A Brief History of Early Shī’īsm
How did Shi'ism begin? From Abdullah ibn Saba to the Kaysaniyya to the Twelver Imamate, a brief history of early Shia origins and doctrine.
The Evolution of Early Shī‘īsm During the ‘Abbāsid Period
Twelver Shia beliefs did not emerge fully formed. Discover how they evolved through political crises and bitter disputes over who the true Imam was.
The Origins of the Zaydīs
Who are the Zaydis and how do they differ from Twelver Shia? Discover their origins, the betrayal at Kufa, and why that moment gave birth to…
The Origin of the Ismā‘īlīs
How did the Ismailis emerge after the eleventh Imam's death? From the Fatimid conquest of Egypt to the Qarmatians stealing the Black Stone.
The Early Shī‘ī: From the 11th Imām to the Būyids
Twelver Shia Islam did not emerge overnight. Discover how five key scholars between 874 and 945 AD constructed the doctrine of the hidden Imam…
Ghadir Khumm: An Orientalist Perspective
Did the Prophet designate Ali as his successor at Ghadir Khumm? Western scholars Dakake and Veccia examine the hadith and reach a surprising…