Note 604 — Chapter L · THE OMEYYAD AND ABBASSIDE DYNASTIES, AND CONCLUSION.
Reading edition
The term Shîya (Sheea) means simply sect or party; but it has come to signify the partisans of the house of Aly, holding this Divine claim. Imâm means head or leader, and, according to the Shîyas, the Imâmate, or Headship of all Islam, vests in the house of Aly. Hence we are continually hearing of an Imâm, or successor of this line, as about to appear.