Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

RELIGION LIBRARY

Shia Islam

Toggle navigation

Sacred Time

In addition to the common Muslim events connected with the pilgrimage and fasting in Ramadan, Shiites commemorate Husayn's martyrdom and other events in early Islamic history, such as Muhammad's appointment of Ali as his successor at Ghadir Khumm. read more

Sacred Space

Apart from mosques, the most important sacred spaces for Shiites are the shrines of the Imams located mostly in Iran and Iraq, which believers visit during pilgrimages. They have received patronage from rulers and often become important centers of learning. read more

Rites and Ceremonies

The most distinctive Shiite rituals are the Muharram passion plays ( taziyah ), during which Shiites remember the martyrdom of Husayn. The elaborate theatrical forms of these ceremonies developed in Qajar Iran. read more

Worship and Devotion in Daily Life

Important forms of worship and devotion in daily life include following the regulations of Islamic law and the examples of the Imams. read more

Symbolism

In addition to the symbols used during the Muharram rituals, Shiites display symbols in everyday contexts that allude to the members of the house of the Prophet. read more

Beliefs Ethics and Community Back to religion Library

editors picks View All Columns

Evangelical

Before You Unplug or Sign Out for Good

Guest Contributor

Evangelical

What Is the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts, and How Do You Discover Yours?

New Visions

5 Ways to Hear What God is Telling You

Muslim

How Awake Are We? When Waking Up is Falling Asleep

Daniel Thomas Dyer

Latter-day Saint

"The Church supports the use of vaccinations"

Evangelical

Luther and the Beauty of Christ

Guest Contributor

The Soul of Gospel Music Explored in New Netflix Series "Voices of Fire"

Seven Ways to Think About Christian Mysticism

Evangelical

Cancelling Alice Walker?

Evangelical

Does God Have His Own Logic?

Muslim

Imam Ali’s letter to the Governor- Everlasting Example of Good...

Progressive Christian

Why Did Jesus Have To Die?

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Copyright 2008-2026, Patheos. All rights reserved.

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos