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Abstract
Since its origins, Islam has been diverse and far from uniform. Despite the multiplicity of currents that gave birth to the different Muslim religious groups, it is common to retain among them only the two most numerous: Sunnism and Shiism. This article is a good introduction to the history, theology and topicality of the Shia community throughout the world. It is a presentation of the origins and historical developments as well as doctrinal and religious elements in their relation to the events of which the assassination of Hassan and Houssein, sons of Ali the son-in-law of the Prophet Mohamad, seems to be the fundamental event. The author explains how the dramatic history of this community led it, from oppression, to project itself into an eschatological approach which never ceases to revive the hope of its members and to nourish their politico-religious project. In a future article, the questions of current events in Shiism and the identification of the issues and challenges to which it is exposed will be addressed.