Syiah

Shi'a, also spelled Shia, is a branch of Islam that differs from Sunni Islam mainly in its beliefs about leadership after the Prophet Muhammad's death. Shi'a Muslims emphasize that leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, particularly through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and his descendants, called Imams. They have unique religious practices and parties; for example, they commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein during Ashura. While they share core Islamic beliefs with Sunnis, their focus on lineage and certain religious rituals distinguish Shi'a practices and theology.