First Known Use: 1626
Dictionary
Shia
noun \ˈshē-(ˌ)ä\
: one of the two main branches of Islam
: a Muslim who is a member of the Shia branch of Islam
Full Definition of SHIA
1
: the Muslims of the branch of Islam comprising sects believing in Ali and the Imams as the only rightful successors of Muhammad and in the concealment and messianic return of the last recognized Imam — compare sunni
2
: shiite
3
: the branch of Islam formed by the Shia
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Origin of SHIA
Arabic shīʽa followers, faction, sect
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