Shiism: an Overview
Shiism is a major branch of Islam with numerous subdivisions, all upholding the rights of the family of the Prophet (ahl al-bayt) to the religious and political leadership of the Muslim community. The name is derived from shīʿat ʿAlī, the Arabic term for the "party" of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, cousin of the prophet Muḥammad and husband of Muḥammad's daughter Fāṭimah.
Origins and Early Development
Historically, the Shīʿah emerged in support of the caliphate of ʿAlī (AH 35–40/656–661 CE) during the First Civil War, which followed the murder of the third caliph, ʿUthmān. The Shīʿah see the foundation of.....
This is a free excerpt of 100 words. This section contains 5,119 words. This
article contains 25,432 words (approx. 85 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Article with our An Overview Access Pass.
