An introduction to Shi'i Islam: the history and doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism

Comparing Roman Catholicism and Twelver Shi'i Islam suggests itself for several reasons: the parallel passions of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad's grandson Husayn; the suffering of and devotion of their mothers, Mary and Fatimah; and perhaps most prominently in recent years, the powerful hierarchies of authority within each faith, headed by the Pope on the Catholic side and by several leading jurists (mljjtahidun) who bear the title of legal authority for laymen ( marji>al-taqlid) on the Shi'i side. In fact, the papacy is frequently mentioned in contemporary debates about the marji> al-taqlid's position within Twelver Shi'ism, often with a hint of envy. Some Shi'i thinkers aspire to the unity, efficiency, doctrinal uniformity, and political clout that a single, universally recognized legal authority for the Twelvers might provide. Bill and Williams' new publication is, however, the only work of which I am aware that undertakes this comparison in a sustained and rigorous manner. After two introductory chapters that provide the basic historical background of the two faiths and the I ives of the Twelve Imams, the authors begin the comparison proper. Chapter 3, "Sacred Actors and Intercessors," compares the figures of Jesus and Husayn, Mary and Fatimah, and the lmamzadas (descendants of the Imams) and Catholic saints. Chapter 4, "Redemptive Suffering and Martyrdom," treats redemptive suffering and the importance attached to the concept of martyrdom in both faiths, stressing the rituals or passion plays through which believers participate in the tragedy of the deaths of Jesus Christ and Husayn ...

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Conversion to Twelver Shi‘ism among American and Canadian women

Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses ◽

10.1177/0008429813496100 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 3-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amina Inloes ◽

Liyakat Takim

Keyword(s):

North America ◽

Social Exclusion ◽

Minority Groups ◽

Racial Minority ◽

Research Subjects ◽

Social Marginalization ◽

Twelver Shi'ism ◽

Shi‘I Islam ◽

Multiple Minority

Little research has been done on Western women who convert to Shi‘i Islam. To fill this gap, this study was conducted on American and Canadian women who have converted to Shi‘i Islam. Most of the research subjects in this study reported a moderate to severe sense of social marginalization after conversion. This marginalization resulted from membership in multiple minority groups (Shi‘i, Muslim, convert, and female); Black converts reported the most severe sense of marginalization due to the added pressure of being a racial minority in North America. Most of the research subjects also experienced a sense of social exclusion from other Shi‘i Muslims. Therefore, the question arises as to why these women continued to adhere to Shi‘i Islam despite these difficulties. This article will attempt to answer this question through an analysis of the data provided by the research subjects.

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