The Religion of Shia Islam – History, Beliefs, and Countries That Follow Shia Islam

Introduction to Shia Islam

Globally, Islam consists of two primary branches, and Shia Islam is one of the most significant among them. The word “Shia” comes from the Arabic term Shi‘at Ali, meaning “the supporters of Ali.” Shia Muslims believe that leadership of the Muslim community after the death of the Prophet Muhammad should have remained within his family, beginning with his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Today, Shia Islam represents a significant portion of the global Muslim population and plays a central role in the religious, political, and cultural life of several countries. While united with all Muslims in core Islamic beliefs—such as belief in one God (Allah), the Qur’an, and the Prophet Muhammad—Shia Islam developed its own historical path, legal traditions, and religious practices.

The Origins of Shia Islam

The Succession Question After the Prophet Muhammad

The roots of Shia Islam trace back to 632 CE, the year the Prophet Muhammad passed away. His death raised a critical question: Who should lead the Muslim community (Ummah)?

Two main views emerged:

• One group believed the leader should be chosen by the community, which led to the selection of Abu Bakr as the first caliph.

• Another group believed leadership was a divinely guided right of the Prophet’s family, particularly Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Those who supported Ali eventually became known as the Shia, while those who accepted the community-chosen caliphs formed what later became Sunni Islam.

This disagreement was initially political but gradually developed into deeper theological and legal differences.

Ali ibn Abi Talib and the Early Shia Identity

Ali became the fourth caliph in 656 CE, but his rule was marked by internal conflict. After his assassination in 661 CE, power shifted to the Umayyad dynasty. Shia Muslims continued to view Ali and his descendants as the rightful leaders, known as Imams.

For Shia Muslims, Imams are not merely political figures. They are seen as spiritual guides chosen by God, possessing deep religious knowledge and moral authority.

The Tragedy of Karbala: A Defining Moment

One of the most important events in Shia history occurred in 680 CE at the Battle of Karbala.

Ali’s son Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad ruler Yazid. Husayn and a small group of followers were surrounded and killed in Karbala (modern-day Iraq).

This event became the emotional and spiritual foundation of Shia Islam. Husayn’s death is remembered as a symbol of:

• Resistance against injustice

• Sacrifice for truth

• Moral courage

Every year, Shia Muslims commemorate this event during Ashura, a day of mourning and reflection.

Development of Shia Theology and Religious Structure

The Concept of the Imamate

A central belief in Shia Islam is the Imamate. Shia Muslims believe that God appointed a specific line of Imams from the family of the Prophet to guide humanity after Muhammad’s death.

Key features of the Imamate include:

• Spiritual authority

• Moral leadership

• Deep understanding of divine law

Different interpretations of the Imamate led to the formation of several branches of Shia Islam.

Major Branches of Shia Islam

1. Twelver Shia Islam

• The largest branch

• Belief in twelve Imams

• The twelfth Imam is believed to be in occultation and will return as a reformer

• Dominant in Iran and Iraq

2. Ismaili Shia Islam

• Following the sixth Imam, a unique line of Imams is recognized within this tradition.

• Known for strong educational and charitable institutions

• Found in South Asia, Central Asia, and parts of Africa

3. Zaydi Shia Islam

• Primarily located in Yemen

• Practices are closer to Sunni jurisprudence compared to other Shia branches

Shia Islam and Political Power

For centuries, Shia communities lived as minorities under Sunni-led empires. A major turning point came in the 16th century, when the Safavid dynasty declared Twelver Shia Islam as the state religion of Iran.

This decision transformed Iran into the global center of Shia scholarship, shaping Shia theology, law, and religious institutions that continue to influence Shia communities worldwide.

Core Beliefs Shared by Shia Muslims

Shia Muslims share the essential foundations of Islam, including:

• Belief in one God (Allah)

• Acceptance of the Qur’an as divine revelation

• Recognition of Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger

• Islamic faith practices emphasize daily worship, self-discipline through Ramadan fasting, generosity toward others, and pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

Where Shia Islam differs is primarily in religious authority, historical interpretation, and legal traditions, not in the fundamentals of faith.

Countries That Follow Shia Islam

Shia Muslims live across the world, but their populations are concentrated in specific regions, particularly the Middle East and South Asia.

Countries Where Shia Muslims Are the Majority

These countries have Shia Islam as the dominant religious tradition:

1. Iran – The world’s largest Shia population; Shia Islam is the foundation of state law

2. Iraq – Home to major Shia holy cities such as Najaf and Karbala

3. Azerbaijan – Predominantly Shia despite a secular government

4. Bahrain – Majority Shia population with a Sunni ruling family

Countries With Large Shia Populations (Minority or Plurality)

Shia Muslims form significant communities in many other countries:

5. Lebanon – One of the largest religious groups

6. Yemen – Large Zaydi Shia population

7. Pakistan – One of the world’s largest Shia populations by number

8. India – Historic and culturally influential Shia communities

9. Turkey – Substantial Shia and Alevi populations

10. Saudi Arabia – Shia communities mainly in the eastern regions

11. Afghanistan – Notably the Hazara Shia community

12. Kuwait – Active Shia presence in society and politics

Shia Islam in the Modern World

In the contemporary era, Shia Islam plays a visible role in:

• Regional politics

• Religious scholarship

• Cultural traditions

Shia religious centers in cities like Qom, Najaf, and Karbala continue to attract students and pilgrims from across the globe. Despite political tensions in some regions, Shia Islam remains a deeply rooted spiritual tradition with a strong emphasis on justice, ethics, and community responsibility.

Shia Islam is a major branch of Islam with a rich and complex history stretching back to the earliest days of the Muslim community. Born from a disagreement over leadership, it developed into a distinct religious tradition shaped by devotion to the Prophet’s family, reverence for the Imams, and remembrance of sacrifice and justice.

Today, Shia Islam is practiced by millions of Muslims across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. Its history, beliefs, and cultural influence continue to shape the religious landscape of the modern world, making it an essential part of global Islamic civilization.