Shi'ism / Edition 2

by Heinz Halm, Janet Watson, Marian Hill

Overview

Heinz Halm's work presents a thorough and accessible discussion of the history, theology, and current state of this branch of Islam. Newly revised, Shi'ism includes updated information on the fate of the Shi'ite revolution in Iran as well as a new chapter on Iraq.

Observing a tradition more than 1000 years old, Shi'ites represent 10 percent of the Muslim population, or 100 million people. Halm explores how Shi'ism differs from the rest of Islam, discussing the prominence of its authorities, the Imams, as well as its legal system, practices of worship, places of pilgrimages, and a religious ethos characterized by a fervor to suffer for the cause.

Additionally, Halm provides a lucid survey of the various branches of Shi'ism, paying attention to their historical, organizational, and theological developments. The book also considers the appeal and impact of Imams in contemporary Shi'ism and their interpretation of the social and economic problems gripping the Islamic world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231135863
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	09/15/2004
Series:	New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys Series
Edition description:	second edition
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	1 - 17 Years

About the Author

Heinz Halm is professor of Islamic studies at the University of Tubingen, Germany. He is the author of several books on Islam, including Shi'a Islam: From Religion to Revolution.

Table of Contents

The Beginnings of the Shi'a
The Imamiyya or Twelver Shi'a
The Extreme Shi'a
The Ismailiyya or Sevener Shi'a
The Zaydiyya

Editorial Reviews

Halm in an admirable way combines an assured judgement as to what information matters, with precision and fluency of style… It will find countless grateful specialist and non-specialist readers.

Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations

Reviews of the first edition: A good primer to the complex subject of Shi'ism. It should be on the bookshelves of all good libraries and personal collections.

The Muslim News

A very useful and informative handbook.

SOAS Bulletin