Zaidi Islam and the Houthi movement

 Zaidi Islamism

Zaidi Islamists are followers of a branch of Shia Islam prevalent in Yemen (roughly 40% of the population) that shares many similarities with Sunni jurisprudence, notably not believing in the infallibility of Imams. Known as "Fivers," they focus on the leadership of Zayd ibn ʿAlī and often form the backbone of the Houthi movement. 

Key aspects of Zaydi Islamism include:

• Theology and Beliefs: Zaidis are considered the closest Shi'a group to Sunnism. They do not believe in a hidden imam or the infallibility of their leaders.
• Imamate: Unlike Twelver Shia, they believe the Imam (leader) does not need to be designated by God but can be any knowledgeable descendant of Ali, often taking leadership through active, armed struggle against injustice.
• Context in Yemen: Zaydi imams ruled Yemen for roughly 1,000 years until the 1962 revolution. They are concentrated in the northern highlands.
• Modern Political Role: The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) is a revivalist Zaydi, Islamist political, and military group that emerged from this community. 

Not all Zaydi Muslims are Houthis, though the Houthi movement draws its support from the Zaydi population in northern Yemen.