Shia Islam[a] is the second-largest branch of Islam. It holds that Muhammad designated Ali ibn Abi Talib (r. 656–661) as both his political successor (caliph) and as the spiritual leader of the Muslim …

Mar 7, 2026 · Shiʿi, member of the smaller of the two major branches of Islam, the Shiʿah, distinguished from the majority Sunnis. The origins of the split between the Sunnis and the Shiʿah lie in the events …

2 days ago · What is Shia Islam? From the succession dispute after Prophet Muhammad to Karbala, sects and global communities, here is how Shia Islam evolved and how it differs from Sunni Islam

May 10, 2025 · Shia Islam is a deeply spiritual and historically rich branch of Islam. From its origins in the leadership debate to the powerful story of Karbala, from theological depth to philosophical …

Mar 3, 2026 · The Middle East’s conflicts are not simply ancient religious feuds. They are modern political struggles shaped by history, identity and political interests. Here’s what you need to know …

Dec 18, 2024 · Shia Islam, the second-largest branch of Islam, emerged from a political and theological dispute over the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Its history is deeply intertwined with …

Based on Quranic verses, authentic hadith, and rational inquiry, the Shia school maintains that the Prophet explicitly appointed a successor to guide the Muslim community in religious, legal, and …