Topic summary
Shi'i
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Shia Islam.
Etymology
The word Shia (or Shīʿa; ; Arabic: شِّيْعَة) is derived from shīʿatu ʿAlī (شِّيْعَة عَلِيّ, 'followers of Ali'). An adherent is called a Shi'i (Shīʿī; Arabic: شيعيّ; pl. shīʿiyyūn; Arabic: شيعيون). In Arabic, "Shīʿa" means followers and supporters; the term derives from al-shiyāʿ and al-mushāyaʿa, which convey the meanings of following, supporting, and obedience. Shia Islam is also referred to in English as Shiism (or Shīʿism) (), and Shia Muslims as Shiites (or Shīʿites) ().