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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Your Questions Answered (volume 2) Question : What Is the Meaning of Shia ? Answer: The word 'Shia' is from Arabic word 'At-Tashayo' which means 'to follow'. This word has been used for the followers of the Prophets of Allah in the Holy Qur'an :- (a) "Hadha min Shiatihi wa hadha min aduwwihi Fas-taghathahul ladhi min Shiatihi alal-ladhi min aduwwihi" (Qur'an, 28:15).

This is from his Shias (followers) and that from his enemies.And he who was of his (Moses') Shias asked his help against him who was of his enemies. (b) "Wa inna min Shiatihi la Ibrahim" (Qur'an, 37:83). And, verily, of his (Noah's) Shias (followers) is Ibrahim. We are called Shia because we follow the Holy Prophet according to the way shown by Hazrat Ali and other sinless members of the family of the Holy Prophet.

In fact, it was the Holy Prophet himself who named the followers of Hazrat Ali as 'Shia'. The famous , Allamah Ibn Hajar Makki (in his book, 'As-Sawaiqul- Muhriqua') and Allamah Ibn Athir (in his book, 'Nihaya') record that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said :- 'O Ali, verily thou wilt come before Allah; thou and thy Shias, happily, and Allah will be pleased with you.' Another Sunni Scholar, Imam Suyuti, records in his "Tafseer Ad-Durrul-Manthur" that the Holy Prophet said pointing towards Ali : "He and his Shias are those who will be successsful in Quiyamat".

For further detail I would like you to read my article "Origin of Shia" in "The Light" (Sep.-Oct. 1967). (See Appendix 'A'). Question : How many Divisions have you ? Answer: At present there are two sects calling themselves Shia : (a) Ithna-asheriya, and (b) Ismailiya. Ismailiya again are sub-divided between Bohras and followers of H. H. The Aga Khan. It is this later sub-sect which is commonly known as 'Ismailiya' in East Africa.

There is one sect in Yemen, called Zaidiyya, which is often grouped under Shia Sects. But they follow Mutazilites in their beliefs and Imam Abu Hanifa in the matters of Sheriat. So they should be grouped under Sunni sects not shia. Question : Why do the other divisions don't exist in East Africa ? Answer: With exception of above mentioned Zaidiyya, all other sects are found here. Question: How do the rest differ from yours ?

Answer: This is a question which cannot be fully answered without writing a book of theology. Still, I will try to give here just a glimpse of the main differences. The Shia Ithna-asheriya believe that: i.