Shias represent the second largest portion of Islam after Sunni Islam and represent approximately 15-25% of Muslims worldwide. Adherents of Shia Islam are the Shiites or Shiites. Shia consist of a major way of thinking known as Jafaryia or “Twelvers” and some minor ways of thinking (Syed). These names all refer to the number of religious leaders they recognize after Muhammad's death. The term Shia is usually understood as synonymous with Jafaryia/Twelvers. Shia have many distinctive rituals and practices. The main rituals are indicated in the five pillars of Islam. The most characteristic Shia rituals take place during the first ten days of the month of Muharram, which is the first of the Islamic lunar calendar, and end on the tenth day (Akasoy). On the tenth day the Shiites show more than a family law or practice, the Shiites show great passion spiritually. Shiites will fill all the streets and villages to show their identity and devotion. The earliest evidence of this ritual dates back to the Buyid era in the 10th and 11th centuries. Depending on the community, rituals take place in private homes, mosque courtyards, community or special Muharram centers, in markets and on the streets (Akasoy). The rituals take the form of more or less formal lament sessions, in which the events of Karbala are re-enacted, elegies for the martyrs are recited, taziyah and processions take place. During the collective laments a zakir recites stories and poems. The texts are often local traditions and the authors are collective. Shia Muslims are concentrated in Iran, southern Iraq, southern Lebanon and Bahrain. Most countries with predominantly Muslim populations belong to the Islamic Conference... middle of paper... they are not violent but if attacked by a group, they will attack back. Works Cited Syed, Akramulla. “Shia belief, Shia Islam, Shia Muslim, Twelver Shia, Ithna Ashari, Shia, Shia, Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), Imam Ali, Ahlul Bayt.” Shia belief, Shia Islam, Shia Muslim, Twelver Shia, Ithna Ashari, Shia, Shia, Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), Imam Ali, Ahlul Bayt. Np, June 5, 2007. Web. October 26, 2013. Akasoy, Anna. "Library." Origins of Shia Islam, History of Shia Islam, Beliefs of Shia Islam. Avalon Consulting, 2008. Web. October 26, 2013. Hooker, Richard. "Islam: Shiite sect." Shiite Islam. Np, 2013. Web. 26 October 2013. “Shia Islam.” Shiite Islam. Np, 8 December 2007. Web. 26 October 2013. Pevehouse, Jon C. “International Conflict.” International Relations. By Joshua S. Goldstein. 10th ed. Np: Pearson Education, 2014. 153-88. Press.