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Shiite definition

Shi·ite (s̸hē′īt′)

noun

a member of one of the two great sects of Muslims: Shiites consider Ali, Mohammed's son-in-law and the fourth of the caliphs, as the first Imam and the rightful successor of Mohammed, and do not accept the Sunna as authoritative

Etymology: Ar shīʿa, followers, faction, sect < shāʿa, to spread, circulate

Related Forms:

  • Shiism Shi′·ism′ noun
  • Shiitic Shi·it′ic (-it′ik) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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