If you are interested in knowing what the Shia Islamic beliefs are, or you are a parent and want to explain these principles to your children with online Quran classes, then you are at the right place. Many families now rely on online Quran Academy programs taught by Shia to teach their children about Islamic beliefs in combination with Quranic recitation. Let me try to walk you through the foundations of Shia Islam in an understandable way:
Where did the word “ Shia” derive from, and used first?
The word Shia literally means followers, and nowadays, it is referred to as those who follow Imam Ali A.S. as their first infallible Imam, and who follow and love him. Shia Muslims believe that the supreme authority from the holy Prophet has been passed down to Imam Ali, as he was the only who possessed all the attributes that the holy Prophet possessed.
This is not merely a historical disagreement – it shaped an entire approach to faith, worship, and understanding the Quran. Today, online Quran teachers in the Shia institutions stress on these basic beliefs in addition to teaching Tajweed and recitation.
The Five Pillars of Shia Islamic Belief: Learning Via Qualified Quran tutors
In Shia Islam, the five pillars are the foundation of their faith, and without strictly believing in these pillars, one cannot become Muslim or so to speak Shia Muslim.
Tawhid: Tawhid is the belief in the oneness of Allah, and all the Muslims around the world share this belief, meaning that Allah is one, and He is the supreme authority in the universe. And Allah is the one who is entitled to be worshiped, not an idol or a human being.
Everything in existence is dependent on Him
Nothing is like Him
He doesn’t need anything, and he doesn’t need anyone
Think about it this way, if you have a problem, would you turn to the manufacturer or a random person? Allah created you and the universe, so He alone deserves that you devote yourselves to Him completely. Online Quran tutors who teach kids often have to resort to easy-to-understand examples like this to explain Tawhid: “Who made the sun?” Allah. Who made you? Allah. Can anyone else do this? No, only Allah.”
Adl: Divine Justice
Adl is Allah is absolutely just – He never wrongs anyone, never punishes someone for something he or she did not do. In the Shia theology, we believe that the Justice of Allah is part of His Essence.
This belief helps to answer difficult questions:
Why do bad things happen to good people? (Tests, not punishment)
Will everyone go to heaven? (No, accountability, justice)
Is there anyone who can pay for my sins? (No, everybody is the bearer of his own burden)
Imagine your teacher punishing you for something your classmate did. That would be unfair, right? Multiply that sense of fairness by infinity – that’s how just Allah is. This concept is taught to a lot in Shia online Quran lessons as it’s central to understanding divine wisdom.
Nubuwwah, Prophet hood:
Nubuwwah is Faith in all prophets that Allah sent to guide human beings, from Adam (AS) to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Prophets teach people about Allah, about right and wrong, and lead by example how to live in a righteous way and deliver the message of Allah without altering it.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet– he is the last prophet. He brought with him the whole message: the Quran and his teachings (Sunnah). But here’s what makes Shia belief so unique: While prophet hood came to an end, divine guidance did not. That’s where Imamate comes in.
Online Shia Quran teachers explain to children that prophets used to be like teachers that Allah sent to different classrooms (nations) throughout history. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the last teacher that had the complete textbook– the Quran.
Imamate: Divine Leadership After the Prophet
This belief is the most obvious distinguishing mark of Shia Islam. The belief in Imamate is what distinguishes the Shias from all other Muslims, where no supreme authority is accepted after the Holy Prophet. It is the belief that there are 12 divinely appointed Imams after the holy Propeht to advance the preaching of Islam and preserve its holy teachings. The twelve Imams are as under
- Imam Ali (A.S.)
- Imam Hassan (A.S.)
- Imam Hussain (A.S.)
- Imam Zain ul Aabideen (A.S.)
- Imam Muhammad Baqir (A.S.)
- Imam Jaffar Sadiq (A.S.)
- Imam Musa al Kazim (A.S.)
- Imam Ali Raza (A.S.)
- Imam Muhammad Taqi (A.S.)
- Imam Ali Naqi (A.S.)
- Imam Hassan Askari (A.S.)
- Imam Mehdi (Ajf)
Why do Muslims need the concept of the Imamte and the Imams themselves?
The holy Quran was revealed in pure Arabic language, incomprehensible to all non-Arab Muslims, and there must be someone having all the attributes of the holy Prophet to preserve the teachings of the holy Quran and strive to propagate the true message and teachings of Islam. Without proper guidance, people could create a misinterpretation.
The Imams give authoritative interpretations of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet. These interpretations are taught by qualified Shia Quran tutors online when explaining Quran verses to students.
Important points relating to Imams:
They don’t get revelation (that ended with the Prophet)
They have been divinely given knowledge of the Quran and Islamic law
They are sinless (Ma’sum) as perfect role models
They are appointed by Allah, rather than elected
Each Imam appointed the next by divine instruction
It is the staunch belief of Shia Muslims that the 12th Imam is alive and is in occultation, and he will emerge at a time when the whole world will be filled with oppression. And the Imam will fill the whole world with peace and justice.
Ma’ad: The Day of Resurrection
Ma’ad means believing in the afterlife — the temporary nature of this world with eternal life after death and accountability.
The journey after death is as follows:
Barzakh (The Grave): After death, souls enter an intermediate state. In the grave, there are three questions asked by the angels: Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet?
The Day of Judgment: It is the belief that every human being after death is to be resurrected and brought before Allah, and they have to be accounted for the deeds they have performed in the material world before death. It is on the Day of Judgment that the decision of people sending to either Paradise or Hell will be taken.
Online Quran classes for children are simple in explaining this: “Life is like a school year.” The Day of Judgment is report card day – Allah, Allah checks everything you did and gives you what you deserve. That’s why we try to be good and to go along with the way Allah tells us to.”
The Ten Branches of Religion (Furu al-Din)
After beliefs come practical rituals of worship. Shia online Quran teachers focus on the understanding of beliefs and also on the practice of beliefs in the right manner.
Salah (Prayer)
Prayers for Shia Muslims are conducted five times per day: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). Some of the unique practices of the Shia are:
Often combining the Dhuhr and Asr prayers and the Maghrib and Isha prayers
Holding foreheads on clay tablets (turbah) in prostration
Hands resting by the sides in a standing position
Adding “Hayya ‘ala Khayr al-‘Amal” in the call for prayer
Prayer is your line of communication to Allah – an opportunity for you to shut off from the world five times a day. Many families that learn through Shia Quran classes online practice prayer together, strengthening their belief (and family ties).
Sawm (Fasting)
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fast from dawn to dusk, and refrain from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse during this specific period. Fasting teaches us the lesson of self-control, which we can apply when we are enticed toward sin by the devil.
Zakat (Charity)
Zakat is an obligatory charity – giving some of the wealth to help the poor. There are two types:
Zakat al-Mal: Paid on certain types of wealth (savings, gold, livestock, and crops) up to minimum amounts held for a year.
Zakat al-Fitr: Paid at the end of Ramadan before Eid – everyone pays a little to help the poor celebrate.
Khums (The Fifth)
Specific to Shia practice, Khums is giving 20 percent of certain types of income. It’s divided into:
Sahm al-Imam: Used for religious and charitable purposes
Sahm al-Sadat: It is given to needy descendants of the Prophet
Khums is used for Islamic education, assisting the poor, and maintaining mosques and providing for scholars who can devote themselves to teaching. Many Shia online Quran academies are supported by Khums, and therefore, they can provide quality Quran education to the world.
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage to the holy Kaba, which is an obligation on each Muslim who can afford the expenses once in a lifetime. This holy pilgrimage is intended to show the unity and brotherhood of Muslims to the whole world. That’s why Hajj has so much importance in Shia Islam.
Jihad (Fighting)
Jihad is incumbent upon all Muslims when there is a danger or an attack on a Muslim territory or the religion itself. Whenever there is an attack on the religion in terms of distorting its teachings, core beliefs, and inventing things that have nothing to do with Islam, fighting such evil attacks is a strong obligation on all Muslims.
Amarbil Maroof (preaching Good)
Preaching the teachings of Islam and good things is also an obligation on all Muslims. We all need to first perform good deeds and also encourage others to do the same so, they can get the reward in the afterlife.
Nahianil Munkar (preventing from evil)
Whenever one sees another doing something against Islamic teachings, he should prevent the person with due respect and remind him of the noble teachings of the holy Quran.
Tawalla (Devotion to the Ahlulbayt)
It is one of the most important beliefs of Shia Muslims to show respect and devotion to the family of the holy Prophet, and follow their teachings and celebrate their happy and sad days with happiness and sadness, respectively.
Tabarra (hating the haters of the Ahlulbayt)
All Shia Muslims show their love for the fourteen Masomeen and hatred for their enemies, be either Muslims or non-Muslims.
The Ahlulbayt: Core of the Shia Identities
Shia belief is centered on the family of the Holy Prophet, the Ahlulbayt; without knowing them, believing in their sanctity, nobody can be a true Shia.
The tragedy of Karbala means much to Shia Muslims.
It was in 680 CE that Imam Hussain A.S and his family rejected allegiance to Yazid, who was desecrating the teachings of Islam by playing with monkeys, drunk, and openly involved in adultery and fornication. This act of Yazid was required to be discouraged and remind the people of actual teachings of Islam. This resulted in the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions at Karbala.
It was not merely a battle – it was a stand for principles:
Justice over tyranny
Truth over falsehood
Faith over worldly power
Sacrifice for what’s right
Imam Hussain himself said, “ what I desire is only the reformation of Islam and the ummah of the holy Prophet (pbuh), and I want to prescribe good and prohibit evil.”
Every year, Shia Muslims in the month Moharram organize mourning gatherings where the oppressions inflicted upon Imam Hussain and his family at Karbala are remembered, and their unmatchable sacrifices are appreciated by shedding tears and apportioning Niaz, a specific meal in the name of Imam Hussain. Many online Quran institutes remind students of this tragedy and the importance of its remembering and sustaining.
When we mourn Imam Hussain (AS) we’re saying: “We stand with you.” We reject oppression. We prefer truth rather than convenience.”
Shia Islamic Jurisprudence Fiqh Jaffari
Shia Islamic law is called Fiqh Ja’fari (after Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq), and has some unique aspects that are taught in comprehensive Shia online Quran classes.
Sources of Shia Islamic Law:
The Quran
The Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet and twelve Imams)
‘Aql (Reason)
Ijma’ (Consensus of scholars)
Taqlid: Following a Marja
Most Shia Muslims practice Taqlid – the adherence to the rulings of a qualified scholar known as a Marja’ al-Taqlid. Islamic law is complicated, so unless you’ve been studying for decades, you follow someone who has. Popular Maraji include Ayatollah Sistani, Ayatollah Khamenehi and others.
Common Misconceptions about Shia Beliefs
“Shia Muslims are those who worship Ali or the Imams”
Absolutely false. We worship only Allah. We respect the Imams extremely, but only Allah deserves the worship.
“Shia Muslims have another Quran.”
Completely false. We have the exact same Quran– same verses, same order, and same text. There is only a difference in interpretations, and this is true for all the schools of Islam.
“Shia Islam is a different and separate religion.”
False. Shia Islam is an Islamic school of thought. We believe similar things: One God, the holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH), the Quran, the Day of Judgment, angels, and all prophets.
Learning Shia Beliefs through Online Quran Education
In the world of today, with the internet and all, families from all around the world have been able to access authentic Shia Islamic education through online Quran classes. Whether you are in the UK, USA, Canada, or anywhere else, Shia online Quran academies offer:
Comprehensive Curriculum:
Qaida and elementary reading of the Quran
Tajweed and correct recitation
Translation and Tafsir of the Quran
The beliefs of Islam (Usul al-Din and Furu al-Din)
Fiqh Jaffari and the practices of daily life in Islam
History of Ahlul Bayt and their teachings
Qualified Online Quran Teachers:
Professional Shia Quran tutors online have years of experience and hold proper Ijazah certification. They teach not only how to recite the Quran, but how to understand it through the teachings of Ahlulbayt.
Flexible Learning:
Online Quran lessons give the family the opportunity to schedule classes as per work or school, and other commitments. Children can learn from home in a comfortable environment, and adults can pursue Quranic education that they might have missed earlier.
For Children:
Shia Quran classes online for kids involve the use of age-appropriate methods to make learning interesting. Children are taught Qaida, Tajweed, memorization, and Islamic beliefs in a way they understand and enjoy.
For Adults:
Whether you’re a busy professional, or a parent, or a revert to Islam, online Quran tutors offer beginner-friendly Quran tutoring with zero judgment. Advanced courses are available if the student wants to know more about Tafsir and Islamic scholarship.
Living as a Shia Muslim Today
Being a Shia Muslim means incorporating beliefs in everyday life:
Daily Practices:
Five daily prayers
Recitation and consideration of the Quran
Dua (supplication) using the prayers that the Ahlulbayt have taught
Remembering the Ahlulbayt through salawat
Following Islamic ethics – honesty, kindness, justice, and generosity
Spiritual Development:
Fighting your Ego and Negative Wants
Perfection of good character (Akhlaq)
Acquiring religious and worldly knowledge
Serving others and benefiting society
Developing a close relationship with Allah
Many families continue such practices by joining online Quran classes where teachers teach the Quran to Shia and give constant guidance and support.
Community Life:
Friday prayers in congregation in a mosque
Mourning meetings of Muharram & Safar
Celebrations on the birthday of the Prophet and the Imams
Study circles from in-person or online Quran lessons
charitable programs held through Islamic centers
Social Responsibility:
Following the example of Imam Husain (AS), Shia Muslims are encouraged to stand up in the face of oppression, help the oppressed, tell the truth, work for good, and never be silent when they witness wrong being committed.
Teaching the Shia Beliefs to Children
Parents can successfully teach these beliefs by:
Starting with Love: Teach Allah’s Mercy before Punishment. Help children grow to develop loving ties with Allah, the Prophet (PBUH), and the Ahlulbayt.
Using Stories: Children are taught using stories from the life of Prophets and Imams – Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) Faith, Imam Ali’s (AS) Justice, Imam Husain’s (AS) Sacrifice.
Making It Relevant: Make teachings relevant to daily life: “When you share your toys, that’s like giving Zakat, when you help others.”
Quality Education: Enroll children in Shia online Quran classes where the online Quran teachers are experienced and use proven methods to make learning fun and successful.
Living the Values: Children learn from what they see. And if they witness you praying, speaking kindly, helping others, and standing up for what’s right, they’ll absorb these values.
Conclusion: The Grace of Shia Belief
At its core, Shia Islam offers:
Complete moral framework: Pure guidelines derived from the Quran and teachings of sinless guides.
Perfect role models. The Prophet (PBUH) and Imams (AS) have provided us with an example of how to live Islam in every situation.
Emphasis on justice: Divine justice (Adl) and the example of Imam Hussain (AS) make standing for what’s right, central to the Shia identity.
Intellectual tradition: Emphasis on reason (‘Aql) and continued Ijtihad means that Islam deals with modern questions.
Deep spirituality Recommended supplications offer deep ways to connect with Allah.
The foundations – Tawhid, Adl, Nubuwwah, Imamate, and Ma’ad – answer the biggest questions in life: Why am I here? What is my purpose? How should I live? Combined with such practical pillars (prayer, fasting, charity, Khums, Hajj) these beliefs form a complete way of life.
Today, through the Shia online Quran Academy and qualified online Quran tutors, families in the world can have access to true Islamic education. Whether you’re learning the basics of Qaida, perfecting your Tajweed, studying Tafsir, or understanding Islamic beliefs, online Quran classes make this sacred knowledge available from anywhere.
If you’re looking to learn more for yourself, as you want to pass on to your children, or you’re simply interested in what Shia believe , hopefully this will serve as a good introduction. Remember: Learning is a lifelong learning, Practice is better than theory, and small but consistent steps will lead to great spiritual growth.
O Allah, guide us to the truth and keep us on the straight path and help us follow the example of the holy Prophet (pbuh), and his pure family, the Ahlulbayt.
