Introduction to Shi`i Islam

FACULTY: Moojan Momen, Peter Smith

Imam Husayn Shrine Karbila

Watch a video about the course.

Shoghi Effendi states that the Baha’i Faith started as “a heterodox and seemingly negligible offshoot of the Shaykhi school of the Ithna-‘Ashariyyih sect of Shi‘ah Islam” (God Passes By xii). He also said that Baha’is “must strive to obtain, from sources that are authoritative and unbiased, a sound knowledge of the history and tenets of Islam--the source and background of their Faith” (The Advent of Divine Justice 75: 49). In this course we will focus on Shi‘ism, and, especially, on the Ithna-‘Asharíyyih (or Twelver) school of Shi‘ah Islam. We will also examine the history of this sect and its distinctive teachings. In particular, we will look at the split into Sunni and Shi‘ah in Islamic history, the history and doctrine of the Imamate, the Twelfth Imam, and the developments in Shi‘ism that led to the Babi and Baha’i Faiths. The primary text for this course is Moojan Momen, Introduction to Shi`i Islam (George Ronald or Yale University Press, 1985). New and second-hand copies can be obtained from Amazon. Second-hand copies can also be obtained from ABEbooks and Additall.

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You may join our online learning community either as an individual or as part of a study group (3 to 20 people). In either case, you can do all your work at home at any time of the day or night. We assign mentors to individuals and to groups to advise, encourage, assist, and answer questions. Groups are expected to meet every week or two for group discussions. Web-based forums connect all learners--individuals and members of a group--to the insights and perspectives of fellow students from all over the world.

To form a group, ask some friends whether they'd like to take the course with you. If at least one other agrees, go into the registration system, establish a group, and pay for it. Then email the confirmation number and its web link to the others, so they can click through and add themselves to the group. One person (or a Spiritual Assembly) pays for the group; the group members reimburse the payee based on whatever arrangement the group devises.

Note: All our courses are "asynchronous," which means there is no work that has to be done at a particular time. You can do everything at any time. For more information, go to http://wilmetteinstitute.org/ourcourses/frequently-asked-questions/.

Discounts are available for early registration and for senior citizens (age 65+), students, and pioneers. If you need a financial aid discount, write us at wi@usbnc.org. Plenty are available. Registration is limited to 40 people, so sign up today.