Preface

Foreword

Introduction

Part 1:The Emergence of Shi'ism

The First Discussion: Denial, Neglecting the Question of Succession

The Second Discussion: The Affirmative Path Represented by the Consultative Order

The Third Discussion: Affirmation Represents Choice and Designation

Part 2: The Emergence of the Shi'ites

The First Discussion: The Genesis of Two Main Currents during the Prophet's Lifetime

The Second Discussion

The Third Discussion: Spiritual Shi'ism and Political Shi'ism

Appendix : The Moral and Intellectual Preparation for 'Ali's Guardianship and Succession

The First Discussion

The Second Discussion: The Preparation and Adaptation of the Ummah to 'Ali's Succession

The Third Discussion: The Pertinence of 'Ali's Proficient Knowledge of the Qur'an to His Preparation for Succession

Bibliography

The relation between the ideological and the theological realms in
Islam. Theories of the Caliphate and the Imamate in Islam and the
historical development of Shi'ism as a distinct school of Islamic
thought.


The Emergence of Shi'ism and the Shi'ites

Part 2: The Emergence of the Shi'ites
=====================================

Preliminary Remarks
-------------------

So far we have learned how “Shi'ism” emerged. But whence did the
“Shiites” themselves and the attendant division within-the Islamic
*Ummah* originate? This is what we shall now try to answer.

If we observe closely the first stage of the *Ummah's* existence, the
Prophet's lifetime, we shall find from the very outset of the Islamic
experience two distinct currents. They coexisted within the same
community newly brought to life by the Prophet. Their disaccord led to a
doctrinal division immediately following the Prophet's death, one which
sundered the *Ummah* into two sections.

One section was fated to rule, and thus to encompass the majority of
Muslims; while the other was shunned from rule, destined to become a
minority opposition within the general fold of Islam. Shi'ism was this
minority. Herein lie three areas of discussion.


