TUNIS, Tunisia: Shia Islam roots in Tunisia were before the Fatemia Empire. The Shia faith spread via the city of al-Mahdia al-Tunisia. The 'barber' people were the first on this land and it is through them that the message of Ahlul beiyt (peace be upon them) spread.

It can be said that the belief in the Progeny of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure progeny) spread into Tunisia during the 1950's/70's, after Dr. Mohammed Tijani Samawi left for Iraq, it is when the light of Shia Islam started shining Tunisia.

This day, the Shia belief is found across many cities and villages in the country, if not all the cities. Capital city of Tunis, Sousse, Qafsa, the state of Qabass and al-Mahdia are the cities which have a major Shia population.

In the holy fasting month of Ramadan, religious, cultural and entertaining activities gain special care by Tunisians.

Mosques and Hosayniat in different cities witness programs of lectures and religious discussions.

Lessons in jurisprudence, narrating holy prophet (peace be upon him and his pure progeny)'s Hadith in addition to competitions of Qoran memorization, and revival of Islamic occasions i.e. death anniversary of holy prophet (peace be upon him and his pure progeny)'s wife Sayeda Khedija (peace be upon her), Battle of Badr, birth anniversary of holy prophet (peace be upon him and his pure progeny)'s grandson Al-Imam Al-Hassan Al-Mogtaba (peace be upon him), martyrdom anniversary of Al-Imam Ali b. Abee Tauleb (peace be upon him) and the Night of Kadr are also held during the month of Ramadan.

As for Sousse City, annual international competition for the memorization of Holy Qoran is organized during Ramadan. Hundreds of contesters participate.

Also, the city mosques witness important religious lectures focusing on fasting manners, tolerance moderation and straightness in Islam, and biography of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his pure progeny), his Ahlol Beiyt (progeny, peace be upon them) and his pious companions (may Allah be please with them).