Shiism etymology

Etymology

The term "Shiism" is derived from the Arabic word "Shi'a," which means "partisans, followers, or supporters."

Meaning

Shiism refers to a branch of Islam that follows the teachings of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph in the Sunni tradition, and his descendants, known as the Imams. Shi'a Muslims believe that Ali was the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad and that he and his descendants are the legitimate leaders of the Muslim community.

Origin

Shiism originated as a political and ideological movement during the early years of Islam. The seeds of the Shi'a movement were sown during the Caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (644-656 CE), when a group of Muslims began to question his leadership and support Ali as the rightful caliph.

Ali's assassination in 661 CE deepened the division between the supporters of Ali and the mainstream Sunni community. Shi'a Muslims considered Ali and his descendants as divinely appointed guides and leaders (Imams), who possessed special knowledge and authority.

Over time, Shiism evolved into a distinct theological and jurisprudential tradition with its own unique beliefs, practices, and leaders. Shi'a Muslims developed a complex doctrine of Imamate, which holds that the Imams are infallible and possess the exclusive right to interpret the Quran and guide the Muslim community.

Branches of Shiism

There are different branches of Shiism, including:

• Twelver Shiism (Imamiyyah): The largest branch of Shiism, believing in twelve Imams, the twelfth Imam is believed to be the Mahdi, a messianic figure who will return to establish justice and peace in the world.
• Sevener Shiism (Isma'ilism): Believing in seven Imams, with the seventh Imam Isma'il ibn Jafar being the last Imam, and his son Muhammad ibn Isma'il being the Mahdi.
• Zaydi Shiism: A smaller branch, believing in the Imamate of Zayd ibn Ali, who was the great-grandson of Ali.

Shiism relate terms

• Shia

  Etymology The word Shia is derived from the Arabic word shi a which means follower

• Sunni

  Etymology The term Sunni is derived from the Arabic word sunnah which means the pat

• Islam

  Etymology The word Islam originates from the Arabic root word salām which means p

• trust

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• coroner

  Etymology The word coroner is derived from the Anglo Norman French word corouner whi

• toilet

  Etymology The word toilet has ultimately derived from the French word toile meaning

• amethyst

  Etymology Greek ἀμέθυστος amethystos meaning not drunk Meaning and Or

• ambiguous

  Etymology Ambiguous etymology refers to words whose origin and history are uncertain or

• baffle

  Etymology Middle English bafel to confuse or bewilder Old French baffler to del

• remember

  Etymology The word remember comes from the Old French remembrer which is derived fro

• bail

  Etymology and Origin The word bail originates from the Old French word baillier mea