shia

Thân thiện

A Shia family gathers for a prayer in their home.

Definition

Noun: 1. One of the two major branches of Islam: Shia (or Shi'a) refers to the branch of Islam that believes leadership of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad rightfully belonged to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and his descendants. This branch is contrasted with Sunni Islam. 2. A follower of this branch: The term can also refer to an individual adherent of Shia Islam.

Usage

• The term is used as a proper noun to name the religious denomination.
• It is often used in discussions of Islamic theology, history, and contemporary geopolitics.
• Example: "The population of Iran is predominantly Shia."
• Example: "There are significant Shia communities in Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain."

Advanced Usage

• Shia Islam: The full name of the religious tradition.
• Shia Muslim: A term for an individual follower.
• Shia-Sunni relations: A common phrase referring to historical and modern dynamics between the two main Islamic branches.

Variants and Related Words

• Shi'a: An alternate transliteration.
• Shiite: A synonym for a follower of Shia Islam. (Note: "Shia" is often used for the branch itself, while "Shiite" commonly refers to an adherent).
• Shiism: The doctrines and practices of Shia Islam.

Synonyms

• Shiite (when referring to an adherent)
• Partisan of Ali (historical term)

Notes on Meaning

• The word originates from the Arabic "Shīʿah," which is a short form of "Shīʿat ʿAlī," meaning "the party of Ali."
• It specifically denotes a theological and legal school within Islam with distinct beliefs regarding religious authority (the Imamate).

Học thuật

Noun

1. one of the two main branches of orthodox Islam; mainly in Iran

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Shiah
• Shia
• Shiah Islam