Early Shīʻī thought : the teachings of Imam Muḥammad al-Bāqir

This work concentrates on the role and achievements of one of the founders of early Shi'i thought. Through an analysis of these and other contemporary records the book brings out the contributions of Imam Mohammed al-Baqir to the development of Islamic thought, in diverse areas such as Qur'anic exegesis, the study of hadith, theology and law, as well as the seminal influence of his ideas on the articulation of Shi'i doctrines. Part 1 The idea of the Imamate before al-Baqir: early disputes about the leadership of the community; Al-Husayn and Karbala; the aftermath of Karbala; the Kaysaniyya -- Part 2 Aspects of al-Baqir's life and career; al-Baqir's "Laqab" and succession; al-Baqir's rivals; al-Baqir and Zayd; al-Baqir and the Ghulat; the controversy over the time of al-Baqir's death -- Part 3 Al-Baqir's views on the Imamate: the Qur'anic basis of the Imamate; the Hadith basis of the Imamate; the theology of the Imamate -- Part 4 Al-Baqir's views on some key theological issues: "iman" (faith); "taqiyya"; "qada'wa qadar"; "tawhid" -- Part 5 Al-Baqir in traditionist circles: non-Shi'i circles; transmitters of al-Baqir; the Shi'i circle; Shi'i associates of al-Baqir -- Part 6 Al-Baqir's contribution to Shi'i jurisprudence: some legal problems common to the various Shi'i groups; "mash 'ala al-khuffayn"; "nabidh"; "al-Jahr bi Bismillah"; the "adhan" or the call to the ritual prayer; "qunut"; "salat al-Janaza"; epilogue "Imam Muhammad al-Baqir was one of the most erudite Muslims of his age, and played a significant role in the history of early Islam. At once a versatile leader and scholar in the eighth-century Muslim world, he was also an authority on the exegesis of the Qur'an, the traditions of the Prophet, and all matters relating to the rites, rituals and practice of Islam. Using hitherto largely ignored Shi'i sources, both published and unpublished, Arzina Lalani explores al-Baqir's pivotal contributions to Islamic thought in its early formative period, contributions that were powerfully to affect developments in Shi'a law, theology and religious practice. Dr. Lalani's work presents the first systematic account of the life, career and teachings of this brilliant eighth-century luminary."--Bloomsbury Publishing Until recently, the study of early Shi'i Islam has been one of the most neglected area in modern Islamic scholarship, and the few works that have been published are concerned with the historical rather than the intellectual and doctrinal genesis of Shi'ism The study of Sh'ism has been one of the most neglected branches of Islamic studies in the West. Arzina R. Lalani. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 167-181) And Index.