
Shiite Muslims
Shiite Muslims, or Shia, are one of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Sunni. They believe that leadership of the Muslim community should have stayed within the Prophet Muhammad's family, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. This belief leads to distinct theological views and practices, including the reverence of specific figures called Imams, whom they regard as spiritual leaders. Shia Islam is prominent in countries like Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon and has its own traditions, rituals, and interpretations of Islamic teachings, emphasizing justice and the struggle against oppression.