Shia Arabs

Shia Arabs are members of the Shia branch of Islam, which differs from Sunni Islam in beliefs about religious leadership, emphasizing that prophets’ successors should be chosen through divine guidance. In predominantly Arab countries, many Arabs are Shia, especially in Iraq, Bahrain, and parts of Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. Shia Arabs share core Islamic beliefs but often have distinct rituals, religious leaders called Imams, and historical perspectives that emphasize the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Their identity combines religious faith with cultural traditions, influencing regional politics, community practices, and social dynamics within Arab societies.