Shi'a Islam

Shi'a Islam is a major branch of Islam that believes leadership of the Muslim community should stay within the Prophet Muhammad's family, specifically through his descendants known as Imams. They emphasize the spiritual and political authority of these Imams, who are seen as divinely appointed and infallible guides. Shi'a Muslims also have distinctive religious practices, such as mourning during the month of Muharram, especially commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn. While sharing core beliefs with Sunni Islam, Shi'a Islam places particular importance on the Imams' role and their interpretive authority in understanding Islamic teachings.