Who are the followers of Ali?

The followers of Ali, known as Shia Muslims, regard Ali ibn Abi Talib as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. They emphasize his leadership, spiritual authority, and his role as the first Imam in their belief system. Shia Islam is one of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Sunni Islam, which holds a different view on succession after Muhammad's death. The Shia community celebrates events such as Ashura to commemorate the martyrdom of Ali's son, Hussein, and stresses the importance of Ali's teachings and lineage.