The word Shia, which is an Arabic word, means a person who is a follower or a helper. The term is also used referring to the followers of
Imam Ali (A.S.). They used to be called “the Shia of Ali.” Currently the term Shia is used for the followers of twelve purified Imams from the
progeny of Prophet Muhammad (
pbuh&p).
The Prophet Muhammad (
Peace be upon him and his progeny) said, “Ali and his Shia are the ones who will be successful.” (Yanabi-al-Muwaddah)
Imam Ali gave good news to his Shia Shaykh Sadooq reported that
“Amir-ul Mu’mineen (A.S.) said to his slave
Qambar to rejoice because of his proximity to the Imam, and told him to inform the people that when the Prophet of God (Peace be upon him and his progeny) left this world, he was unhappy with people of his
Ummah except the Shia. He also said that Prophet would intercede on their behalf on the Day of Judgment. “On that Day, after us, you (Shia) will be closest to the Divine Throne (Arsh-e-ilahi). Allah has bestowed such honor upon them.”
Amir-ul-Mu’mineen further said that our helpers and friends would come out of their graves on the Day of Judgment with faces lit up. Their eyes will experience coolness because they will be granted safety and protection. Other people will be fearful but these will have no fear. Others will have grief but not them.”