Muslim with the belief that Ali, nephew and son-in-law of Mohammed, is the rightful and legitimate successor to Mohammed. Shi'ism focuses on the direct blood descendants of Mohammed through Ali and Fatima, Mohammed's daughter, whom they perceive as the true leaders of the religion.

Muslims who believe that their leader should be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.

dominant Muslim group in Iran, believe in martyrdom for the faith

a member of the branch of Islam that regards Ali as the legitimate successor to Mohammed and rejects the first three caliphs

(or Shi'a) - A sect or branch of the Muslim religion centered in Iran, with large followings in southern Iraq and sub-sects (Alawi, Ismaili) in Syria and Lebanon. Shi'ites.

A minority sect of Islam that believes the Prophet's succession of power should have gone to his cousin Ali. Ar.