Zaidiyyah facts for kids
The Zaidiyyah (Arabic: الزيدية) are a group of Shia Muslims. They are different from other Shia Muslims because of a disagreement about who their fifth important religious leader, called an Imam, should have been.
Zaidiyyah followers believe that the fifth Imam was a person named Zayd ibn Ali. Most other Shia Muslims, however, believe that Zayd's brother, Muhammad, was the correct fifth Imam.
Today, Zaidiyyah Muslims make up about 40% of the people in the country of Yemen. The president of Yemen is also a Zaidi.
Who are the Zaidiyyah?
The Zaidiyyah are a branch of Islam. They are part of the Shia group of Muslims. Shia Muslims follow leaders called Imams. These Imams are believed to be special religious guides.
The Zaidiyyah group formed a long time ago. They follow the teachings of Zayd ibn Ali. He was a grandson of Husayn ibn Ali. Husayn was a very important figure in Shia Islam.
Why are they different?
The main reason the Zaidiyyah are different is about the fifth Imam. After the fourth Imam passed away, there was a choice to be made.
Most Shia Muslims chose Muhammad al-Baqir as the fifth Imam. He was the brother of Zayd ibn Ali. But Zayd ibn Ali also had many followers. They believed he should be the next Imam. This difference led to the Zaidiyyah group forming.
Zayd ibn Ali was known for speaking out against unfair rulers. He believed that a true Imam should not just be a religious leader. He also believed an Imam should be a strong leader who fights for justice.
Zaidiyyah in Yemen
Yemen is a country in the Middle East. The Zaidiyyah have lived there for a very long time. They have had a big influence on the country's history.
Many Zaidi leaders have ruled parts of Yemen over the centuries. Today, a large part of Yemen's population is Zaidi. The current president of Yemen is also from the Zaidi community. This shows their continued importance in the country.
Images for kids
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Extent of Zaydi dynasty in North Africa.
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A friendly robot.
See also
In Spanish: Zaidismo para niños
