Introduction
Islam is a religion of peace and submission to Allah. Within Islam, the Shia school of thought, specifically the Ithna Ashari (Twelver) branch, is the second-largest community. The term "Shia" literally means "follower" or "partisan"=referring specifically to the partisans of Imam Ali (a.s).
The Core Beliefs (Usul-e-Din)
Shia Muslims believe in five fundamental principles of faith:
- Tauheed: Oneness of Allah.
- Adl: Divine Justice.
- Nubuwwah: Prophethood.
- Imamah: Divine Leadership after the Prophet.
- Qiyamah: Day of Judgment.
The School of Ahl-ul-Bayt
The primary distinguishing feature of Shia Islam is the belief that leadership (Imamah) is divinely appointed and must remain within the household of the Prophet (Ahl-ul-Bayt). Shia Muslims follow the jurisprudence of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s), known as the Fiqh-e-Jaffaria.
For Shia Muslims, the Quran and the Ahl-ul-Bayt are inseparable sources of guidance, as mentioned by the Prophet (s.a.w.w) in the Hadith-e-Thaqalayn.