Shīʿah (شيعة‎)

Shīʿah (شيعة‎)

Definition and Meaning

Shīʿah (Arabic: شيعة‎), literally translates to “followers” or “partisans.” Shīʿah Muslims are the followers of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, the first cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and the husband of his daughter, Fāṭimah. Shīʿah Islam maintains that ʿAlī was the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad, in contrast to Sunnī Islam, which recognizes Abū Bakr, ʿUmar, and ʿUthmān as the first three Caliphs.

Etymology

The term Shīʿah (شيعة‎) is derived from the Arabic root ش ي ع (shīn, yā, ʿayn), meaning “to follow” or “to support.” The full term is Shīʿatu ʿAlī (شيعة علي), translating to “the party of ʿAlī.”

Major Branches within Shīʿah Islam

1. Imāmīyah (Twelvers or Isnā-ʿasharīyah): They believe in a line of twelve Imāms beginning with ʿAlī, with the twelfth, Mahdī, who is currently in occultation and will reappear as the promised savior.

2. Ismāʿīlīyah: Branch that recognized Ismāʿīl ibn Jaʿfar as the rightful successor and continued the line of Imāms through Ismāʿīl’s descendants.

3. Zaidīyah: Followed Zaid ibn ʿAlī, believing in a more flexible line of Imāms and having a closer relationship with Sunnī jurisprudence.

Beliefs and Practices

Theological Foundations

• Imamate: The central doctrine is the belief in the Imamate, which holds that Imāms are divinely appointed leaders with spiritual and temporal authority, inheriting their position from ʿAlī.

• ʿAli’s Primacy: Based on kinship to the Prophet and an alleged designation by Muhammad, ʿAlī and his descendants are held to possess a special divine right to lead the Muslim community.

Legal and Doctrinal Differences

• Temporary Marriage (Mutʿah): Shīʿahs allow temporary marriage, which Sunnīs reject.

• Marital and Divorce Laws: Shīʿah jurists differ from Sunnī scholars on aspects such as the necessity of witnesses for a valid marriage.

• Inheritance: Various legal distinctions exist, such as in the laws of inheritance, which are more inclusive of female relatives in Shīʿah Islam.

Historical Context

The division between Shīʿahs and Sunnīs originated from a conflict over the rightful succession to the Prophet Muhammad’s leadership. Ali’s followers believed his close family ties with the Prophet gave him a divine mandate. This contention led to significant political and military confrontations, including the assassination of Uthman, the Battle of Camel, and the Battle of Siffin.

Key Events

1. Succession Dispute: Disagreement over the first three Caliphs, viewed as usurpers by Shīʿahs.

2. Battle of Karbala (680 CE): The martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali strengthened Shīʿah resolve and identity as distinct from Sunnī Muslims.

3. Occultation: The belief that the twelfth Imām, al-Mahdī, entered a state of occultation and will return as the Mahdi to lead Muslims.

Recommended Books for Further Reading

1. “The Successors of Muhammad” by Lesley Hazleton
2. “Shīʿism: Doctrines, Thought, and Spirituality” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
3. “The History of the Sunni and Shia Split: Understanding the Divide” by Sara Schedin

Takeaways

• The Shīʿah sect emphasizes the sanctity and divine guidance of ʿAlī and his progeny.
• Imāmate is key to Shīʿah belief, contrasting strongly with Sunnī perspectives.
• Historical events and theological differences continue to shape the dynamics between Shīʿah and Sunnī Muslims.

Conclusion

Shīʿah Islam, with its rich history and complex theological standpoints, represents a significant and influential branch of the Muslim world. Understanding its origin, beliefs, and practices provides valuable insights into the diversity within Islamic thought and the ongoing significance of historical narratives in contemporary faith practices.