The Origins and Early Development of SHI‘A ISLAM

 The Origins and Early Development of SHI‘A ISLAM by H. M. Jafri

 Backed with thorough and original research, this book is a study of Shi‘a Islam based mainly on the oldest historical sources, rather than on heresiographical works, thus filling a serious gap in the field of academic study. Here, the author has reconstructed and presented the development of an Islamic ideal in the form of Shi‘ism: that of a particular vision of religious leadership which derives its authority directly from the person of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and which, therefore, enjoys divine sanction in deciding all cases of conscience. Presented here is a rare confluence of traditional and critical scholarship, leading to the emergence of a most authoritative and comprehensive account of a crucial development in the formative period of Islamic history. This is both a theological and sociological study. The chapters on the abdication of Imam Hasan (RA) and the social structure of the city of Kufa, present new material and interpretation.

 In a nutshell, his talent encompass[es] a complete grasp of the subject, a flawless writing style and a method of presentation meeting Western standards of dispassionate inquiry…should be considered the best book on the subject…

The Pakistan Times