Shia Islam in Other Regions

Shia Islam, the second largest branch of Islam, has a notable presence and influence beyond its traditional strongholds in the Middle East. Its followers, known as Shias, are spread across various regions globally, including Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Africa

In Africa, Shia Islam has a modest but significant presence. The African Shia Islamic Movement, particularly active in Nigeria, is led by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. The movement was inspired by the 1979 Iranian Revolution and has grown since the 1980s. The Shia community in Africa also includes descendants of South Asian immigrants, especially the Khoja, who migrated during the colonial period. Amongst African American Muslims, figures like Amir Hakeem, who converted from the Nation of Islam to Shia Islam, have been prominent in advocating for and expanding Shia understanding.

Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, the historical influence of Shia Islam is marked by the Ilkhanate, initially established by Hulagu Khan in Central Asia, which later spread its influence to regions that include parts of Southeast Asia. The Ilkhanate, though initially embracing a myriad of religions, later under rulers like Ghazan and his brother Öljaitü, promoted Shia Islam. Today, Shia communities are present in countries like Pakistan and Indonesia, often comprising smaller sects like the Twelvers, Zaydis, and Ismailis.

Europe

In Europe, Shia Islam has found a place among immigrant communities and converts. Prominent Shia communities exist in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium. A unique aspect of Shia presence in Europe is the conversions from Sunni to Shia Islam, notably among Moroccan Belgian Muslims in Brussels. Annemeik Schlatmann has examined these diverse communities, highlighting their adaptation and integration within European society.

Global Influence

Globally, Shia Islam continues to shape and be shaped by the regions it inhabits. The Islamic Dawa Party in Iraq is a significant political movement that has gained influence post the fall of Saddam Hussein. This transnational aspect of Shia Islam underscores its role in global Islamic discourse, much as discussed in works like Vali Nasr's The Shia Revival.

Shia Islam

Shia Islam is one of the major branches of Islam, constituting about 10-15% of the global Muslim population. This sect differentiates itself from Sunni Islam primarily through its beliefs regarding the succession to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Origins and History

The origins of Shia Islam can be traced back to the early days following the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. Shia Muslims believe that Muhammad designated his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, as his successor. This belief stands in contrast to the Sunni tradition, which holds that Muhammad did not appoint a specific successor, leading to the selection of the Rashidun Caliphs by consensus.

The First Fitna, or Islamic civil war, was a significant turning point that solidified the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Ali's eventual assassination and the tragedy of Husayn ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE further entrenched the schism.

Beliefs and Practices

The Twelve Imams

A core tenet of Shia Islam, particularly Twelver Shia, is the belief in a line of twelve divinely appointed leaders, known as the Twelve Imams. These Imams are considered the spiritual and temporal successors to Muhammad. The Twelver Shia community believes that the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is in occultation and will reappear as the Mahdi to bring justice to the world.

Theology and Jurisprudence

Theology in Shia Islam is often referred to as the "roots of religion" and includes beliefs in Tawhid (the oneness of God), Adalah (divine justice), Nubuwwah (prophethood), Imamah (leadership), and Ma'ad (the Day of Judgment). Shia jurisprudence, or fiqh, is based on the teachings of the Imams and the Quran. The Ja'fari school is the predominant school of jurisprudence in Shia Islam, named after the sixth Imam, Ja'far al-Sadiq.

Rituals and Observances

Shia Muslims observe many of the same rituals as Sunni Muslims, such as the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. However, they also have unique practices, including the commemoration of Ashura, which marks the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala. This day is observed with mourning, reenactments, and public displays of grief.

Shia Islam Around the World

Iran

Iran is predominantly Twelver Shia, a conversion largely credited to the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century. The Safavids established Twelver Shia Islam as the state religion, which has continued to influence the country's politics and culture.

Iraq

Iraq is home to significant Shia holy cities, including Najaf and Karbala, making it a central hub for Shia scholarship and pilgrimage. The Al-Abbas Mosque in Karbala and the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf are among the holiest sites in Shia Islam.

Lebanon

In Lebanon, Shia Muslims form a substantial part of the population, represented politically by groups like Hezbollah. The Amal Movement is another significant Shia political party in the country.

Other Regions

Shia communities exist in significant numbers in countries like India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Yemen, and Azerbaijan. These communities often face varying degrees of political and social challenges, depending on the dominant religious sect in their respective countries.

Shia-Sunni Relations

The relationship between Shia and Sunni Muslims has been complex and often contentious. The initial schism was both theological and political, and subsequent historical events have occasionally exacerbated tensions. However, there are also many instances of coexistence and shared cultural practices, especially in regions where both communities live together.