Rafida

Rafida (Arabic: رافضة, romanized: Rāfiḍa, lit. 'rejectors') refers to Shia Muslims who reject the legitimacy of Abu Bakr (r. 632–634), Umar (r. 634–644), and Uthman (r. 644–656) as caliphs; in favor of Ali ibn Abi Talib (r. 656–661), the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

In particular, the term Rafida appears in Sunni polemics as a derogatory nickname for Twelvers, who constitute the majority of the Shia community. In turn, Twelvers have reinterpreted this nickname favorably to signify their rejection of tyranny and their struggle against perceived Sunni oppression.

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