Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of the branch of Islam that regards Ali as the legitimate successor to the Prophet Muhammad and rejects the first three caliphs: A Shia Muslim is an adherent of Shia Islam, the second-largest branch of Islam. This group holds that leadership of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad's death rightfully belonged to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and his designated descendants, known as Imams.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The community leader is a devout Shia Muslim.
  • Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein during Ashura.

Advanced Usage

• "Twelver Shia Muslim": A follower of the largest Shia branch, which believes in a line of twelve divinely appointed Imams.
  • Most Shia Muslims in Iran and Iraq are Twelver Shia Muslims.
• "Shia Muslim community": Refers to the collective body of Shia adherents in a particular area.
  • The Shia Muslim community gathered at the mosque for the holy day.

Variants and Related Words

• Shia (noun/adjective): Often used as a shorter form for Shia Muslim or as an adjective relating to Shia Islam.
  • He follows the Shia tradition.
• Shiite (noun): Another common term for a Shia Muslim.
  • The scholar is an expert on Shiite theology.
• Shiism (noun): The religious doctrines and practices of Shia Islam.
  • The course covers the history of Shiism.

Synonyms

• Shiite: An adherent of Shia Islam.
• Shia: A member of the Shia branch of Islam.

Related Phrases

• Shia Islam: The branch of Islam itself.
  • Shia Islam has its own legal and theological schools.
• Shia-Sunni relations: Refers to the historical and contemporary dynamics between the two major Islamic branches.
  • The conference aimed to improve Shia-Sunni relations.

Related Concepts

• Imamate: The Shia doctrine of leadership by the Imams.
  • The concept of the Imamate is central to Shia Muslim belief.
• Ahl al-Bayt: Refers to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, who are venerated in Shia Islam.
  • Shia Muslims show deep respect for the Ahl al-Bayt.

Noun

1. a member of the branch of Islam that regards Ali as the legitimate successor to Mohammed and rejects the first three caliphs