The Shi'ah as mentioned in the Quran

The word Shia, Shiah, Shiite, or Shi‘ah was used many times in the Holy Quran. It means sect or band but it mostly has a negative meaning. Let's see:

(6:159)

"As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects (Shiites), you have no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did." (6:159)

In this verse, God warns us not to divide ourselves into Shiites and declare people who do so as people who don't belong to the prophet Muhammad (p).

(6:65)

"Say: "He has power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to cover you with confusion in party strife (make you Shiites), giving you a taste of mutual vengeance - each from the other." See how We explain the Signs by various (symbols); that they may understand." (6:65)

In this verse, God warns us that he can let us become Shiites as a great punishment to us.

(30:31-32)

"Turn you in repentance to Him, and fear Him: establish regular prayers, and be not you among those who join gods with Allah, those who splite up their religion, and become (mere) Sects (Shiites), each party rejoicing in that which is with itself!" (30:31-32)

In this verse, God associates the word Shiites with polytheist pagans who join gods with Allah!

(Qur'an Mariam:69)

"Then shall We certainly drag out from every sect (Shiites) all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against (Allah) Most Gracious." (Qur'an Mariam:69)

In this verse, God associates the word Shiites with those who are worst in obstinate rebellion against Him.

(28:4)

"Truly Pharaoh elated himself in the land and broke up its people into sections (Shiites), depressing a small group among them: their sons he slew, but he kept alive their females: for he was indeed a maker of mischief." (28:4)

As far as Pharaoh is concerned, he proclaimed himself to be god. He divided his people into groups and parties so that he will be able to rule them easily. Each group is called Shi'ah.