divine guide in early Shiʻism, The
Book Description
In the rich tapestry of Islamic spirituality, few figures hold as much mystique and transformative power as the Imam in early Shiʻite tradition. Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi unveils a profound spiritual reality that has remained largely hidden from contemporary understanding.
This groundbreaking exploration reveals how the earliest Shiʻite communities understood their spiritual leaders not as legal scholars or theologians, but as extraordinary beings possessing supernatural knowledge and divine connection. The Imam emerges as a cosmic bridge between the earthly and celestial realms, serving as the essential conduit through which divine wisdom flows to humanity.
Drawing directly from the vast literature attributed to the Imams themselves, Amir-Moezzi reconstructs an authentic vision of early Shiʻism as fundamentally an esoteric path. This spiritual tradition operated on dual levels, balancing outer religious practice with inner mystical initiation. The author demonstrates how these early communities viewed their leaders as masters of hidden knowledge, guardians of divine secrets, and guides capable of supernatural insight.
For readers seeking to understand the mystical dimensions of Islamic spirituality, this work opens doorways to a tradition where the sacred permeates everyday reality. The book illuminates how early Shiʻite practitioners experienced their faith as a continuous journey of spiritual discovery, guided by figures who embodied both human wisdom and divine grace.
This scholarly yet accessible work restores a vital source of esoteric wisdom within Islamic tradition.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 279 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Shīʻah--doctrines--history
- ✓ Explore Islam
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Theology
- ✓ Explore Shi ah
- ✓ Explore Shiites
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
- ✓ Explore Shīʻah--politics and government
