Ali ibn Abi Talib’s Love for Abu Bakr Siddiq
Ali b. Abi Talib publicly ranked Abu Bakr above himself, named his son after him and defended his caliphate. See what both Sunni and Shia…
A Brief History of the Mu’tazila
Who were the Mu'tazila? Explore their five principles, the Quran createdness controversy, and why Sunni scholars ultimately rejected them.
The Sunni Theory of Leadership
How do Sunnis define the caliphate? This guide covers the theory of Islamic leadership, how a caliph is selected, and what to do under a…
The Khawarij View of Legitimate Leadership
Who were the Khawarij? Discover how they rejected both Sunni and Shia leadership theories.
The Shi’i View on Legitimate Leadership
What do Shias believe about leadership after the Prophet? A brief guide to the Imamate, covering Twelvers, Ismailis and Zaydis and how they differ
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…