Shia Islam: A Spotlight on Organization Style
Shia Islam is the second-largest branch of Islam, representing around 10-15% of Muslims worldwide. The followers of Shia Islam are called Shias or Shiites and they believe that Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, was his rightful successor. This belief has a significant impact on the organization style of Shia communities.
The most distinctive feature of Shia organization style is the concept of “Imamah,” which refers to the leadership role held by twelve Imams after Prophet Muhammad. Shias believe that these Imams were divinely appointed leaders who possessed divine knowledge and authority. According to Shia theology, Imam Ali was appointed as the first Imam by Prophet Muhammad himself.
This concept of Imamah defines the hierarchical structure in Shia organizations. The highest religious authority in Twelver Shia Islam is known as Ayatollah and he is responsible for interpreting Islamic law (sharia) based on Quranic principles and teachings from Imams’ sayings (Hadith). Below him are other religious scholars who act as intermediaries between Ayatollahs and ordinary people.
Shia mosques also have a different organizational structure compared to Sunni mosques. In Sunni mosques, there are usually one or two imams who lead prayers and deliver sermons while other mosque activities are managed by a committee consisting mostly of volunteers from the local community. However, in Shia mosques, there is an official hierarchy with various positions such as Mullahs, Zakirs (reciters), Maulvis (religious teachers), etc., each having specific duties assigned to them.
Another key aspect of Shia organization style is mourning rituals during Muharram -the first month in Islamic calendar- when Shias commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain (Ali’s son) at Karbala battle in 680 CE against Yazid I’s army at Iraq territory . These rituals involve public processions, theatrical performances and speech-giving which are organized by local religious leaders. The Muharram mourning period is one of the most important events in Shia Islam and it brings people together from different socio-economic backgrounds.
In conclusion, the concept of Imamah defines the hierarchical structure in Shia organizations. This provides a clear chain of command for decision-making and religious guidance. The mourning rituals during Muharram bring Shias closer together as a community regardless of their social status or ethnicity. Understanding these aspects will help non-Shia Muslims to appreciate the differences between Sunni and Shia Islamic traditions better.