The Origins and Early Development of Shi'a Islam (Millennium (Series)) [Hardcover]

Syed Husain Mohammad Jafri (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0195793870 | ISBN-13: 978-0195793871

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`An asset for historians and theologians and would serve as reference material for research oriented scholars.' Mohsin S Jaffri, Tapestry.

`A formidible historical account (with) well researched material...highly analytical approach which is both convinving and enlightening.' Mohsin S Jaffri, Tapestry.

About the Author

S. H. M. Jafri is at University of Karachi.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 344 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195793870
• ISBN-13: 978-0195793871
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,576,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #87 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > Shi'ism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A definite eye opener, April 27, 2005

By 

Syed Rizvi "Syed Rizvi" (Oakbrook, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Origins and Early Development of Shi'a Islam (Millennium (Series)) (Hardcover)

This book is a definite eye opener. I recommend this book to every Muslim or non-Muslim with an open mind and a deep understanding of the issues involved. I have read most of the earlier work on the life of Mohammed. This book offers by far the most accurate account of major events that unfolded after the death of Mohammed. The political upheaval amidst the last days of Mohammed's life, are well documented by experts. This book sketches a balanced approach to decipher and extract the motives behind the political battles that raged internally, and the development of a strategy by master planners to select a successor of Mohammed without his input. Is it possible that Mohammed would leave the Muslim community (Umma) without a successor? The answer is no. History stands witness that Ali was his choice and was repeatedly introduced as a successor. The tragic political fallout emerging out of a quick coup d'etat, immediately after Mohammed's demise, was confiscation of the task of leadership from Ali. History, turned sympathetic to the architects of the new regime, and the likes of, Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan and Yazid forged ahead into the fold of Khilafath.

His presentation style is extraordinary in the sense that he compiles authoritative references and sources universally acceptable, and synchronizes his conclusions. The logical flow of his analyses based on historic facts allows one to discern the realities not presented before.

Khilafath is Allah's (God's) assigned task on an individual, symbolic to represent piety, and devotion to the principles of Quran and Islam. Khilafath was designed to foster love, freedom and Islamic justice. Assiduous research of the early history of Islam suggests that Khilafath with one exception was obtained through espionage, coercion, intimidation and political trickery.

Muawiya was a self proclaimed Khalif. Muawiya's mother, Hinda; was popularly known for her promiscuity and barbaric voracity for chewing human liver in a battlefield. His father Abu Sufyan was a bitter enemy of Islam all his life, and fought all wars against Islam. Later when captured, Abu Sufyan begged for mercy and forgiveness of his life from Mohammed.

Muawiya and his son Yazid acquired Khilafath through despotic means. Yazid, a drunkard and a womanizer who publicly ridiculed Islam and Mohammed was imposed on Muslims as Khalifa. The disenfranchised and morally degraded Muslims were unwilling to accept his Khilafath. Yazid, however, was determined to hang onto it. His immediate response was to seek and obtain allegiance from a major threat, Husain Ibn Ali; grandson of Mohammed, and the rightful inheritor of the title of Khilafath. It is important to note that Husain never claimed Khilafath, yet Yazid needed Husain's endorsement to legitimize his character and Khilafath.

Husain, the embodiment and enforcer of Quranic and Islamic principles, would never succumb to Yazid's demand for allegiance. With Husain's rejection, the atmosphere became charged for a showdown between the evil and the righteous. The opposing forces exploded on the plains of Kerbala. Islam was in an intensely compelling need to put down this storm of evil with a powerful blow of conviction to reinstate the principles of Islam. Husain achieved this through an "Ultimate Sacrifice" known in Quranic terminology as "Zibhul Azeem". Highlights of this violently barbaric massacre of Husain, his family, and friends including the newborn baby, in Kerbala are presented briefly by the author in chapter 6.

The author has made a sincere attempt to present the facts by putting together the pieces of the puzzle that exposes the difference between true believers/followers and the opportunists/hypocrites who hijacked the principles of Quran and the morals of Islam for centuries.

Some Shias may not be comfortable with parts of his interpretations. Sunnis, on the other hand will be shocked to see the truth radiating through, as the events unfolded dramatically after the death of Mohammed the Messenger of Allah.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very well-researched but may be too dense for beginners or younger Shias who are not exposed to Shia Islam on a regular basis, January 3, 2007

By 

Sahar "Sahar" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Origins and Early Development of Shia Islam (Hardcover)

Although this book is an excellent piece of scholarship, and presents a balanced view point, it is not necessarily the best book to use if you are just beginning to learn more about Shia Islam. That is, although the book does provide a brief form of introduction to Shia terminology in its opening chapter, it does assume some general knowledge of Shia Islam and is written much like a history book. Hence, if the reader is very advanced in his knowledge of Shia Islam or looking to the book for information to be used in a scholarly paper or article, this is a great resource.

On the other hand, for Shia parents who are interested in teaching their children more about their religion, and who are at a more elementary level, I would recommend "An Introduction to Shi`i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi`ism" by Moojan Momen as a better starting point. This book has been extremely helpful to many of my friends (of the college and professional school age) who have not necessarily grown up in a household that stresses Shia Islam but who want to learn more about the area. It is also easy enough to read that a high-school aged child should be able to follow it.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent info on Shia Islam, November 22, 2004

By 

Naushad A. Virji "Naushad Virji" (Orlando, FL - USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Origins and Early Development of Shia Islam (Hardcover)

"The Origins and Early Development of Shia Islam" is perhaps the best book I've read in explaining the events that occured after the death of Prophet Mohammed. The book primarily uses four well regarded historians from among both Sunni and Shia Muslims. There are also documented letters written by the Sunni Caliphs and Shia Imams which further elaborate the points being made in the book and allow for readers to draw their own conclusions.

I highly recommend this book to anybody who is interested in the development of Islam into it's two main sects. The author approached the subject matter academically and logically.