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Who are the Shi'a? presents the creedal or fundamental beliefs of Shi'a Islam while at the same time addressing many of the spurious beliefs that are erroneously attributed to it. The question as to who the Shia are is often posed, with most commentators often giving a narrow historical view. This book takes a more comprehensive look at the true origins and beliefs of the Shi'a. It dispels many myths and misinformation associated with their true origins.
Who are the Shi'a? begins with a discussion of the difference between the Sunni and Shi'a take on the key concept of ijtihad. It then discusses the prerequisites for having religious authority, and who the members of the House of the Prophet are (the issue of the ‘ismat or inerrancy of the Ahl al-Bayt), and proceeds to provide scriptural proofs concerning the designation to the succession of the Prophet. The book proceeds to establish the fact that the Prophet occasionally used the word Shi'a for the companions and followers of Imam Ali, and that he would give these companions or followers (shi'a) glad tidings that they were on the right path, and would be among those who attain salvation. It then discusses the Pledge of Allegiance given to Imam Ali in the presence and at the behest of the Prophet and provides a summary treatment of the various sects within Islam, with an emphasis on the deviances of the extremist or ghulat sects. It then discusses the meaning of Shi'a Islam and the creedal beliefs of the Twelvers. The final chapter disabuses the reader definitively of the widespread and virulent Abdullah b. Saba meme (using the priceless research of Allama Askari), and the other false meme of the Persian origin of Shi'a Islam.
Readers will not only get a very clear picture of the origins of the creedal beliefs of the Shi'a but will see the historical-political context in which the creed developed under the auspices of the Most Noble Prophet himself, and under that of his purified and inerrant progeny.
