The Second Largest Construct Of Shia Islam

Shi’ism is recognized as the second largest sect of Islam next to Sunnism. Shi’ism is accountable for more than 10% of the entire Muslim population and has nearly 120 to 130 million members worldwide. It is majorly practiced in places like Iran and Iraq, and also holds a majority in Azerbaijan.

History

The basic idea of Shiism began after the death of Prophet Mohamed in 632 and originally began as a political division than a practising religious group. Shias believed Ali who is the fourth caliph and son-in-law of Prophet Mohamed should have been the first in line to be Mohamed's successor. This is due to the fact that at the time he was the closest male relative. After the Battle of Karbala in 680, Shi’ism became its own sect and in 900 formed its own Shia state.

Leaders of Shia Islam

Shias look up to a line of scholars called Imams. An Imam is regarded by Shia Muslims to be both a political and a spiritual leader. There are 12 Imams that Shias believe in and they all are descendants of Prophet Mohamed. The sub sect that follows these 12 imams are called "The Twelvers" and they look up to the imams as spiritual guides. We have seen this in Sikhism, where they looked up to gurus as spiritual guides, however still remaining a monotheistic religion.

Sub-Sects

They believe that the twelve imams are the most excellent resource of information on the correct way to interpret the Quran and Islam in general. The second sub-sect is the Ismailis and is also recognized as ‘The Seveners’ because they only accept and consider the first seven of the imams.The third sub-sect is The Zaidis, whom got their name from the grandson of third caliph, Hussein. They are also known as Fivers because the only acknowledge the first Five Imams. Although these three sects seem different, their beliefs and approach on the Quran are very