Description
Book SynopsisThis work is a highly readable introduction to Shaykh Mufid, the leading Shi'i scholar of his time, and it examines his contributions in the fields of jurisprudence, theology, and sacred history in clear and straightforward language.
Trade Review"The series combines academic rigour and accuracy with jargon-free language. The book mades fascinating reading and helps to better understand the differences between Sunni and Imami theology and jurisprudence."
* Islam and Christianity *
Table of ContentsPreface
1 INTRODUCTION
The Sunni–Shi‘i Divide
Imami Shi‘ism: an Outline of Main Developments
2 THE TIMES AND CAREER OF MUFID
The Buyids
Imamism under the Buyids
Other Religious Groups
The Career of Mufid
3 THE IMAMATE: THE HISTORICAL ARGUMENTS
The Mainstream Historical Tradition
The Imamate of ‘Ali
The Other Imams
4 THE IMAMATE: THE RATIONAL ARGUMENTS
The Necessity of the Imamate
The Imams’ Infallibility
The Imams’ Knowledge
The Imams and the Qur’an
The Imams’ Miracles
The Imams after Death
Unacceptable Exaggeration
The Occultation of the Twelfth Imam
5 THEOLOGY
Mu‘tazili Theology
Sunni Theology
Early Imamism between Reason and Revelation
Mufid and the Role of Reason
The Dogmas of Imamism
6 JURISPRUDENCE
The Principles of Imami Jurisprudence
The Jurist as Deputy of the Imam
Ritual Practices and Laws Specific to Imamism: Emblems of Communal Identity
7 CONCLUSION
Further Reading
Index
