Shiah

/ ˈʃiːə /

noun

1. one of the two main branches of Islam (the other being the Sunni), making up a tenth or more of the entire Muslim population, and forming the majority in Iran and Iraq, which regards Mohammed's cousin Ali and his successors as the true imams
2. another name for Shiite

adjective

1. designating or characteristic of this sect or its beliefs and practices

Word History and Origins

Origin of Shiah¹

C17: from Arabic shī`ah sect, from shā`a to follow

Example Sentences

The struggle between Shiah and Sunni was dividing the world of Islam.

From Project Gutenberg

Most of the Persian trade with Baghdad and thousands of Shiah pilgrims annually pass through it.

From Project Gutenberg

To make a pilgrimage to Kerbela, or to rest finally in its holy dust, or both, 36 constitutes the ambition of every Shiah.

From Project Gutenberg

In religion they are fanatical Moslems of the Shiah sect, but combine relics of nature worship with the tenets of Islam.

From Project Gutenberg

He had listened to the history of the caliphate; he yearned toward Ali and his family; he became in heart a Shiah.

From Project Gutenberg