Extremist Shiites: The Ghulat Sects

by Matti Moosa

Little is known in the West about the division of the Islamic world into Shiites and Sunnites and even less about the stratification of these two groups, with most of the attention going to the Sunnites. Moosa's comprehensive study of the origins and cultural aspects of the different extremist, or Ghulat, Shiite sects in the Middle East is a ground-breaking work. These sects whose 'extremism' is essentially religious are generally a peaceful people and, except for the Nusayris of Syria, are not political activists.

Genres: Islam, Religion

606 pages, Hardcover

First published December 12, 1987

Reviews

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting book about the extremist shia sects based in around iraq, iran, turkey, armenia, syria areas. these are shias that deify Imam ali. it tals about some of the crazy rituals and beliefs some of these groups have (crazy to me anyway) but is interesting to see, as a shia, what elements of my belief have derived from these groups. well writen adn incredibly well researched. a bit boring at times and ihad to skip some of the secetions but definteily worth a read if you are interested in or live in any of the areas mentioned or interested in learnign more about extremist shia islam.

[Abs Ramen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, although as an Alawi myself, I found the authors research to be little lacking