"The Sunnī-Shī'a schism is often framed as a dispute over the identity of the successor to Muhammad. In reality, however, this fracture only materialized a century later in the important southern Iraqi city of Kūfa (present-day Najaf). This book explores the birth and developmen…
The author highlights the three main aspects of Shi'a Islam: its historical development, especially the history of the Imams; the rituals, including flagellation and passion plays; and the rule of the mullahs, known as the "government of experts." Shi'ism is as old as Islam. It …
The Study of Shi'i Islam: History, Theology and Law
Shi'i Islam, with its rich and extensive history, has played a crucial role in the evolution of Islam as both a major world religion and civilization. The prolific achievements of Shi'i theologians, philosophers and others are testament to the spiritual and intellectual wealth o…
The Ismailis represent an important Shiʻī Muslim community with rich intellectual and literary traditions. The complex history of the Ismailis dates back to the 2nd/8th century when they separated from other Shiʻī groups under the leadership of their own imams. Soon afterwards, …