Where are Shiites located?

Shia Muslims are in the majority in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Azerbaijan and, according to some estimates, Yemen. There are also large Shia communities in Afghanistan, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Where did Shiite Islam originated?

The first Shia state was the Idrisid dynasty (780–974) in Maghreb. Next was the Alavid dynasty (864–928) established in Mazandaran (Tabaristan), north of Iran. These dynasties were local, but they were followed by two great and powerful dynasties.

Islam is historically divided into two major sects, Sunni and Shia Islam, each with its own sub-sects. Large numbers of Shia Arab Muslims live in some Arab countries including Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, and Qatar. Shia Muslims are a numerical majority in Iraq and Bahrain.

What are the 2 holy cities of Islam?

The two holiest sites of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia are directly mentioned or referred to in the Quran.

Which is the most holy site for Shia Muslims?

In addition to the three mosques accepted by all Muslims as holy sites, Shi’ite Muslims consider sites associated with Muhammad, his family members ( Ahl al-Bayt) and descendants (including the Shia Imams ), to be holy. After Mecca and Medina, Najaf, Karbala and Jerusalem are the most revered by Shias.

Which is the second holiest place in Islam?

Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque), is a large mosque in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia and the second largest in Islam. It surrounds the Kaaba, the place which all Muslims turn towards each day in prayer, considered by Muslims to be the holiest place on Earth.

Why is Karbala so important to Shia Muslims?

Karbala is a special place to Shia Muslims because this is where Hussein ibn Ali, who was Muhammad’s grandson and the third Imam of the Shias, was martyred along with his companions in 680 AD during the Battle of Karbala. Millions of Shia pilgrims flock to the city each year to pay tribute to Hussein ibn Ali and the Karbala Martyrs.

Who was the first Imam of Shia Islam?

Shias base their doctrines on the Quran as well as the hadiths. They believe Muhammad divinely appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor, making him the first Imam. There are three mosques which are accepted by all Muslims as holy sites.