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How has Shia Islam influenced other monotheistic religions over the centuries?

Elmina Sprott

Shia Islam, also known as Shiism, has been a significant influence on other monotheistic religions such as Sunni Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The Shia branch believes in Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, as his rightful successor, while the Sunni branch believes in the election of the caliphate by the Muslim community. Shiism is often associated with a more spiritual and mystical interpretation of Islam, which has had profound impacts on other religions as well.

One of the significant contributions of Shia Islam has been its impact on Sunni Islam. The two branches of Islam have coexisted for centuries, with their theological differences sometimes causing conflicts. However, the Shia branch played a critical role in the development of Islamic jurisprudence and Islamic philosophy, which Sunni scholars adopted and developed further. Many Sunni scholars also adopted Shi'ite practices, such as mourning for Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was slain in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. This practice has also influenced Sufi Islam, a branch of Sunni Islam that emphasizes spiritualism, mysticism, and personal experience with God.

Shia Islam has also impacted other monotheistic religions in significant ways. Judaism, for instance, shares some similarities with Shi'ism in their mystical and spiritual elements. Many Jews have adopted practices from the Shi'ite branch, such as performing devotional rituals at the graves of their holy men and women. The idea of messianism in Judaism, where a savior will come to redeem the Jewish people, also has similarities with the Shia belief in the return of the Twelfth Imam, who is believed to return someday to establish a just society.

In Christianity, Shiite Islam has influenced the development of Christian mysticism, particularly the idea of the “divine spark” present in all human beings. This concept has been shown in many mystical traditions in Christianity where individuals seek union with God through meditation and contemplation. The belief in intercession in Shi'ite Islam, where the Imams can intercede for the believers with Allah, also has similarities with the Christian belief in intercessory prayer. The physical representation of saints and holy people in Shia Islam has also had an impact on Christian art and devotion practices.

In conclusion, Shia Islam has had a profound influence on other monotheistic religions throughout history. Its spiritual and mystical elements have influenced Sunni Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, with many aspects of Shi'ite practices and beliefs being adopted by other religions. The legacy of Shia Islam continues to impact not only other religions but also contemporary spirituality, philosophy, and art. The message of universal brotherhood, compassion, and justice- regardless of caste, color, and creed- propagated by Shia Islam makes it an invaluable and progressive branch of the monotheistic world religions.