Zaydi Shia

Deviant

الزيدية

Overview

The Zaydi branch of Shia Islam, named after Zayd ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn, who revolted against the Umayyad Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik in 740 CE. Of all the Shia groups, the Zaydis are closest to Ahl us-Sunnah in theology and jurisprudence. They do not believe in the infallibility (ismah) of Imams, do not invoke dead Imams, and accept the first three caliphs as legitimate (if not the most excellent). They believe Ali was more deserving but do not curse Abu Bakr or Umar. Concentrated today primarily in Yemen.

Key Beliefs

Ali was the most deserving of the caliphate but Abu Bakr and Umar's rule is considered valid
Imams are not infallible — they can sin and err
The Imam must be from the Prophet's family (Ahl al-Bayt) and must rise in revolt
Jurisprudence close to Hanafi and Mu'tazilah in some rulings

Scholarly Evaluation

The closest Shia group to Ahl us-Sunnah. Many Ahl us-Sunnah scholars have noted that Zaydis who do not curse the Companions and do not invoke dead Imams may be within the fold of Islam despite their deviation on the Imamate question. Ibn Taymiyyah and others acknowledged this distinction. Their proximity to Ahl us-Sunnah is why some classical scholars treated them differently from the Rafidah.

Key Figures

Zayd ibn Ali (695–740 CE)
Yahya ibn Zayd (d. 743 CE)

Sources

Minhaj al-Sunnah al-Nabawiyyah (Ibn Taymiyyah)
Al-Milal wal-Nihal (al-Shahrastani)

Parent Group

Shia Islam

Founder

Zayd ibn Ali (great-grandson of Ali)

Founded

740 CE (122 AH)