Yes, Shia Muslims have a Shahada that is, in practice, often different from the one used by Sunni Muslims. While the core of the Shahada remains the same, Shia Muslims often add a phrase referencing Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad.
Here's a breakdown:
- Sunni Shahada: "There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
- Shia Shahada (Commonly Practiced): "There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and Ali is the friend of God/successor of Muhammad."
The addition of "And Ali is the friend of God" (or a similar phrase indicating Ali's importance) reflects the Shia belief that Ali was the rightful successor to Muhammad. This belief is a central tenet of Shia Islam and distinguishes them from Sunni Muslims, who believe that Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman were the rightful successors before Ali.
While the formal or obligatory Shahada for conversion and basic Islamic belief is the same as Sunnis (believing in the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad), the inclusion of Ali's role is a common practice and expression of faith within Shia communities. It's less about altering the fundamental Shahada and more about expressing their specific belief system within its framework.
