An introduction to Shia Islam

Who are Shia Muslims?

Shia Muslims are Muslims who follow the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), and who give special religious authority to the Ahlulbait (the Prophet’s household). The word Shi‘a means followers or supporters. Historically, the term became associated with supporters of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law.

According to Twelver Shia (Ithna Ashari) belief, the Prophet designated Imam Ali (AS) to guide the Muslim community after him, and divine guidance continued through a succession of Twelve Imams from the Ahlulbait. The twelfth Imam, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (AJ), is believed to be in occultation and to return by Allah’s permission. Other Muslim traditions interpret the question of leadership after the Prophet differently.

Shia Muslims share Islam’s central foundations with other Muslims: belief in one God, the Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad, prayer, fasting, charity and pilgrimage. Twelver Shia teaching gives particular emphasis to Imamate—the spiritual and religious authority of the Imams—and commonly describes five principles of faith: tawhid, ‘adl, nubuwwah, imamah and ma‘ad.

Who do Shia Muslims follow?

The Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), and—in Twelver belief—the teachings and guidance of the Twelve Imams of the Ahlulbait.

Are Shia Muslims different from Muslims?

Shia Muslims are Muslims. Shia and Sunni are major traditions within Islam, with shared core beliefs and important differences in religious authority and some practices.

Where should I learn next?

Continue with the Fourteen Infallibles, common questions, or the sources and editorial method.

Reading perspective: Twelver Shia. Background: Shia—definition and meaning and The Faith of the Imamiyyah Shia—Imamate. These explain the tradition's interpretation; they are not a claim of universal agreement.

A shared Muslim faith and a respectful approach

This website approaches Islam through a Twelver Shia perspective. It welcomes people who practise the faith and those who want to understand it. Learning is an opportunity for thoughtful questions, careful reading and respect for others.

Who are the Ahlulbait?

Ahlulbait (Ahl al-Bayt) means “people of the household”. In Twelver Shia teaching, Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (SA) and the Twelve Imams (AS) are honoured as the Fourteen Infallibles. Their lives and teachings are central to this collection.

Further reading: Brief History of Fourteen Infallibles, Al-Islam.org.

The five principles of Twelver Shia belief

Five foundational beliefs are commonly described as divine unity (tawhid), divine justice (adl), prophethood (nubuwwah), imamate (imamah), and resurrection or return to God (ma‘ad). This is an introductory outline rather than a complete account of theology.

Further reading: The foundational beliefs, Al-Islam.org.

Words you will encounter

Imam: a term for leadership; in this collection, it refers principally to the Twelve Imams in Twelver Shia belief.
Du‘a: supplication—turning to God in prayer.
Salah: the prescribed ritual prayer.
(a.s.), (s.a.) and (s.a.w.): devotional honorifics expressing peace and blessings.

Questions are part of learning

Explore the app’s 15 introductory questions and explanations, from imamate and the Qur’an to prayer and Karbala.

Where to go next

Explore the fourteen profiles, read as a family, or discover ShiaPray. For individual religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar or your chosen religious authority.

Who are the Shia?