Customer Reviews

An introduction to Shii Islam: The history and doctrines of Twelver Shiism

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a book that I recommend to everyone who is interested in understanding the history of Shi'e split from Sunni faction(s) in Islam. The book, however, goes much beyond that, and provides insight to developments of Islam at Mohammed's time, and immediately after his death, as well as a detailed follow on to present day. It is written with a style that keeps the reader glued to the book, unlike most books in similar subjects.

There are two points that I have minor criticism: the book contains numerous Arabic (and Farsi) names, perhaps too many names are given in the book. This practice, even though it provides credibility for the content, makes the reading of the book difficult for even those who can read Farsi and Arabic.

The second point is this: a few of dates provided in the text (such as birth, death, start or completion of events, etc.) appear inaccurate, even if one accepts the information detailed on the same page where the dates are recorded.

All in all, an excellent book for both the novice, as well as informed individuals. This book can also be used as a reference source; it has nearly 100 pages of bibliography, index, etc.

I have read many books about the religious development and history of Shia Islam and have to say without any hesitation that this is the most detailed and objective book I have ever read on the subject. The author, Mr. Momen, has done a thorough job of accurately presenting its early history as well as it development up to present time. Very scholarly, with many footnotes and cross references. Based upon the information that I was already familar with, I recommend this book to anyone interested in gaining unbiasd information about the subject.

I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to Shia parents wishing to explain Shia Islam to their children. The book is easy enough for a high-schooler and up to read. As someone who grew up in a relatively small Shia community in the United States, this book was especially helpful in educating me over the years. Recently, many of my friends (who are of the college and professional school age) and who have not necessarily grown up in a household that stresses Shia Islam but who want to learn more about the area, have also turned to this book for understanding.

I was surprised to find that I could not put this book down. I figured this would be a dry subject and picked it up because I wanted to have a better understanding of Shi'I Islam. Dr. Momen's book was very detailed yet the subject matter read like a story rather than a series of facts strewn together. The succession of the Imams and the tribulations entwined within that history were especially riveting. At the same time I always felt Dr. Momen was treating the subject fairly, giving a detailed and balanced account, especially in areas where the history is a source of controversy between the two branches of Islam.

Dr. Momen provides a comprehensive and objective overview of Shia history and beliefs. It doesnt matter if you are new to learning of Islam, or an advanced scholar, you can get a wealth of information from this book.

I have sometimes heard that this book by Dr. Momen was the catalyst for Shia Islam being taken seriously as subject in theological studies in the west.

Any question that I had while reading, Dr. Momen did not leave unanswered. With that, it was organized appropriatly for easy reference. I never have to dig for the information im looking for.

Most interesting to me was his study of the changing role of the ulema. I had always wondered how the Shia community evolved from having an Imam at the head of things, to an Ayatollah, and Dr. Momen covers the gradual shifts in full.

I havent seen a better book on the subject to date.

The author has created a remarkable book on Shiah Islam which will undoubtedly will serve as valuable reference guide for students in Islamic studies, Middle Eastern studies, Iranian history. The author covers a vast range of history and theology, up to and including the 1979 Iranian revolution. Biograhies of prominent Iranian figures and theologians make this book a valuable aide in the field of Iranian studies. Yet it is enjoyable to read, written in a pleasant academic style that is not dry. For those seekign to understand contemporary Iran today, this is a useful reference book.

Dr. Momen wrote an excellent illustrated book. Even the printing layout is very good with a rather large typeface readable even by oldies.

Dr. Momen gave due attention to details like exact transliteration, differences between Arabic and Farsi spellings and pronunciations, careful complete footnotes, glossary and reference lists, etc.

The book also contains several charts that make it much easier to gain an overview of the subject matter, in particular of politico-historic events compared to theological developments.

Dr. Momen does not claim to be an esoterist but rather has chosen an historic (zahiri) viewpoint without at all closing the door to the esoteric side (batini).

Dr. Momen makes it clear and plausible how Twelver Shi'ism has especially since Safavid rule in Iran moved towards a concentration on exoteric law with the legal experts gradually assuming several prerogatives original held reserved to the occulted 12th Imam. In other words, it seems that the Sunni Al-Azhar University's published opinion considering 12er Shi'a a 5th school of orthodox Islamic jurisprudence in addition to the four still extant Sunni schools is factually based. In all fairness, however, we should bear in mind that tendencies towards legalism are currently not restricted to Shi'i Islam but, alas, observable worldwide.

The more esoterically minded (batini) amongst the 12er ulama (doctors of theology) who do not share the view that jurisprudence (fiqh) is the central theme of Islamic knowledge have apparently gradually withdrawn and gone underground in a kind of relative occultation.

This reviewer heartily thanks Dr. Momen and hopes he is alive and well and will soon publish a second updated edition of his excellent work.

A good place to begin the study of Shi'ism. Very readable. Well referenced. Lacks in detail though. Particularly useful are the chapters related to contemporary marjaes and the Iranian revolution.

good for explaining the convuluted history of shiaism and as an ex-12 Imami shia I found the argument convincing that the 12er shiaism is a invention of much later age ....almost no details on origins of shias though for that we need more details of first fitna

I recently bought this book after reading the excellent reviews about it, but unfortunately, I couldn't go beyond the first two chapters. It starts off nicely but loses the focus soon and becomes extremly boring.