What is Shia Islam, and who do Shia Muslims follow?Answered
Shia Islam holds that, after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the guidance of the Muslim community was entrusted to his family, the Ahlul Bayt (AS). Shia Muslims regard Imam Ali (AS) as the Prophet’s successor and the first Imam, followed by eleven of his descendants, making twelve Imams in total. Alongside the Quran and the Sunnah, they rely on the teachings and narrations of the Ahlul Bayt. The word “Shia” comes from “Shi’at Ali,” meaning the followers of Ali.
What happened at Ghadir Khumm, and why is it important to Shia Muslims?Answered
On 18 Dhul Hijjah, 10 AH, while returning from the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet (PBUH) stopped at Ghadir Khumm, raised Imam Ali’s (AS) hand and said, “Whoever I am his mawla, Ali is his mawla.” Shia Muslims understand this as the public appointment of Imam Ali (AS) as his successor, and they celebrate the day as Eid al-Ghadir. The narration is also found in Sunni sources, but the meaning of “mawla” is disputed. Sunni scholars generally read it as friend or beloved.