

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8. Umar also replied to Ibn Abbas: ''"The Quraysh tribe would not have been able to bear Ali's caliphate, for had he become caliph, he would have forced the people to accept the pure truth and follow the right path. The Quraysh therefore would have sought to engage in war with him."''
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::-Tarikh-i Yaqubi. Vol 2. p137.
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9. '''''Hadith-i Haqq:''''' ''Umm Salmah once quoted The Prophet as saying: "Ali is always with the truth (Haqq) and The Qur'an, and The Qur'an and the truth are always with Ali, and until the day of Judgemnet they will not be separated from eachother." ''
*] (late)
::-This Hadith has been transmitted through 15 channels in Sunni sources, and 11 channels in Shi'a sources.
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::-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p539-540.
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10. '''''Hadith-i Manzilah:''''' ''Sa'd ibn abi waqqas once quoted the prophet as such: "Ali is to me what Harun was to Moses, except that after me, there will be no other prophet."''
::-], al-Bidāyah wal-nihāyah, Cairo, Vol 7, p339.
====Iraq====
::-Dhakhāir al-uqba, p63.
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::-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p109, lists 100 versions of this Hadith from Sunni sources.
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11. ''Salman Farisi once quoted the prophet as such: "After me the most learned of men is Ali".''
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::-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p528.
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12. ''Ibn Abbas once quoted the prophet as such: "Ali is the most competent of people in Judgement".''
::-From the book Fidā'il al-Sahābah, mentioned in Ghāyat al-Marām, p528.
==See also==

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13. ''The prophet said: "Arbitration has been divided into ten parts. Nine parts are given to Ali, and one part is divided among all the people".''
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::-], al-Bidāyah wal-nihāyah, Cairo, Vol 7, p359
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In addition to these, there is extensive documentation that illustrates the acclaimed and special virtues of Ali and his distinctive services, in the eyes of the prophet and the people around the prophet. Shi'as use all these documentations to support their claims in their historical and ideological disputes with the majority Sunni.
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==Major centers of Shia scholarship== * ]
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The three primary centers of Shia scholarship are ], ] and ]. Other notable centers are:
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==References==
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Revision as of 06:11, 10 March 2007

File:Imam ALI.jpg
Imam Ali's Shrine
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Template:ShiaTerms

Shī‘a, also Shi'ah and Shi‘ite (Arabic شيعة Template:ArabDIN), is the second largest denomination of Islam. The singular/adjective form is Template:ArabDIN (شيعي.) and refers to a follower of the faction of Imam Ali according to the Shia ideology.

Shias adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the religious guidance of his family (who are referred to as the Ahl al-Bayt) or Muhammad's descendents known as Shi'a Imams. Muhammad's bloodline continues only through his daughter Fatima Zahra and her husband Ali ibn Abu Talib, who alongside the Prophet Muhammad's grandsons are among the Ahl al-Bayt ("people of the house "). According to Shia theology the definite persons which have been called Imam are the teachers of Islam and guides of Muslim society after death of prophet and people should refer to them and they're the appointed rulers of Muslims. Thus, Shi'as consider Prophet Muhammad's descendants as the true source of guidance while considering the first three ruling Sunni caliphs a historic occurrence and not something attached to faith.

In second and third century of Islamic history Shia Islam has been divided into many branches because of disagreement on who is the real Imam; however, only three of these currently have a significant number of followers. The best known and the one with most adherents is the Twelvers (اثنا عشرية Template:ArabDIN) which have a large percentage (90%) in Iran and Iraq; the others are Ismaili and Zaidiyyah. Alawites and Druzes consider themselves Shias, although this is sometimes disputed by mainstream Shias. The Sufi orders among the Shias are the Alevi, Bektashi, Kubrawiya, Noorbakhshi, Oveyssi, Qizilbashi, Hamadani and Fatimid orders and denominations.

According to most sources, including the US Library of Congress, present estimates indicate that approximately 85% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and approximately 15% are Shi'a. Today there are estimated to be between 130 and 190 million Shi'a Muslims (including Twelvers, Ismailis, Zaydis) throughout the world, about three quarters of whom reside in Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan and India.

Etymology

An Iranian post stamp relating the Hadith of Qadeer, one of the instances which the holy prophet appointed Ali. This time, prominently done shortly before his demise
An Iranian post stamp relating the Hadith of Qadeer, one of the instances which the holy prophet appointed Ali. This time, prominently done shortly before his demise
Main article: Shia etymology

"Shia" is the short form of the historic phrase Template:ArabDIN (شيعة علي), meaning "the followers of the House of Ali" or "the faction of the family of Ali". Both Shia and Sunni sources trace the term to the years preceding the departure of Prophet Muhammad from this world.

The word "Shia" means "followers; members of party". This word had used for the followers of some notable persons during first century, then it was restricted to Ali's followers. It can be interpreted in a wider sense than just "followers of Ali": it signifies a claim that the Shia Muslims are the followers and believers of (God) the Almighty Creator of existence, His Prophets (Guides to Heaven), His Messages and the Ahlul Bayt (The Family of the House of Prophet Mohammad) and the prophet's descendents which are the shi'a Imams Fathered by Ali. The Messenger of God (Prophet Mohammad) said to Imam Ali: "Good News to you O Ali! Verily you and your companions and your Shia (followers) will be in Paradise."

The Origin and Growth of Shi'ism

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See also: Succession to Muhammad
File:Nahj.gif
Nahj al-Balagha, one of the most cherished Shia collections

According to all Shi'a and some Sunni scholars like Suyuti Shia has originated during life of prophet. Shia refer to some verses of Quran and narrate some hadiths from prophet which shows Muslim should follow Ali as an Imam specially they insist on Hadith of the pond of Khumm and Hadith of the two weighty things.

Some of the companions like Miqdad ibn Aswad, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, Salman the Persian, Zubayr ibn al-Awwam believed that after the death of the Prophet the caliphate and religious authority belonged to Ali. When Abu bakr chose as caliph they protested against him but others didn't support them. But Ali did not fight Abu Bakr, Umar or Uthman to prevent civil war amongst the Muslims, which was still a nascent community.

The seminal event in Shia history is the martyrdom in 680 CE of Ali's son Imam Hussein, who led an uprising against the caliph (71 of Imam Hussein's family members and followers were killed as well). For the Shia, Imam Hussein came to symbolize resistance to tyranny. This event resulted in division in Ummah and later it was divided into two major sects while each of them has numerous branches.

During 700 and 750 CE Muhammad al-Baqir and Ja'far al-Sadiq theorized and expanded Kalam and Fiqh of Shia.

Imamah

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Main article: Imamah (Shia doctrine)

The main characteristics of Shia is Imamah. All shia believe that there is an Imam as the teacher, guide and ruler of the religious and secular aspects of life of any Muslim. He should be one of descendants of prophet and all of them believe that Ali, Hassan, Hussain are imams, however there are differences in who are the later imams.

According to Allameh Tabatabaei :

The imamate and religious leadership in Islam may be studied from three different perspectives: from the perspective of Islamic government, of Islamic sciences and injunctions, and of leadership and innovative guidance in the spiritual life. Shi'ism believes that since Islamic society is in dire need of guidance in each of these three aspects, the person who occupies the function of giving that guidance and is the leader of the community in these areas of religious concern must be appointed by God and the Prophet.

Imams were the best source of knowledge about the Qur'an and Sunnah. The collection of Hadith venerated by Shia Muslims is centered around narrations by members of the Ahl al-Bayt, while some Hadith by narrators not belonging to the Ahl al-Bayt are not included. Shia, in addition to seeking to authenticate the chain transmission of hadith, considers the correlation of the text of the hadith with the Quran as a necessary condition for its validity. In Shia sources there are many hadiths of the Prophet and the Imams with authentic chains of transmission which themselves assert that a hadith contrary to the Quran has no value. Only that hadith can be considered valid which is in agreement with the Quran. A hadith heard directly from the mouth of the Prophet or one of the Imams is accepted as is the Quran. As for hadiths received through intermediaries, the majority of Shia act upon them if their chain of transmission is established at every step or if there exists definite proof concerning their truth. Therefore it can be said that for Shi'ism a certain and definitely established hadith is absolutely binding and must be followed, while a hadith which is not absolutely established but which is generally considered as reliable is utilized only in the elaboration of the injunctions of the Shari'ah. Thus Shia follows Shari'a on the basis of Jafari Jurisprudence which has derived from Jafar as Sadiq.

Demographics

See Shia population or Demographics of Islam for details.

Map showing distribution of Shia and Sunni Muslims in Africa, Asia and Europe.

By some estimates, approximately 10% of the world's Muslims are Shia. There are an estimated 150 to 200 million Shia Muslims (including Twelvers, Ismailis, Zaydis) throughout the world, about three quarters of whom reside in Iran, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Afghanistan.

A large portion of the world's Shia live in the Middle East. They constitute a majority in Azerbaijan, Iraq, Bahrain and especially Iran, where 90% of the population is Shia, giving it the highest percentage of Shia Muslims of any country in the world. In Lebanon Shia form a plurality, and they remain as significant minorities in Afghanistan, Syria, India, Pakistan, Turkey and Yemen. Among the smaller Persian Gulf states, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates also have significant Shia minorities, as does the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

About 20% of India's Muslim population is Shia, and significant Shia communities exist on the coastal regions of West Sumatra and Aceh in Indonesia (see Tabuik). Shia presence is negligible elsewhere in Southeast Asia, where Muslims are predominantly Shafi'i Sunnis.

According to the Shia, one of the lingering problems in estimating the Shia population is that unless the Shia form a significant minority in a Muslim country, the entire population is often listed as Sunni. The reverse, however, has not held true, which may contribute to imprecise estimates of the size of each sect. For example, the 1926 rise of the House of Saud in Arabia brought official discrimination against Shia. The Shia-majority areas of Al-Ahsa, Qatif and Hofuf on the Persian Gulf, and western Arabia provinces of Jazan, Asir and Hijaz, that had large Shia minorities, have officially been completely stripped of their religious identities. Some Shia claim that they endure much bigotry and other indignities from Walmen authorities daily and that Shia pilgrims from other countries are often singled out for harassment (see Status of religious freedom in Saudi Arabia); in Saudi Arabia they are called accaf (عكف) which means rejecters(رافضه).

For a more accurate and detailed map of Shia population in the Middle East, see

http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/images/maps/MidEastReligionCore_lg.jpg

For the relationship between Shia-inhabited parts of the Middle East and the oil and gas rescourses, see

http://gulf2000.columbia.edu/images/maps/Shias_Oil_lg.jpg

Doctrines

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Other variants

Including:

Islam portal

Main doctrines

The Shia believe in the five pillars of Islam, as do Sunnis, but categorize them differently. Shia beliefs include the following:

Theology of Shia (Usūl al-Dīn)

  • Tawhīd (Oneness): The Oneness of God
  • 'Adalah (Justice): The Justice of God
  • Nubuwwah (Prophethood): God has appointed perfect and infallible prophets and messengers to teach mankind the religion (that is, a perfect system of how to live in "peace" ("submission to God"))
  • Imamah (Leadership): God has appointed specific leaders to lead and guide mankind — a prophet appoints a custodian of the religion before his demise
  • Qiyamah (The Day of Judgment): God will raise mankind for Judgment

Branches of Religion (Furū al-Dīn)

  • Salat — called "Namaz" in Persian — (Prayer) – Performing the five daily prayers (Prayers can be made up for at night)
  • Sawm — called "Ruzeh" in Persian — (Fast) – fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan (Able to eat after the sun goes down)
  • Hajj (Pilgrimage) – performing the pilgrimage to Mecca (once in a lifetime)
  • Zakat (Poor-rate) – paying the poor-tax (2.5% of your wealth every year should go to the poor)
  • Khums (One-fifth of savings) – paying tax to the Imam (سهم اما)
  • Jihad (Struggle) – struggling to please the Almighty. The greater, or internal Jihad is the struggle against the evil within one's soul in every aspect of life. The lesser, or external, Jihad is the struggle against the evil of one's environment in every aspect of life. This is not to be mistaken with the common modern misconception that this means "Holy War". Writing the truth (jihad bil qalam) and speaking truth in front of an oppressor are also forms of Jihad.
  • Amr bi 'l-Ma'rūf – commanding what is good
  • Nahy 'an al-Munkar – forbidding what is evil
  • Tawalla – loving the Ahlul Bayt and their followers
  • Tabarra – dissociating oneself from the enemies of the God, Prophet Muhammad, and Ahlul Bayt
This section needs expansion. You can help by making an edit requestadding to it . (January 2007)

Additional doctrines

Main article: Additional Shia doctrines

Shia have many other doctrines that are shared with other Muslims, such as wearing of the hijab. However, some are seen as more predominantly used by Shias, such as dissimulation (Arabic: Taqiyya), which is the dissimulation of one’s religious beliefs when one fears for one's life and the lives of one's family members.

Misconceptions

Main article: Misconceptions about the Shia See also: Shia view of the Qur'an

There are seemingly widespread misconceptions about Shia doctrines, regarding how and why the Shia uphold them.

It is often said that the Shia worship or deify Imam Ali; however, this refers to a group who actually lived in Ali's time and who saw him as an incarnation of God. Ali, upon learning this, had them killed (they are known as the Ghulat or Nosairi and have no association with the Shia). The term Shia literally means the Party. Early on, the Shia were referred to as Shiat Ali, or The Party of Ali. While the majority of Muslims at the time of the passing away of the prophet favoured Abu Bakr as the Caliph, a large portion of the population supported Ali, the prophet's son-in-law and cousin. Therefore, the Shia do not recognize Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman as the first three caliphs. (Ali was recognized as the fourth caliph in 656 C.E.)

Shia Islam was seen by some as a political-religious sect that recognizes the leadership of Ali and his descendants. Theologically, Sunni Islam and Shia Islam do not differ, however many schools of thought that developed later on did become differentiated. Shia Islam claims it follows the words of Prophet Muhammad as given to him through divine guidance from God in the Qur'an.

However, the Alawites a sect of Shia Islam, hold Ali as an incarnation of God. The majority of Shias denounce such beliefs as blasphemous and against the grain of Islam (absolute, total and inarguable belief and existence of one God). Shia do not view Ali as a Prophet as many accuse them of doing. He is seen only as the proper protector of the Islamic nation after the death of the prophet Muhammad.

While Shia and Sunni Muslims accept the same sacred text, the Qur'an, it is claimed by Salafi's that the Shia dispute the current version. Nonetheless, Shias says that the accusation is false, as they believe that the Qur'an has never been maliciously altered.

Denominations

File:Imam Ali Reza.jpg
Imam Ali Reza's Shrine (Ali ar Ridha), IRAN
  • Most Shia are Twelvers (Isna Asharai) and they recognize twelve Imams.
  1. Ali ibn Abu Talib (600–661), also known as Ali, Amir al-Mo'mineen (commander of the faithful), also know as Shah-e Mardan Ali (King of men)
  2. Hasan ibn Ali (625–669), also known as Hasan al Mujtaba
  3. Husayn ibn Ali (626–680), also known as Husayn al Shaheed, also known as Sah Hüseyin
  4. Ali ibn Husayn (658–713), also known as Ali Zainul Abideen
  5. Muhammad ibn Ali (676–743), also known as Muhammad al Baqir
  6. Jafar ibn Muhammad (703–765), also known as Jafar as Sadiq
  7. Musa ibn Jafar (745–799), also known as Musa al Kazim
  8. Ali ibn Musa (765–818), also known as Ali ar Ridha
  9. Muhammad ibn Ali (810–835), also known as Muhammad al Jawad (Muhammad at Taqi), also known as Taqi
  10. Ali ibn Muhammad (827–868), also known as Ali al-Hadi, also known as Naqi
  11. Hasan ibn Ali (846–874), also known as Hasan al Askari
  12. Muhammad ibn Hasan (868–?), also known as Hojjat ibn al Hasan

Status of a Shia Imam

Main article: Status of a Shia Imam

Shia Islam holds that the Imamate is one of the fundamentals of Islam (a part of the Usul-Ad-din) and that one should follow the Imams of Ahlul Bayt, in order to correctly follow the Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah. The Shia believe that the Imams of Ahlul Bayt are infallible based on one of the verses of Quran:

And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity; and obey God and His Messenger. And God only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless.

Sunni sources In Sahih Muslim, Chapter of virtues of companions, section of the virtues of Ali, 1980 Edition Pub. In Saudi Arabia, Arabic version, v4, p1874, Tradition #37

Narrated Yazid Ibn Hayyan:

We went to Zaid Ibn Arqam and said to him: You have found goodness (for you had the honor) to live in the company of the Prophet (PBUH&HF) and offered prayer behind him, and the rest of the Hadith is the same (as 3 traditions before) but the Prophet said: "Behold, for I am leaving amongst you two weighty things, one of them is the Book of God...", and in this (Hadith) these words are also found: We said: "Who are his Ahlul-Bayt (that the Prophet was referring to)? Are they his wives?" Thereupon Zaid said: "No, by God! A woman lives with a man (as his wife) for a while; he then divorces her and she goes back to her parents and her people. The Ahlul-Bayt of the Prophet are his lineage and his descendants (those who come from his blood) for whom the acceptance of charity (Sadaqah) is prohibited.

The Ahlul Bayt are the perfect examples for mankind, and like the prophets, they should be emulated in acts and deeds. The Shia believe that the Imams of Ahlul Bayt carry the divinely appointed responsibility of protecting Islam and enacting the example of the pure Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. The Imams of Ahlul Bayt have guided Muslims throughout history, in many cases under the most horrible circumstances and under the most severe forms of discrimination due to the cruel policies of the reigning governments of the time. They are seen as incorruptible and infallible role models for Muslims that have shown the way of goodness and prosperity in this world and the next in the best way until their martyrdom or occultation.

Jurisprudence

Main article: Ja'fari jurisprudence

Ja'fari jurisprudence or Ja'fari Fiqh is the name of the jurisprudence of the Shia Twelvers Muslims, derived from the name of Ja'far al-Sadiq, the 6th Shia Imam.

The Ja'ffari Shia consider Sunnah to be the oral traditions of the prophet and their implementation and interpretation by the Imams who were all scholars and descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and her husband, the first Imam, Ali.

Role of religious scholars

Main article: The Shia clergy

Shia Muslims believe that the study of Islamic literature is a continual process, and is necessary for identifying all of God's laws. Sunni Muslims also believe that they can interpret the Qur'an and hadith with the same authority as their predecessors - that the door to ijtihad was never closed. However, the opinion of the 1st and 2nd Century (7th and 8th century Gregorian calendar) scholars Hanbali, Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafii are given greater weight.

Differences of Shia and Sunni traditions

Because Islamic law is based partly on the hadith, Shia rejection of some Sunni hadith and Sunni rejection of some Shia hadith means that the versions of the law differ somewhat. For example, while both Shia and Sunni pray five times each day, some of the prayer times differ. Shias believe that the combining of the timings of Dhur and Asr prayers, and, the Maghrib and Isha prayers was allowed by the Prophet. Therefore, they may pray together Dhu'hurain (Dhur and then Asr) and Mugribain (Mughrib and then Isha) prayers, respectively.. Likewise, Shia do not perform non obligatory prayers like Tar'raweeh, which is prayed during Ramadaan (since they consider this an innovation), however the daily non-obligatory prayers are observed along with several other non-obligatory prayers.

Also another issue of difference between the sects is that Nikah Mut‘ah or "temporary marriage" which is not forbidden for the Shia because it is found in a number of Shia traditions that the practice is permitted, even some sunni scholars believe that this practice was at first allowed and later disallowed. . There are Sahih Shia traditions which maintain that mut'ah is forbidden but these are dismissed as they contradict other narrations on mut'ah which were deemed more acceptable. Many Shia discourage the practice of Mut'ah, but maintain that it is permissible.

The Shi'a perform Tawassul, often directed to members of lineage of Muhammad such as Ali and Imam Husayn or Shi'a imams or saints. The Salafi school of the Sunnis condemn this as Shirk In al-'Ebadah..

Supplications

The Shia have a rich collection of prayers believed to be traced back to the Shia Imams (Ali and his descendants through Fatima Zahra. These prayers are held in a high esteem among the Shia. These prayers (dua) include:

Religious calendar

All Muslims, Sunni or Shia, celebrate the following annual holidays:

The following holidays are observed by Shia only, unless otherwise noted:

  • Eid al-Ghadeer celebrates Ghadir Khum, the occasion when Prophet Muhammad announced Imam Ali's imamate before a multitude of Muslims. Eid al-Ghadeer is held on the 18th of Dhil-Hijjah. Although this day was announced by prophet Muhammad as a day that all Muslims should celebrate as all that accompanied the prophet in his last hajj did, including the first and second caliphs.
  • The Remembrance of Muharram and Ashurah (عاشوراء) for Shia commemorates Imam Husayn bin Ali's martyrdom. Imam Husayn was grandson of prophet Mohammad, who was martyred by Yazid ibn Muawiyah, the Sunnis' 6th Khalif. Ashurah is a day of deep mourning which occurs on the 10th of Muharram. Sunnis also celebrate Ashurah, but give it a different meaning (see Ashurah).
  • Arba'een commemorates the suffering of the women and children of Imam Husayn's household. After Imam Husayn was killed, they were marched over the desert, from Karbala (central Iraq) to Shaam (Damascus, Syria) via Kufah (Iraq). Many children died of thirst and exposure along the route. Arba'een occurs on the 20th of Safar, 40 days after Ashurah.
  • Milad al-Nabi, Muhammad's birth date, is celebrated by the Shia on the 17th of Rabi' al-awwal, which coincides with the birth date of the sixth imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq.
  • Mid-Sha'ban is the birth date of the 12th and final imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi. It is celebrated by Twelvers on the 15th of Shaban. Many Shia fast on this day to show gratitude.
  • Al-Mubahila celebrates a meeting between the household of Muhammad and a Christian deputation from Najran. Al-Mubahila is held on the 24th of Dhil-Hijjah.

History of Shia-Sunni relations

Main article: Historical Shia-Sunni relations

The Shia believe that the split between the Shia and Sunni began with the passing away of the prophet, when some number of Muslims supported the successorship of Ali and the rest accepted Abu Bakr, then Umar and Uthman. They believe that the successorship was given to Imam Ali at Ghadir Khum (a hadith accepted by both Sunni and Shi’a scholars), and that the testimony that can be traced back to reliable sources is to be trusted, while traditions that cannot be fully verified are suspect.

Shia and Sunni historians record that many Shia have been persecuted, intimidated, and killed, through what Shia consider a coup d'état against Ali's caliphate. Many prominent Sunni scholars are known to have openly considered the Shia as Raafidite(heretic). Imam Ash-Shafi'i, one of the most prominent early scholars of his time said in regard to the Shia "I have not seen among the heretics a people more famous for falsehood than the Raafidite Shi’ites." Such statements stem mainly from differences in beliefs regarding Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Umar, and other companions, and in the Shia's use of various concepts, such as Muta.

The renowned al-Azhar university of theology in Egypt, originally founded by the Shia during the reign of the Fatimid caliphate in 988, considers Shia philosophy to be an indivisible part of the body of Islamic jurisprudence. Today, both Sunni and Shia students graduate from the Al-Azhar university which also teaches regarding both doctrines and uses certain Shia material in its courses. (See List of Shia books). On July 6, 1959, Shaikh Mahmoud Shaltout -the head of the al-Azhar Theological school- announced the al-Azhar Shia Fatwa

1) Islam does not require a Muslim to follow a particular Madh'hab (school of thought). Rather, we say: every Muslim has the right to follow one of the schools of thought which has been correctly narrated and its verdicts have been compiled in its books. And, everyone who is following such Madhahib can transfer to another school, and there shall be no crime on him for doing so.

2) The Ja'fari school of thought, which is also known as "al-Shia al-Imamiyyah al-Ithna Ashariyyah" (i.e., The Twelver Imami Shi'ites) is a school of thought that is religiously correct to follow in worship as are other Sunni schools of thought.

Muslims must know this, and ought to refrain from unjust prejudice to any particular school of thought, since the religion of God and His Divine Law (Shari'ah) was never restricted to a particular school of thought. Their jurists (Mujtahidoon) are accepted by Almighty God, and it is permissible to the "non-Mujtahid" to follow them and to accord with their teaching whether in worship (Ibadaat) or transactions (Mu'amilaat).

Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi has made differing statements on the matter, and seems to have changed his stance on Shi'aism as he acquired more knowledge on the topic:

"Let it be known to all that the Shi`ah are Muslims who believe in the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad(peace and blessings be upon him).

Yes, there is no doubt that the Shi`ah have their beliefs and dogmas which we condemn as heresy but this doesn’t make them non-Muslims."

(August 17, 2006)

"He pointed out that he travelled to Iran around 8 years ago and met with former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and was received enthusiastically. And he told the Shia scholars there that if there is to be a true discussion and unity amongst us it is necessary for a number of things to be fully stopped, such as your saying that the Quran in our hands is altered and that the Mushaf Faatemah is an addition to this Quran, and the constant insults upon the Sahaabah, May God be plaesed with them . And it is beyond imagination that I would say Abu Bakr, Radhia Allahu Anhu, and you say, La'anahu Allah, this is totally unacceptable. Also to stop consistently talking about Hazrat Ali's higher right to Khilaphah, for all them have died and the matter is finished, and that Umar bin Abdul Aziz was asked on the past conflict between Hazrat Ali and Imam Muawiyah and the blood in this conflict, he said that God has cleansed our hands from this blood so why should we soil our tongues with it." (September 3, 2006)

Similar fatwas (promoting the acceptance of Shi'as into mainstream Islam) have not been issued by some Sunni scholars or universities. A number of contemporary Sunni scholars such as Shaykh Dr Khaalid ibn ‘Ali al-Mushayqih (who released a fatwa regarding praying with the Shia) maintain that Shia are not considered as Muslims, unless they deny certain beliefs found in a number of Shia hadith books like al-Kafi that are accepted by the majority of twelver Shia:

The Shia and Sunnis differ in their view of Aisha (one of the wives of the Muhammad. The Shia have a dim view of her character whereas the Sunnis consider her an exemplary woman. The differences stem primarily from her (perceived) dishonourable behaviour with the Prophet and her taking a position opposed to the fourth Caliph Ali when he was the ruler. For more details, refer to Sunni and Shia views of Aisha

Documentation Shi'as use to support their historical claims

Quranic documentation

1. Chapter 5, Verse 55. (the incident of Ali's ring during prayers)

2. Chapter 5, Verse 3 and Verse 67. (claimed by Shi'as to have been revealed at Ghadir Khumm)

Ahādith documentation

The following, from both Sunni and Shi'a sources, form the basis of the Shi'a claims vis-a-vis Hazrat ali's place in Islam:

1. Hadith of Ghadir Khomm, where the prophet chose Ali as general guardianship (wilāyat i Āmmah) of the people, and made Ali, like himself, their guardian (wali).

-More than 100 of the companions of the prophet have recounted this hadith with numerous chains of transmission, and has been extensively recorded in books of both Sunni and Shia alike. For details see:
-Ghāyat al-Marām, p79.
-The book Abaqāt of Musawi. India. Vol on Al-Ghadir.
-The book Al-ghadir of Amini. Najaf.

2. Hadith-i Thaqalayn: In this Hadith, the prophet says: "I leave two things of value amidst you in trust, which if you hold on to you will never go astray: The Qur'an and the members of my household. These will never be separated until the day of Judgement."

-This Hadith has been trasmitted from over a hundred channels from over 35 of the prophet's closest companions. For details see:
-The book Abaqāt of Musawi. India. Vol on Hadith-i Thaqalayn.
-Ghāyat al-Marām, p211.

3. The prophet never failed to appoint a successor when necessary: Whenever he would leave Medina, he would appoint a governor in his own place.

-Tārikh-i Yaqubi, Vol II. p59-60.
-Sirah Ibn Hisham, Vol 2 p251 and p29, & Vol 4 p173 and p272.

4. Hadith-i da'wat-i 'ashirah: The prophet invited some forty men of the elders to a dinner, where he said to them: "which of you is willing to give me a truthful hand in this Divine Mission of mine, and become my brother and successor among all?" No one answered him there, except Ali, who said: "I will be your companion and minister." The prophet pointed at Ali and said: "He is my brother, inheritor, and vicegerent. You must obey him". People then laughed and told Abu Talib (Ali's father): "Mohammad has ordered you to obey your son".

-Al-Tabari, Al-Tarikh, Cairo, Vol 2 , p63.
-Abul Fidā, Al-Tarikh, Cairo, Vol 1, p116.
-Ibn al-Athir, al-Bidāyah wal-nihāyah, Cairo, Vol 3, p39.
-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p232.

5. Jabir once quoted the prophet as such: "I swear by Him who holds my life in His hands, Ali and his partisans (Shi'a) will have salvation on the Day of Judgement".

-al-Durr al-Manthur. Suyuti. Cairo. Vol 6. p379.
-Ghāyat al-Marām, p326.

6. Ibn Abbas once quoted the prophet as such: "When the Qur'anic verse XCVII, 7 was revealed, the prophet told Ali: This verse pertains to you and your partisans who will possess felicity on The Day of Judgement and God will be satisfied with you."

-al-Durr al-Manthur. Suyuti. Cairo. Vol 6. p379.
-Ghāyat al-Marām, p326.

7. When Abu Bakr was selected as Caliph, Ibn Abbas objected. Umar replied to him: "I swear to God Ali was the most deserving of all people to become Caliph. But for three reasons we pushed him aside:

    1. He was too young.
    2. He was attached to the descendants of Abd al-Muttalib (Prophet Muhammad's gradfather).
    3. People did not like to have prophecy and the caliphate assembled in one household."
-Ibn Abi'l Hadid. Vol 1. p134.

8.Hazrat Umar also replied to Ibn Abbas: "The Quraysh tribe would not have been able to bear Ali's caliphate, for had he become caliph, he would have forced the people to accept the pure truth and follow the right path. The Quraysh therefore would have sought to engage in war with him."

-Tarikh-i Yaqubi. Vol 2. p137.

9. Hadith-i Haqq: Umm Salmah once quoted The Prophet as saying: "Ali is always with the truth (Haqq) and The Qur'an, and The Qur'an and the truth are always with Ali, and until the day of Judgemnet they will not be separated from each other."

-This Hadith has been transmitted through 15 channels in Sunni sources, and 11 channels in Shi'a sources.
-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p539-540.

10. Hadith-i Manzilah: Sa'd ibn abi waqqas once quoted the prophet as such: "Ali is to me what Harun was to Moses, except that after me, there will be no other prophet."

-Ibn al-Athir, al-Bidāyah wal-nihāyah, Cairo, Vol 7, p339.
-Dhakhāir al-uqba, p63.
-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p109, lists 100 versions of this Hadith from Sunni sources.

11. Salman Farisi once quoted the prophet as such: "After me the most learned of men is Ali".  ::-Bahrāni, Ghāyat al-Marām, Tehran p528.

12. Ibn Abbas once quoted the prophet as such: "Ali is the most competent of people in Judgement".

-From the book Fidā'il al-Sahābah, mentioned in Ghāyat al-Marām, p528.

13. The prophet said: "Arbitration has been divided into ten parts. Nine parts are given to Ali, and one part is divided among all the people".

-Ibn al-Athir, al-Bidāyah wal-nihāyah, Cairo, Vol 7, p359

In addition to these, there is extensive documentation that illustrates the acclaimed and special virtues of Ali and his distinctive services, in the eyes of the prophet and the people around the prophet. Shi'as use all these documentations to support their claims in their historical and ideological disputes with the majority Sunni.

Major centers of Shia scholarship

The two primary centers of Shia seminaries are Najaf and Qom. Other notable centers are:

Notable Shia Muslims

Scholars

Main article: List of Shia Islamic scholars

Contemporary Scholars

Iran

Iraq

See also

References

  1. Syria’s Alawis and Shi‘ism
  2. http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=R120
  3. ^ http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/40241_islamsects.shtml Independent News source mentioning Sunni-Shia demographic statistics]
  4. ^ Sunni-Shia demographic statistics
  5. Trikh-i Ya'qubi.vol.ll, p.102
  6. Tarikh.i Tabari, vol.ll, pp.445-460
  7. Nahj al Balagha, Letter 62
  8. Tabatabaei, Muhammad Husayn, Shi'a, translated by Sayyid Husayn Nasr, Qom:Ansarian Publications:173
  9. Tabatabaei, Muhammad Husayn, Shi'a, translated by Sayyid Husayn Nasr, Qom:Ansarian Publications:102, 103
  10. http://pewforum.org/events/index.php?EventID=R120
  11. Discrimination towards Shia in Saudi Arabia
  12. "The ages of the world are seven in number, each of these having its own manifestation of deity. But the manifestation of the 7th age is not a Mahdi who is yet to come, but the historical person `Ali ibn abu Talib. This is stated in the crudest form in Sura 1 i of the Majmu`: "I testify that there is no God but `Ali ibn abu Talib." `Ali is also called the Ma`na ("Idea"; cf. the Logos of the New Testament), hence the Nosairis are also called the Ma`nawiyya." Nosairis - From the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
  15. .
  16. hadith number 511 The Shia Sheikh Tusi gives the explanation that although this hadith is Sahih, it was narrated by Hazrat Ali under taqiyah and therefore the contradiction between this hadith and those Shia narrations permitting mut'ah can be overlooked.
  17. ,.
  18. .
  19. Ibn Taymeeyah, Minhaaj as-Sunnah an-Nabawiyyah, 1/39
  20. History of the Middle East Database
  21. What Early and contemporary Scholars Say About Shia Sect?
  22. al-Sha'ab newspaper (Egypt), issue of July 7, 1959
  23. al-Kifah newspaper (Lebanon), issue of July 8, 1959
  25. Qaradawi: Shias have penetrated Egypt and Hassan Nasrallah is an extremist (i.e. ghalli) Shia

External links

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