Shia Islam is one of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Sunni Islam. Shia Muslims believe that ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, Muhammads cousin and son-in-law, should have been the designated successor to Muhammad as Islams spiritual and political leader. The following are some key beliefs and practices of Shia Muslims:

• Imamah: Shia Muslims believe that certain descendants of Muhammad, the Ahl al-Bayt, are rightful rulers or Imams, whom they believe possess special spiritual and political authority over the Muslim community.

• Mourning: Shia identity is rooted in victimhood over the killing of Husayn, the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, in the seventh century, and a long history of marginalization by the Sunni majority.

• Religious authority: Shia Muslims have vested religious authority in their senior clerical leaders, called ayatollahs.

• Practices: Shia Muslims share faith in the Quran and the Prophet Mohammed’s sayings and perform similar prayers, although they differ in rituals and interpretation of Islamic law.

It is important to note that Shia Muslims are not a monolithic group and there are many different communities of Shia Muslims today. They live in different parts of the world and speak many different languages. They also have different interpretations of religious beliefs and practices.