Imams and Emirs: State, Religion and Sects in Islam

by Fuad I. Khuri

In this classic, comprehensive study of Islamic sects in the contemporary Arab world, Khuri focuses on the Sunni, Shi‘a, Alawis, Druze, Ibadis, Zaidis, Yazidis and the Maronites (who, although Christian, are included because they share certain distinguishing features). His placements of these groups on a single comparative scale was unprecedented.

Khuri argues that conflicts among Muslims arise from the struggle between two opposing forces: religious, doctrinaire authorities (imams) and leaders who derive their authority from power and coercion (emirs). He discusses the role of dogma but also, uniquely, the critical factors that differentiate sects from religious communities and religions from sects.

Following a thorough review of the structural characteristics of individual sects, Khuri addresses issues of religious change, dealing with the interplay between religions, states and nationalism. Here he explores the contradictions between modern state structures and the Islamic umma, showing how some religious concepts had begun to take on nationalistic meanings.

Fuad I. Khuri, who died in 2003, was a distinguished Lebanese writer and academic. He wrote widely on the contemporary Arab world, covering topics such as social and cultural change, tribal and peasant societies and religious organisation in Islam. His books include The Body in Islamic Culture and Tents and Pyramids: Games and Ideology in Arab Culture from Backgammon to Autocratic Rule (both Saqi Books).

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Osama · Rating 4 out of 5]

يتناول الكتاب بالشرح والمقارنة مجموعة من المذاهب والطوائف الإسلامية.

[Willy Marz Thiessam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly links the syncretist and the mysery religions such as Yzedism with Islam. As far as it goes quite authoritative. Its a narrow angle though and gives a very specific slant of Islamic history upon what it sees as an Islamic, not very orthodox, sect. In truth Yzedism, which is my special interest, has a broader history. That this book does not cover that history in full is not the fault of the book. Its narrow but very well grounded. Great analysis, and good research. Nothing more is required.

[Mzafirov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent for people with an idea about the islam, but not more than that.

[Syed Bukhari · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read on political structure of Islamic leadership and how sects differ in their religious organization and governance from majority Sunni population of Arab countries.