Who is Shia Muslims?

Shia Muslims are one of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Sunni Muslims. The division between Shia and Sunni Muslims originated from a disagreement over the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad after his death in 632 CE. 

### Key Beliefs and Practices:

1. **Leadership and Succession**:
   - **Imamate**: Shia Muslims believe that leadership should have remained within the Prophet Muhammad's family, specifically passing to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and then to his descendants, known as Imams. 
   - **Twelvers**: The largest Shia sect, known as Twelvers, recognizes a lineage of twelve Imams, the last of whom is believed to be in occultation and will reappear as the Mahdi, or guided one.

2. **Religious Practices**:
   - **Ashura**: Shia Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, known as Ashura.
   - **Majlis and Mourning**: Regular gatherings, known as Majlis, are held to remember the sacrifices of the Imams and other significant figures.

3. **Legal and Theological Differences**:
   - While both Sunni and Shia Muslims follow the Quran and Hadith, Shia Islam has its own collections of Hadith and legal schools. 
   - The Shia interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, often includes rulings specific to their traditions and beliefs.

4. **Sub-sects**:
   - Besides the Twelvers, other significant Shia groups include the Ismailis and the Zaidis, each with its unique interpretations and historical developments.

### Historical Context:

The split between Sunni and Shia Muslims began as a political disagreement but evolved into distinct religious traditions. The Shia community developed its own theological and legal schools, and the history of persecution and martyrdom has played a central role in Shia identity.

### Geographic Distribution:

Shia Muslims constitute about 10-15% of the global Muslim population. They form majorities in countries like Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan, and significant minorities in several other countries, including Lebanon, Pakistan, and India. 

In summary, Shia Islam is a major branch of Islam with distinctive beliefs, practices, and historical experiences, rooted in the early succession dispute following the death of the Prophet Muhammad.

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