Shiism (Noun)
Meaning
The branch of Islam that regards Ali as the legitimate successor to Mohammed and rejects the first three caliphs.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Shiism has a significant following in countries such as Iran and Iraq, where it is the dominant form of Islam.
- The split between Shiism and Sunni Islam occurred shortly after the death of the Prophet Mohammed in 632 AD.
- Shiism places great emphasis on the role of the imams, who are believed to be the spiritual and temporal successors of the Prophet.
- Throughout history, Shiism has often been at odds with Sunni Islam, leading to periods of conflict and persecution.
- The principles of Shiism are based on the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, but also incorporate the sayings and actions of the imams.