Shiism began shortly after the death of Muhammad when the religious leadership of Islam was handed to Muhammad's father-in-law, Abu Bakr, instead of Ali, Muhammad's chosen successor. The Muslims who supported Ali were the root of Shia Islam. Ali had been the second person to recognize Muhammad's role as a prophet; he was the first of Muhammad's tribe to declare himself an apostle. Meccan and Medinan leaders gave their allegiance to Abu Bakr with none of the members of Muhammad’s house present, and forcefully attempted to make Ali acknowledge Abu Bakr as well. Ali eventually became caliph in later years. From this point onwards, authority was divided in the Islamic world. There now existed a separate Islamic community that did not recognize the authority of the Umayyad Caliphs, rather successors to Ali. Shia Muslims believe that just as a prophet is appointed by God alone, only God has the authority to appoint the successor to his prophet.
Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature, and that his authority comes directly from God. They often venerate the Imams as saints in the hopes of divine recognition. The dogma of Shia Islam is the Imamate, the idea that the successor of Muhammad must be more than a political leader, but a spiritual leader; having the ability to interpret the inner mysteries of the Quran and the Sharia. The Shia consist of one major school of thought known as the Twelvers, and a few minor schools of thought, as the Seveners or the Fivers, each referring to the number of imams they recognize after the death of Muhammad.
Shia Muslim
Some major religious institutions and buildings include hoseiniyahs; sites for recitals commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn, madrasahs; seminaries for advanced training in Shia theology and theory of law, and maktabs; primary schools run by the clergy. Another major religious institution is the shrine, famous ones are huge complexes that include mausoleums, tombs of former shahs, mosques, madrasahs, and libraries. Shrines are very generous givers, free meals for over a thousand people per day are provided from them. Pilgrimage to the shrines of Imams is a specific Shia custom. The highest religious authority in the Shia religion has been vested in scholars who act as leaders in matters concerning religious duties (called mujtahids). Lesser members of the clergy are expected to follow mujtahids, but may follow any mujtahid he chooses. To become a mujtahid, it is necessary to complete a rigorous and lengthy course of religious studies in one of the prestigious madrasahs, and to receive an authorization from a qualified mujtahid, which normally requires around 15 years to complete. Most people striving to achieve this rank do not complete the necessary studies, but after they complete the primary level, can be prayer leaders, village mullahs, local shrine administrators, and other religious functionaries. Those who leave after completing the second level become preachers in town and city mosques. Shia clergy wear a white turban and a loose, sleeveless brown cloak, open in front, and a clergyman descended from Muhammad wears a black turban and a black cloak.
Danielle Wallius
