Shia Muslims are 10-15% of the Islamic World.

 

Shia Muslims constitute approximately 10% to 15% of the Muslim population. Some estimates vary slightly, ranging from 10% to 13%, which accounts for roughly 200 to 300 million people worldwide as of 2026. 

Sunni Muslims are thus 85-90%.

Countries with Significant Shia Populations

1. Iran: Overwhelming Shia majority (90-95%); 66–70 million. 
2. Iraq: Shia majority (approx. 65-70%); 19–22 million . 
3. Azerbaijan: Shia majority (approx. 65-70%). 
4. Bahrain: Shia majority among citizens (approx. 70%). 
5. Lebanon: A large Shia community, making up 45-55% of Muslims, with a significant political role. 
6. Yemen: A large Zaydi Shia minority (35-40% of Muslims). 
7. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, India, and Syria: All have substantial Shia communities, though Sunnis are the majority in most of these nations. 

10 Facts of Shia Islam 

1. Origin of Name: The term "Shia" is derived from the Arabic phrase Shi'atu Ali, which means "Followers of Ali".
2. Leadership Dispute: Shias believe that after the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, whom they believe was divinely appointed.
3. The Concept of Imamate: Unlike Sunnis, who view leadership (the Caliphate) as a political role, Shias believe in the Imamate, a line of divinely guided leaders from the family of the Prophet (the Ahl al-Bayt) who possess infallible religious authority.
4. Major Branches: There are three primary branches based on the number of Imams they recognize: Twelvers (the largest), Ismailis, and Zaydis.
5. Demographics: Shias form the majority of the population in Iran, Iraq, and Azerbaijan, and roughly half of the citizen population in Bahrain.
6. The 12th Imam (Twelver Belief): Twelvers believe the 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, entered a state of miraculous "occultation" (hiding) in the 9th century and will return to establish justice on Earth.
7. Significance of Karbala: The martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, at the Battle of Karbala is a central event. It is commemorated annually during the first ten days of Muharram, culminating in the Day of Ashura.
8. Five Key Beliefs (Usul al-Din): Shia theology is built on five core principles: Tawhid (Monotheism), Adalah (Divine Justice), Nubuwwah (Prophethood), Imamah (Divine Leadership), and Ma'ad (Resurrection/Judgment).
9. Unique Religious Practices: Shias observe the Ten Obligatory Acts, which include standard Islamic practices like prayer and fasting, but also Khums (a 20% tax on surplus wealth) and Tawalla/Tabarra (loving the Ahl al-Bayt and distancing from their enemies).
10. Prayer and Prostration: Shias often combine the five daily prayers into three sessions (though still performing all five prayers) and typically prostrate on a Turbah—a small tablet of dried clay, usually from Karbala—as they believe prostration should only occur on natural Earth. 

Other sects of Islam

• Ibadism: A distinct branch, often grouped with Kharijites, making up about 0.5% of Muslims, with a notable presence in Oman.
• Sufism: A mystical dimension within Islam, with various orders (e.g., Qadris, Chistis) present in both Sunni and Shia traditions, focusing on inner spiritual development.
• Wahhabism/Salafism: A fundamentalist Sunni movement advocating a return to early Islamic practices, often associated with Saudi Arabia.
• Ahmadiyya: A movement founded in the late 19th century, with millions of followers globally, distinct in its theological views.
• Non-denominational Muslims: A growing segment, particularly in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, identifying simply as "Muslim" rather than a specific sect, according to Pew Research Center. 

Key takeaway: While Sunni and Shia dominate, Islam is diverse, with numerous smaller schools (like Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali within Sunni) and movements, forming a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices.