Shi'ite
Noun: A member of the branch of Islam that regards Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, as his legitimate successor (the first Imam) and rejects the authority of the first three caliphs who succeeded Muhammad. This branch emphasizes the authority of Imams from the lineage of Ali.
The term is used to identify an adherent of Shia Islam. It is often used in religious, historical, and sociological contexts. - He is a devout Shi'ite who follows the teachings of the Imams. - The population of the city is predominantly Shi'ite.
- As an adjective (Shi'ite): While primarily a noun, the form is commonly used attributively to describe things related to Shia Islam.
- The Shi'ite community gathered for the commemoration of Ashura.
- They studied Shi'ite theology and jurisprudence.
- Shi'i: An alternative spelling and form of the noun and adjective.
- Shia: The broader term for the branch of Islam itself, or its collective adherents (often used as a collective noun: "the Shia").
- Shiism: The noun referring to the beliefs and practices of Shia Islam.
- Shia Muslim
- Shi'i
The term specifically denotes a religious identity within Islam. It is distinct from Sunni, a member of the largest branch of Islam, which accepts the succession of the first four caliphs. The core difference lies in the belief about legitimate leadership after the Prophet Muhammad.
- a member of the branch of Islam that regards Ali as the legitimate successor to Mohammed and rejects the first three caliphs