Publisher's Synopsis
In this concise, scholarly work, Mohammad Ali Shomali outlines the distinguishing features of the Twelver Shia school of Islamic thought, which is based on the teachings of the Household of the Prophet. He focuses on the textual sources of Shii thought and the leading doctrines of Shiism both those which are shared with other Muslims and those that are unique to Shiism, such as the emphasis on divine justice, the imamate, and the infallibility of the Imams. Concluding with a useful survey of Shia demographics, devotional practices, and holy sites, this readable work answers many common questions about the origins, history, and beliefs of Shii Muslims with an emphasis on spirituality and rationality. Timely and relevant given the focus on Shii Muslims in the world media today.
