Shiite-Shi'i

SHIITE- The branch of Islam that split from the Sunni majority over the issue of Prophet Mohammed’s successor. One of two main sects.

· Shiite currently account for 10-15% of all Muslim · Shiite Islam originated as a political movement supporting Ali · Shiism has 3 major subdivisions: o -Twelvers (Ithna Ashariyya)- 12 Imams o -Seveners (Ismailis)- 7 Imams o -Fivers (Zaydites)- 5 Imams · The Shiites developed a doctrine of the infallibility, sinlessness, and divine right to authority of the descendants of Ali, whom they called Imams · Shiites is a name derived from the Arabic shiat Ali, "the party of Ali" · //Shiites// became an underground movement and adopted the principles of //taqwa//, which means “dissimulation of faith” · //Shiites// believe that beneath the literal meaning of the Koran are other levels of meaning, which are known only to the Imam · //Shiites// pay the tax called zakat to their religious leaders rather than to state authorities · Many //Shiite// leaders in Iran and Iraq are very wealthy · In recent years several //Shiite// leaders, have advocated rapprochement and solidarity with Sunnite Islam

Cites: 1. Bijlefeld, William A.. "Shiites, Shia, Shi'a." __BELIEVE__. September 10, 2007. 5 Nov 2007 . 2. Rahman, Fazlur. "SHIITES." __Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia__ SH102800(2002) 1. 5 Nov 2007 . 3. Sasson, Jean. "Glossary of terms used in this book." __The Jean Sasson Webpage__. 5 Nov 2007 .

More Info: -http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/society/A0844916.html -http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Shiites.html