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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Truth As It Is The Imamate Ja`fariyyah Shiah (1) (1) The Imamite Ja`fariyyah form a large group of Muslims in the present age, which amounts to about one fourth of the total number of the Muslims. Their historical roots extend to early Islam when Almighty Allah revealed the following verse: “Those who have faith and do righteous deeds; they are the best of creatures.

(98/7)” On that day, the Holy Prophet, in the presence of his companions, put his hand on `Ali ibn Abi-talib’s shoulder and said, “O `Ali: It is you and your Shi`ah (followers) who are ‘the best of creatures.’”[^5] The followers of this sect, who are ascribed to Imam Ja`far al-sadiq because of their adherence to his jurisprudential teachings, are also called Shi`ah. (2) The followers of this sect live densely in Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.

They also spread in big numbers in the countries of the Persian Gulf, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, and the former Soviet Republics, as well as some European countries, such as England, Germany, France, and in American, African and South Asian countries. In these countries, they have their own mosques and scientific, cultural, and social centers. (3) The followers of Shi`ism belong to various nationalities and ethnic groups and they vary in language and color.

The Shi`ah live side by side with their Muslim brethren from the other sects peacefully and amicably and cooperate with them honestly and sincerely in all aspects and at all levels.

In this regard, they act according to the following holy texts: The Holy Qur'an reads, “The believers are but a single brotherhood, (49/10)” “And help one another in goodness and piety, (5:2)” The Holy Prophet (S) is reported to have said, “The Muslims must act as one hand against the others.”[^6] “The believers are like a single body.”[^7] (4) Throughout the history of Islam, the Shi`ah have played an estimable and remarkable role in defending Islam and the honorable Muslim community.

They led many governments and set up many states that contributed enormously to the Islamic civilization.