Online dictionary of Iraq war: Shia

This is the online dictionary of Iraq developed by Free Light Software. By clicking on an Arabic word, you can find Iraq related sites from Arabic search engines. By clicking on a globe icon, you can display the locality on a map of Iraq.
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Shia

Shia Shia
alternative words: Shia Islam, Shiite, Shi'i
keywords: sect
related web sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiite , http://lexicorient.com/e.o/shii.htm , http://www.shiitecouncil.gov.lb
explanation: Though absolutely minority (only 10-15% of the world Muslim population), Shia sect represents the majority in Iraq (60% of the population). They recognise only Ali, son-in-law of Muhammed and his son Hussein, as caliphs, i.e. successors of the prophet. During the reign of Saddam Hussein, they had suffered of an under representation in politics and their revolt after the Gulf War was severely repressed. Being the majority, they claim now a direct election to control themselves the state affairs.

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