The Origins of the Zaydīs
The Zaydīs arose after the revolt of their fourth Imām, Zayd b. ‘Alī (d.122 / 740). Zayd was also the half-brother of Muh̩ammad al-Bāqir.
The Origin of the Ismā‘īlīs
The hayra (confusion) surrounding the death of the eleventh Imām was an opportunity for an opposing faction of Imāmi Shī‘īs to propagate what…
The Early Shī‘ī: From the 11th Imām to the Būyids
In the period (260-334/874 -945) early Shī‘īsm eventually developed into Ithnā ‘Ashariyya Shī‘īsm. To gain an insight into how this process…
Imam Al-Tabari – A Brief Biography
This articles give a brief biography of Imam al-Tabari and a describes his magnum opus; the Taʾrīkh al-rusul wa ’l-mulūk wa ’l-k̲h̲ulafā.
The Truce of Hudaybiyah – A Great Victory
The truce of Hudaybiyah was one of the most important milestones in Islamic history, on par with the Hijrah and the Battle of Badr.
The Sunni Creed of Abdullah b. ‘Awn
Abdullah b. ‘Awn (d.151/768) is considered to be one of the most important scholars of ahl al-Sunna, having studied with both al-Ḥasan…
Taqlid and Closing the Doors of Ijtihād
Introduction In this article we examine the veracity of thee claim that the doors of Ijtihād were closed. First let us define Ijtihād. It is…
The Compilation of the Qur’an – Part 1
This article discusses the compilation of the Qur’an in the time of the Prophet (sallahu alaihi wa sallam).
The Sunni Theory of Leadership: Part 2
In part one we compared the Sunni theory of leadership with the Shia theory. In part two we discuss the necessity of having a leader, the…
Did Islam Abolish Polygamy? Exploring the Facts and Misconceptions
Introduction This article examines the question as to whether Islam abolished polygamy. Some modernists claim that a careful examination of…