Shia Islam

Shia Islam

Constituting about 10-15% of Muslims, diverges from Sunni Islam primarily in its belief in Ali, Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, as his rightful successor. Shias emphasize the leadership of the Imams, direct descendants of Ali, considering them divinely appointed and infallible. This branch is characterized by distinct practices, including the commemoration of Imam Husayn's martyrdom at Karbala. Shia Islam includes several subsects, with Twelvers being the largest, and it maintains unique jurisprudential and theological interpretations.