The Origins and Early Development of Shi'a Islam

by S.H.M. Jafri

This book reconstructs the development of an Islamic ideal in the form of Shi'ism It traces the Shi'a response to this ideal, from its origins among a group of the Prophet's Companions until the Imamate of Ja'far as-Sadiq, by which time all the fundamental elements of Shi'ism had
appeared.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction, History

342 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2000

Reviews

[أسامة بوجبارة · Rating 5 out of 5]

الكتاب عميق جدا وثري جدا وقرأت نسخته المترجمة بالعربية.

[Oleleho · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books that changed my life dramatically.

[Batuhan DOĞAN · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seeing that this book was published by Oxford University Press, I had high hopes for a truly secular and objective academic study. But it turns out that the book is nothing more than an embellished, covertly motivated version of a narrative that any traditional Shi'a scholar could have written. While the author approaches Sunni sources with a healthy dose of skepticism (as any historian should), he consistently accepts Shi'a sources at face value, creating a heavily biased account. The desperate attempt to conceal this pro-Shi'a agenda behind a facade of academic neutrality is honestly embarrassing.

Furthermore, his early theory attempting to ground Shi'ism anthropologically by claiming that South Arabian tribes had a cultural predisposition toward "religiously-inspired leadership" feels highly speculative and academically shaky. Frankly, I wouldn't have lost anything if I had skipped this book entirely. I wish I had just read Kashif al-Ghita’s work instead; at least his theological agenda is explicit and he doesn't feel the need to hide behind a secular identity.

[Muhammad Shahzil · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gives a very good preview of Shia thought, how it developed and originated. The text is highly referenced and every word is backed up. Almost reads like an academic paper, all the while keeping attention as well. It talks about the companions with respect.

[Aqeel Haider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Work by S.H.M Jafri.

[Faisal Jamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

عن اصول المذهب الشيعي منذ البدايات وحتى عصر الامام جعفر الصادق

[Arbaz Fahad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Origins and Early Development of Shia Islam" by Husain Muhammad Jafri is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical emergence and evolution of Shia Islam.

Jafri's work delves into the formative years of Islam, tracing the schism between Sunni and Shia communities back to the aftermath of Prophet Muhammad's demise. Jafri contends that there are three main events which serve as a critical point for the Shias. First was the election of Abu Bakr as caliph, when the right choice should've been Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was divinely ordained for the post. Second was the martyrdom of Hussain bin Ali at Karbala, and third was the occultation of the Twelfth Imam - Muhammad Al Mahdi.

The intrinsic point of contention between the Sunnis and Shias is the criteria through which leadership of the community is bestowed upon an individual. Sunnis believe that the criteria should be : astuteness in political affairs and administration and ability to rule the subjects effectively. Shia religio political theory revolves around the concept of "Wilaya" which means that God has bestowed upon the family of the Prophet special honour and qualities, thereby making them the ideal rulers, and that through their presence on earth His grace is disseminated. The other two terms of doctrinal importance are wisaya - trusteeship or custodianship, and warith - heir and legatee. The chosen Imam is divinely inspired and possessor of a special sum of knowledge of religion, which can only be passed on before his death to the following Imam. In this way the Imam of the time becomes the exclusively authoritative source of knowledge in religious matters, and thus without his guidance no one can keep to the right path. This special knowledge includes both the external ( zahir ) and the esoteric ( batin ) meanings of the Qur'an.

In conclusion, "The Origins and Early Development of Shia Islam" stands as a magnum opus in the field of Islamic studies. Jafri's meticulous research, balanced perspective, and clear exposition make this book an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a profound understanding of the formative years of Shia Islam

[Syed Bukhari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good reference to all the traditions that shaped the shia-sunni ideologies.

[Hamza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me clarify a lot of misconceptions about Shia