Origins of the Shi''a - Identity, Ritual, and Sacred Space in Eighth-Century Kufa

This path-breaking book challenges earlier scholarship in its examination of the origins and development of the Shi'a.

List of contents

Part I. Narratives and Methods: 1. Kufa and the classical narratives of early Shi'ism; 2. Confronting the source barrier: a new methodology; Part II. Case Studies: 3. In the name of God: the Basmala; 4. Curses and invocations: the Qun¿t in the ritual prayer; 5. Drinking matters: the Islamic debate over prohibition; Part III. The Emergence of Shi'ism: 6. Dating sectarianism: early Zaydism and the politics of perpetual revolution; 7. The problem of the ambiguous transmitter: ritual and the allocation of identity; 8. The mosque and the procession: sacred spaces and the construction of community; 9. Conclusion.

About the author

Najam Haider is Assistant Professor of Religion at Barnard College in New York City.

Summary

This book explores the birth and development of Shi'i identity. Through a critical analysis of legal texts, whose provenance has only recently been confirmed, the study shows how the early Shi'a carved out independent religious and social identities through specific ritual practices and within separate sacred spaces.

Product details

• Authors: Najam Haider
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 17.07.2014
• EAN: 9781107424951
• ISBN: 978-1-107-42495-1
• No. of pages: 298
• Series: Cambridge Studies in Islamic C; Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Other religions; Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Islam, RELIGION / Islam / General, RELIGION / Islam / History, HISTORY / Middle East / Iraq, History of Religion, Medieval History, c 1000 CE to c 1500, Middle Eastern history, Iraq, c 500 to c 1000 CE, C 500 CE To C 1000 CE