13.3 Shia Islam

While Sunni Muslims account for approximately 85–90% of the global Muslim population, Shia Muslims make up most of the remaining 10–15% (between 160 and 260 million people).

In many everyday situations, one cannot easily tell whether someone is a Sunni Muslim or Shia Muslim just by looking at them. The difference becomes clearer through context—such as country, leadership, religious practices, and specific events. Many Muslims don’t openly emphasize the distinction, and in some places asking directly is considered insensitive.

The largest Shia populations are in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan.

Bahrain has a Shia-majority population, although its government is Sunni-led.

Several countries, including Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria, have both Sunni and Shia populations, sometimes living peacefully side by side, and other times experiencing tension depending on political and social conditions.

While the core of prayer is the same, Shia Muslims often combine the five daily prayers into three prayer times.

Shias believe that leadership of the Muslim community (ummah) should remain within the family and bloodline of the Prophet Muhammad, specifically through a line of leaders known as Imams. The literal meaning of imam in Arabic is “one who proceeds.”

The term “Shia” is derived from Shi’atu Ali (“the party of Ali” or “followers of Ali”). Unlike Sunni Muslims, who believed in electing leaders (Caliphs), Shias believe Prophet Muhammad explicitly appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law) as his first successor. Shias do not recognize the three Caliph leaders before Ali as rightful successors.

Most Shias hold that the Imamate (leadership) is a divine appointment rather than a political selection, and that Imams are infallible spiritual leaders.

The largest school of law in Shia Islam is called Twelver Shia.

Twelvers believe that there were exactly twelve rightful Imams, and that the 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, did not die but disappeared in 874 CE. He is considered to be in “occultation” (hiding) and remains alive, acting as a spiritual guide until he returns before the end of time to eliminate oppression and bring justice.

Twelver Shia Islam also places a strong emphasis on the concept of martyrdom, particularly in remembrance of Husayn ibn Ali.

The difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims influences interpretations of Sharia and religious practices. Both groups rely on Hadith, but they prioritize different collections and chains of transmission.

These differences often intersect with political systems. For example, Iran’s government is shaped by Shia religious leadership, while Saudi Arabia’s system is influenced by Sunni traditions.

It is important to understand that not every conflict involving Sunni and Shia groups is purely religious. In many situations, political power, regional influence, and historical dynamics play a significant role. Religion may shape identity and language around a conflict, but it is often not the only factor.

Saudi Arabia → Sunni-majority power

Indonesia → largest Sunni-majority population

Iran → Shia-majority power + largest Shia-majority population

In section 13.4, we will look at minority branches in Islam.