English Lexicon

Shia

/ˈʃiː.ə/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #15000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A member of the Shia branch of Islam, which holds that Ali, the cousin of Muhammad, was the rightful successor.

    "The Shia community commemorates Ashura with various rituals and ceremonies."
  2. 2

    The branch of Islam that recognizes Ali and his descendants as the rightful leaders.

    "Shia Islam has a rich tradition of scholarship and theology."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'Shia' originates from the Arabic word 'Shīʿah', meaning 'partisans' or 'followers'. It historically refers to the followers of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and has evolved to denote a major branch of Islam that emphasizes the leadership of Ali and his descendants.

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