What is "rafida"

Rafida, also transliterated as Rafidah, is an Arabic word (collective plural ; multiple plural ; singular ) meaning "rejectors", "rejectionists", "those who reject" or "those who refuse". The word is derived from the Arabic consonantal root ر ف ض, which as a verb means "to reject". The non-collective singular form is rāfiḍī "one who rejects". This is an Islamic term which refers to those who, in the opinion of the person using the term, reject legitimate Islamic authority and leadership. Those being called rafida generally consider it to be a pejorative appellation, a negative affect, and an abusive nickname.

The term is used contemporarily in a derogatory manner by Sunni Muslims, especially Salafis, who refer to Shia Muslims as such because Shia Muslims do not recognize Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman as the legitimate successors of Muhammad, and hold Ali to be the rightful first successor.