Shia Islam began in the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, not centuries later. According to the research, the idea of being among the “Shia of Ali” already existed during the Prophet’s own time. In simple English, this means the loyal followers of Imam Ali were known and praised while Islam itself was still being taught by the Prophet.
That is why the beginning of Shia Islam is not treated as a later political split in this research. Its roots are shown as part of the earliest stage of Islam, with its foundations in the Quran, the teachings of the Prophet, and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt.
Where Did Shia Islam Begin?
Shia Islam began with the Prophet Muhammad himself, during his lifetime.
The research says the term “Shia of Ali” was used by the Prophet to describe loyal companions such as Salman al-Farsi, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, Miqdad, and Ammar Yasir. The word Shia here means followers, supporters, or partisans. So from the very beginning, it referred to people who were deeply devoted to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib.
This means Shia Islam was not created much later as a new religion. Instead, the research presents it as the original current of Islam that remained loyal to the Prophet’s teachings about Ali and the Ahl al-Bayt.
The main difference became visible after the Prophet’s death, when leadership in the Muslim community became disputed. According to the research, the majority accepted the decision made at Saqifah, while the Shia held fast to the divine texts they believed had already appointed Ali as the rightful successor. But the roots of that position were already present during the Prophet’s lifetime.
What Do the Quran and Hadith Say About Its Beginning?
The research connects the origin of Shia Islam to both the Quran and the Prophet’s sayings.
Surah An-Nisa 4:59
Arabic:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ
English translation:
“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.”
Why this matters:
The research explains that Shia understanding identifies Uli al-Amr as the infallible Imams. In that reading, this verse supports the idea that true guidance comes through divinely chosen leaders, not just human opinion.
Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:55
Arabic:
إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ رَاكِعُونَ
English translation:
“Your guardian is only Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe, who establish prayer and give zakah while they are bowing.”
Why this matters:
The research says this verse points to the divine guardianship of Imam Ali, who gave charity while in the state of bowing during prayer. In Shia interpretation, this is one of the Quranic foundations for Ali’s special leadership.
Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:7
Arabic:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمْ خَيْرُ الْبَرِيَّةِ
English translation:
“Indeed, those who believe and do good deeds, they are the best of creatures.”
Why this matters:
The research notes that in some classical exegesis, these words were connected to Ali and his Shia. That link is used to show that the Prophet identified Ali’s followers as the successful group.
Hadith of the Successful Ones
The research also includes this report from Jabir ibn Abdullah: when Ali entered, the Prophet said that Ali and his Shia were the successful ones on the Day of Resurrection.
This is important because it shows the term Shia was already being used by the Prophet himself. It was not invented much later.
Hadith al-Thaqalayn
The Prophet said:
“I am leaving among you two weighty things: the Book of Allah and my progeny, my Ahl al-Bayt.”
This hadith matters because it places the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt together as the lasting sources of guidance. In the research, this becomes the core method of Shia Islam: following the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet’s family.
Hadith of Ghadir
The research also points to the famous declaration:
“Whomsoever I am his Mawla, this Ali is his Mawla.”
Here, Mawla means master, guardian, or leader. In the research, this is the clearest historical moment showing Ali’s appointment as the Prophet’s successor.
Why Is the Beginning of Shia Islam Linked to the Prophet’s Time?
The research explains that the theological and conceptual roots of Shia Islam were planted during the Prophet’s lifetime. That is why Shia Islam is described not as a later breakaway group, but as a continuation of the Prophet’s own teaching about divine leadership.
Allamah Tabatabai is cited as saying that the Shia protested when the Muslim community moved away from the clear textual guidance about Ali and the Ahl al-Bayt. Abu Hatam al-Razi is also cited as acknowledging that “Shia” was the name of a group of companions during the Prophet’s time.
So the answer is not just that Shia Islam appeared early. The research goes further: it says its identity began with the Prophet, became visible through his words and actions, and later stood apart when leadership became disputed after his death.
Conclusion
Shia Islam began during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad. The research shows that the Prophet himself used the term Shia of Ali for loyal companions, and that the Quran, Hadith al-Thaqalayn, the Hadith of Ghadir, and other reports all support this early beginning. In this view, Shia Islam is not a later invention, but a continuation of the Prophet’s original guidance centered on Imam Ali and the Ahl al-Bayt.