An Introduction to Shi`i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism

by Moojan Momen

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.

Genres: Islam, Religion, History, Nonfiction

424 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a highly detailed historical account of Twelver Shi'i Islam. The chapters include the starting schism, succession after prophet Muhammad, early Shi'i Islam through the Middle Ages, the Twelfth Imam (and his Occultation and pending return), doctrines, rituals, and social transactions. Finally it deals with the schools with Twelver Shi'ism and contemporary Shi'i Islam (in Iraq, Lebanon, and other places). It is heavy in details and very scholarly. I would recommend this as a historical aid to Shi'i Islam, not a social discourse about the modern Middle East. Thanks!

[Catalina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself was slightly dry but certainly touched on Shí'i Islám from the Twelver standpoint,the concept of ghulat, and some political commentary.

I was truly hoping for more insight about the Holy Family: Imám Alí, Fátimih Záhrá and the two sons Hasan and Husayn. Over all, it was an okay book, but I felt that it was just allusion to Shaykhism and related movements.

[Hasan Shami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful for a systematic historical coverage of the sect up until modern days (early 1980s). Uses a mix of both academic & religious references to comprehend the evolution of views across different eras. I personally benefited from its organization of ideas across a clear timeline despite my prior knowledge of some of its contents. It has an extremely rich bibliography; Momen does a superb job in covering many aspects of the religion, both in doctrine and political history. It also details movements of populations across different historical time periods, including events in Levantine/Lebanese history.

My only gripe with it is that it treats many religious "sources" equally when providing evidence, whereas there is some doubt to the authenticity of some of the sources used. It could have benefited from dividing the sources between the known categories of authenticity. Nevertheless, it does delve into explaining these categories agnostically, and it doesn't make any outrageous historical claims.

To gain a balanced understanding historical, I would pair this book with the writings of Heinz Halm.

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الكتاب ليس مدخلاً بأي وجه، ورغم بعض الأوهام في عرض بعض القضايا وتحليلها، لا غنى عنه للمهتم بالتشيّع وتاريخه، فهو -فيما أعلم- الكتاب الوحيد الذي نجح في الجمع بين الاختصار والعرض الواسع لمختلف جوانب تاريخ الإماميّة العريض من عهد الأئمّة إلى حين صدور الكتاب قبيل وفاة روح الله الخميني.

[Michael Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long and complicated description of the history of Shiism. It goes into the ghulat movement, consolidation of Twelver Orthodoxy, Usulis vs Akhbaris, Mutazilite influence, Ayatollah Khomeini, Safavids, etc.

[Fumo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a very impressive work.

It gets many of the facts wrong when talking about differences of opinion between the Shia schools and other small details in more areas. You’ll certainly learn a lot but it’s better to spend your time with more up to date and authentic resources.

[Eric Randolph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the casual reader, but if this is your thing, it's excellent.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, thorough introduction to the history, doctrines and popular practice of Shi'i Islam (specifically Twelver Shi'ism, the most widely held school, though the origins of the other schools are mentioned). The history gives both the traditional religious account of events, which is what influences believers, and in a later chapter the Western scholarly accounts of the same events. Because it is written in 1985 it only covers events up to the early 1980s, including the Iranian Revolution (1979) and its aftermath. Still, it gives much insight into the religious roots of current events in the Middle East today, insight that most US media and politicians seem to ignore or be unaware of.

[Zachary Moore]

An excellent and readable introduction to the history and doctrines of the Shi'a Islam. The fact that the author is an Iranian helps make the book seem more authentic and the voice is less marked by the air of an outside looking in as often happens with Western scholarship on the subject. An excellent reference book containing summaries of key doctrines, biographical details of key Shi'a thinkers and lists of officially Shi'a dynasties from Islamic history.

[Ali · Rating 1 out of 5]

still reading

[Ike · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this in the introduction, look out.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the definitely the best basic resource on the topic that you can find in English.

[Ichsan Al-Bashr Al-Shanee · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wnna to read ths book :D

[Darren Duke · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good and thorough reference on even the most obscure aspects of Shi'ism.