An Introduction to Shi'i Islam
 | |
| Author | Moojan Momen |
|---|---|
| Subject | Islam |
| Publisher | George Ronald Publisher Ltd |
| ISBN | 9780853982015 |
| Available | George Ronald |
The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism. Interest in Shi'i Islam has increased dramatically in the West since the rise to economic importance of the Persian Gulf Region and the 1979 revolution in Iran, where Shi'ism is the state religion. Until recently most book published in the West on Islam have tended to concentrate on Sunni Islam and to overlook Shi'ism. This book attempts to redress the balance by providing a general outline of Shi'i Islam, and specifically of Twelver Shi'ism to which the majority of Shi'is belong today. It explains those areas in which Shi'i doctrine differs most from the Sunni: the succession to Muhammad, the nature of the Imamate, the Twelfth Imam and other questions; and presents Shi'ism in such a way as to balance modern critical research with the orthodox traditional accounts of Shi'i history. This traditional way that Shi'is see themselves is of prime importance to anyone trying to understand the world of Shi'i Islam, for it is this that is the reality of their religion for the Shi'is and that raises the passions of the crowds during the great Shi'i commemorations. Other aspects of the book include an outline of Shi'i doctrines, ritual practices and social transactions; a chapter on Shi'i jurisprudence and the development of the religious hierarchy; and discussions of Sufism, 'Irfán, Hikma, other Shi'i sects, and schools within Twelver Shi'ism. In addition, there are biographical notes on nearly fifty prominent religious personalities through the centuries; a glossary of Arabic and Persian terms; a chronology of political and religious events in Shi'i history; and a list of Shi'i dynasties down to the present day.
Author[edit]
Moojan Momen. Dr. Momen is a graduate of the University of Cambridge. This is his second major work in the field of Middle Eastern religion.
Publisher[edit]
ISBN[edit]
978-0-85398-201-5
