How the Nuṣayris hijacked Syria.
Introduction The end of the Nuṣayri Assad regime in Syria in December 2024 has brought renewed focus to the sect’s history and beliefs.…
A Short Biography of Rashad Khalifa
The article gives a brief synposis of the life of the imposter Rashad Khalifa and his ignomious death.
A Brief History of the Mu’tazila and Their Beliefs
The origins of Mu‘tazila sect remain a subject for debate, but a number of scholars believe that the founder of the sect was the Bas̩ran Wāṣil…
The Khawarij View of Legitimate Leadership
The Khawarij sect emerged during the first civil war (656-61) following ‘Alī ibn Tālib’s decision to accept arbitration at the Battle of S̩iffīn.
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…
A brief history of Sufism
The word ‘Sufi’ is derived from the Arabic word "soof", meaning wool. This is because of the Sufi habit of wearing woollen coats, as part of…