Shia Muslims

Shia Muslims are one of the two major branches of Islam, the other being Sunni Muslims. The division originated after the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE, primarily over leadership succession. Shia Muslims believe that leadership should have remained within the Prophet's family, specifically passing to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. Today, Shia Islam has various sub-sects, with the largest being the Twelvers, who believe in a line of twelve Imams as spiritual leaders. Shia practices and beliefs may differ from Sunnis, particularly in rituals, religious authority, and interpretations of Islamic teachings.