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Title: An Introduction to Shi`i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi`ism
ISBN: 0300035314
Author:
Moojan Momen
Publicate Date: 1987-09-10
Publish: 1987-09-10
List Price: $26.00
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $20.94
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $11.00
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Excellent work from an historical perspective
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who do not share the view that jurisprudence (fiqh) is the central theme of Islamic knowledge have apparently gradually withdrawn and gone underground in a kind of relative occultation.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.
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2: good study of evolution of shiaism
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
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3: Excellent resource for beginners
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.
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4: One of the best books I've ever read on Shia Islam
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.
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5: Classic introduction to Shiism
I got this book when it first came out almost 20 years ago. it has helped me to understand the religious underpinnings of the feelings of people in iran and the shiites of iraq as well as the shiite minorities of pakistan and arabia. The author assumes no knowledge of islamic history or religion, so it is just what it says-- an "introduction" for the non muslim to shiite history and theology. A highly recommendedbook for someone just starting their studies of iran or middle east nations with shi'a minorities. And contrary to what an earlier reviewer said, it is an easy read for anyone with an eight grade education.
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