Hughes/Muslim Identities, 5. Early Sectarianism and the Formation of Shiʿism

This chapter traces the development of Shiʿism, beginning with the political grievances of the followers of Ali, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, to its full-blown articulation as a major denomination within Islam. It explores this articulation by looking at major ideas such as the role of the Imams in general and that of the final Imam in particular. The chapter also discusses “sub-denominations” within Shiʿism.