Difference between revisions of "Shiites"
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| − | The Shiites are the second largest denomination in [[Islam]], comprising about ten percent of all Muslims. Their difference with the majority [[Sunni]] Muslims arose soon after [[Muhammad]]'s death, when a conflict arose about who his successor should be. | + | The Shiites are the second largest denomination in [[Islam]], comprising about ten percent of all Muslims. Their difference with the majority [[Sunni]] Muslims arose soon after [[Muhammad]]'s death, when a conflict arose about who his successor should be. Shiites believe that only the heirs of the fourth [[caliph]], Ali, are the legitimate successors of Muhammad. |
Shiites are a minority in most countries, though they make up a majority of the populations of [[Iraq]] and [[Iran]]. The government of Iran is controlled by a Shiite [[theocracy]]. | Shiites are a minority in most countries, though they make up a majority of the populations of [[Iraq]] and [[Iran]]. The government of Iran is controlled by a Shiite [[theocracy]]. | ||
Revision as of 06:17, March 23, 2007
The Shiites are the second largest denomination in Islam, comprising about ten percent of all Muslims. Their difference with the majority Sunni Muslims arose soon after Muhammad's death, when a conflict arose about who his successor should be. Shiites believe that only the heirs of the fourth caliph, Ali, are the legitimate successors of Muhammad.
Shiites are a minority in most countries, though they make up a majority of the populations of Iraq and Iran. The government of Iran is controlled by a Shiite theocracy.
Until the recent War in Iraq, the Sunni minority government in Iraq oppressed the Shiite majority.