Moojan Momen, An Introduction to Shi'i Islam: The History & Doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism

This book is a general introduction to Shi’i Islam—specifically to Twelver Shi’ism, to which the majority of Shi’is belong today. It deals with the history and development of this important religion, giving an account of Shi’i doctrines and focusing in particular on those areas in which it differs from Sunni Islam.

“Momen’s book fills an important gap in the general literature in English on Twelver Shi’ism, and should be carefully studied by anyone who wants to know more about what is happening in the Middle East today….This is a fine work which deserves the widest possible readership.”—Malise Ruthven, The Middle East

“An extremely useful reference source on the establishment and evolution of the Shi’ite branch of the Islamic religion.” –Cecil V. Crabb, Jr., Perspective

“An unpretentious style, interpretive clarity and…sound judgment characterize Momen’s writings. The various aspects of Twelver Shi’ism are carefully distinguished to satisfy both the general reader and the aspiring student.”—Norman Calder, Times Literary Supplement

“Specialist and nonspecialist alike will benefit from its lucid exposition of both elite and popular Shi’ism. Especially valuable is the way the work presents modern critical scholarship on Shi’i history alongside the orthodox history, which still has great influence on the religion’s self-understanding.”—Mel Piehl, Library Journal

Moojan Momen has written extensively on Iran and Middle East religion.

From Library Journal:

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The Iranian Revolution of 1979 and recent events in Lebanon have greatly increased Western interest in the Shi'i branch of Islam, which is much less known than Sunni Islam. This volume provides a balanced and comprehensive treatment of a complex religious movement that has flourished since Islam's earliest days. Although it attempts no new or sophisticated interpretations, specialist and nonspecialist alike will benefit from its lucid exposition of both elite and popular Shi'ism. Especially valuable is the way the work presents modern critical scholarship on Shi'i history alongside the orthodox history, which still has great influence on the religion's self-understanding. A brief but useful concluding account locates the Iranian Revolution and Imam Khomeini within the framework of Iranian Shi'ism. Mel Piehl, History Dept., Valparaiso Univ., Ind.

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Table of Contents:

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Foreword (Prof. Alessandro Bausani) Preface Glossary 1 An Outline of the Life of Muhammad and the Early History of Islam 2 The Question of the Succession to Muhammad 3 The Lives of the Imams and Early Divisions among the Shi‘is 4 Early History of Shi‘i Islam, AD 632–1000 5 Shi‘i Islam in the Medieval Period, AD 1000–1500 6 Shi‘i Islam in Modern Times, AD 1500–1900 7 The Imamate 8 The Twelfth Imam, His Occultation and Return 9 Doctrines, Ritual Practices and Social Transactions 10 Shi‘i Jurisprudence and the Religious Hierarchy 11 Sufism, ‘Irfān and Hikma 12 Schools within Twelver Shi‘ism 13 The Popular Religion 14 Contemporary Shi‘ism Appendix I A Chronology of Political and Religious Events in Shi‘i History Appendix II Shi‘i Dynasties Appendix III Biographies of Prominent Ulama Notes Select Bibliography Index

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