Shias

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A branch of Islam characterized by its followers' belief in Ali and his descendants as the rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad; members of this group; the collective community adhering to this sect
2. Adherents of one of the two main sects within Islam who emphasize the leadership of Ali and his lineage; the body of people who follow this tradition; the religious faction known for its distinct practices and beliefs
3. Followers of a principal Islamic division that holds Ali as the legitimate heir to Muhammad; individuals belonging to this group; the community formed by these adherents and their doctrinal convictions

Etymology: "Shias" is the plural of "Shia," the name for the branch of Islam whose adherents hold that leadership of the Muslim community belonged rightfully to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and to his descendants. The noun is an inflected form, so the plural simply names several or all of those followers, and the singular is the word the plural is built on.

Synonyms: Shiites, followers of Shia Islam

Antonyms: Sunnis