one of the 2 main branches of orthodox Islam; mainly in Iran
group noun (groupings of people and objects)
Shiah Islams
religious sect » organised religion » institution » organization
Arabic šī'a, following, sect, from šā'a, to spread, become known; see śyע in...
(Source: American Heritage Dictionary) [more]
the second largest denomination of Islam. Adherents of Shia Islam are called Shi'ites or Shias. "Shia" is the short form of the historic phrase Shīʻatu ʻAlī, meaning "followers", "faction", or "party" of Muhammad's son-in-law and cousin Ali, whom... (38 of 7397 words, 13 images)
the second largest branch of Islam, Shiites currently account for 10%-15% of all Muslims. Shiite Islam originated as a political movement supporting ... (22 of 572 words, pronunciation)
one of the two main branches of Islam (the other being the Sunni), making ... | another name for "Shiite" | designating or characteristic of this sect ... (25 of 289 words, 5 definitions, 1 usage example, pronunciations)
a member of one of the two great sects of Muslims: Shiites consider Ali, Mohammed's son-in-law and the fourth of the caliphs, as the first Imam and ... (27 of 57 words, pronunciations)
[plural]) The Shiites. | [singular]) A Shiite. | Shiite. (7 of 42 words, 3 definitions, pronunciation)
The minority branch of Islam whose followers believe that Muhammad designated his son-in-law, Ali, to succeed him as leader, and that their leaders have special sacred wisdom. | One who follows Shi'ah Islam; a Shi'ite. (34 of 37 words, 2 definitions)
one of the two main branches of Islam, followed by about a tenth of ... | a Muslim who adheres to the Shia branch of Islam. (25 of 74 words, 2 definitions, 2 usage examples, pronunciation)
the Muslims of the branch of Islam comprising sects believing in Ali and ... | "Shiite" | the branch of Islam formed by the Shia (23 of 71 words, 3 definitions, pronunciation)
a member of the second largest religious movement within Islam, which is ... | describing Shias or their type of Islam (20 of 54 words, 2 definitions, pronunciation)
one of the main groups in the religion of Islam. A Muslim who belongs to this group is called a Shia or a Shiite. (24 of 48 words, pronunciation)
major world religion promulgated by the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century ce. The Arabic term islām, literally "surrender," illuminates ... (22 of 881 words, 13 images)
the religious faith of Muslims, based on the words and religious system ... | the whole body of Muslim believers, their civilization, and the ... (23 of 68 words, 2 definitions, pronunciation)
the branch of Islam that considers Ali, the cousin of Muhammad, and his descendants as Muhammad's true successors. | Same as Shiite | Same as Shiite (24 of 77 words, 3 definitions, pronunciations)
encarta.msn.com/dictionary 1861728141/definition.html [offline]
Origin: Arabic šī'a, following, sect, from šā'a, to spread, become known; see śyע in Semitic roots.
First use: 17th century
Origin: from Arabic shī`ah sect, from shā`a to follow
First use: 1620s
Origin: a collective name for one of the two great Muslim sects. This is the proper use, but it commonly is used to mean "a Shiite". In Arabic, shi'ah ... (29 of 42 etymology words)
First use: 1626
Origin: Arabic shī'a followers, faction, sect
First use: Early 17th century
Origin: Arabic šī'a "faction, party"
encarta.msn.com/dictionary 1861728141/definition.html [offline]
Audio: British English pronunciation of "Shiah"
www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/shiah
Audio 1: North American English pronunciation of "Shiah"
Audio 2: British English pronunciation of "Shiah"
www.thefreedictionary.com/Shiah
Audio 1: North American English pronunciation of "Shia"
Audio: North American English pronunciation of "Shiah" by speech synthesizer
www.yourdictionary.com/shiah
Audio: North American English pronunciation of "Shia" by speech synthesizer
Audio: North American pronunciation of "Shia"
www.merriam-webster.com/audio.php file=shia0001 word=Shia
Page last updated: 2013-01-01