Book Reviews 

Doctrines of Shi'i Islam: A Compendium 

of Ima mi Beliefs and Practices 

Ayatullah JaJar Sobhani (tr. and ed Reza Shah Kazemi) 
London and New York: l B. Tauris Publishers and the 

Institute of Isma'ili Studies, 2001. 240 pages. 

119 

The growing interest in Shi'ism in the western world since the Iranian rev­
olution has resulted in the publication of numerous books and articles on 
Shi' i f slam. Most studies, however, focus on Shi' ism's historical develop­

ment, highlight differences between Shi'i and Sunni Islam, or discuss Shi'i 

political behavior in the context of the politics of violence. This book by 
Ayatullah Ja'far Sobhani, an emjnent scholar of Shi'ism and professor of 
Islamic studies in the Hawzah 'llmiyah of Qum (Iran), is a notable excep­

tion. The author is a Qur'anic commentator, a prolific writer, a biographer 
of the Prophet and Imam 'Ali, and has written several books on theology 

and jurisprudence. 
Sobhani opines that modern man (sic) is turning to religion once again 

because of his (sic) disillusionment with technological innovation and sci­
entific advancement. The author seeks to meet this need by presenting an 

authoritative yet objective account of Shi' i Islam from within, and the 
Shi'is' perception of their tradition and of themselves without exaggeration 

and distortion. 
The book is a useful source for non-specialists as well as advanced 

readers who want to learn about the contemporary expression of Shi'i tra­
dition from an authoritative source. As Shah Kazemi states in his introduc­

tion, the book presents an account of the mainstream religious thinking of 
contemporary Iran's official religious establishment, yet is not influenced 

by the revolutionary environment. It follows the traditional format and lines 

of argument laid out by previous Shi' i 'ulama. 
The book is divided into three chapters, preceded by the translator's 

forward and the author's preface. In chapter l, Sobhani establishes a philo­

sophical framework within which he presents the doctrines of lthna 'Ashari 
Shi'ism. Chapter 2 discusses some legal issues and principles of Shi'i the­
ology. In the third chapter, Sobhani departs from the traditional paradigm 

of Shi' i treatises and addresses some controversial and contested legal 

issues and challenges. 
Of particular importance is an explanation of such controversial prac­

tices as ghuluw (i.e., exaggeration about the Ahl al-Bayt) or disrespect 





Book Reviews 121 

makes the tongue speak contrary to the heart, Sobhani demonstrates that 
Qur'an 16: 106 and 111 :28 permits it "when the fundamentals of the faith 

are in danger." 

The book ends with a discussion ofShi'i contributions to Islamic civi­
lization and the author's plea for Muslim unity. He urges Muslims to have 

constructive debates on issues of secondary importance, but to base their 

reasoning on scholarly research and reliable sources. He himself uses 
sources whose authenticity is acknowledged by Shi'i and Sunni scholars 
alike. He does not resort to polemics, and his arguments are free of jargon 

and assertions. 

The translation is excellent and professional, but Shah Kazemi has 

done more than just rendering the text from Farsi into English. His exten­
sive notes, glossary, bibliography, elaboration, and explanation of technical 

terms bring out historical-cultural aspects that are not directly discussed in 

the text. This places the book in a proper context and makes it easier for 
nonspecialists to understand. Shah Kazemi has rendered a great service to 
the field of Islamic studies and must be commended for making this book 

accessible to English readers. 

Mohammad H. Faghfoory 

The George Washington University 
Mary Washington College 

Fredricksburg, Virginia