Others insisted the Prophet had designated his cousin and son-in-law Ali as his legitimate heir. This group was called Shia Ali, or ‘Party of Ali’, from which comes the word Shia. While the ...

A multimillion-dollar Saudi TV production portraying the life of an early Islamic ruler has caused controversy in the Middle East, with Iraq and Iran banning the show and some clerics denouncing it as ...

According to Muslim tradition, Muhammad’s prophetic status was well-established among his followers before his death. However ...

One of the most crucial differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims is the importance that the Shiites give to Ali, whom the Sunni do not recognize as being the Prophet's rightful successor.

2 Most are Imami Shia Muslims, recognizing the leadership of a succession of twelve Imams beginning with the Prophet Muhammad's son-in-law Ali. A minority are Ismaili Shia, who look for leadership ...