What is shiah?

Shiah, or Shi'a Islam, is one of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Sunni Islam. It originated from a disagreement over the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad, with Shi'a Muslims believing that leadership should have stayed within Muhammad's family, specifically with his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. Today, Shi'a Islam encompasses various sects and traditions, primarily found in countries like Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. The beliefs and practices of Shi'a Muslims often emphasize the importance of the Imams, who are considered spiritual and political leaders.