The Caliph and the Imam: The Making of Sunnism and Shiism

The Sunni-Shii split in Islam originated in 632, when a struggle broke out among Muhammad's followers over who should succeed him. Toby Matthiesen's book explores this division from its origins to the present day, outlining how it has shaped the Islamic world and giving rise to pan-Islamic resistance and Sunni and Shii revivalism. Most Muslims have led lives characterized by confessional ambiguity and peaceful co-existence, but tensions arise when sectarian identity becomes linked to politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 944 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The authoritative account of the sectarian division that has shaped events in the Middle East and the Islamic world for centuries is presented in this comprehensive book. In the aftermath of the prophet Muhammad's death in 632, a struggle erupted among his followers regarding who should succeed him as the leader of Islam. The majority argued for the election of the new leader by the esteemed members of the community, while others believed that only members of Muhammad's family were eligible for the position. This dispute over the leadership of Muslims, known as the Caliph versus the bloodline Imam, marked the origin of the Sunni-Shii split in Islam.

Toby Matthiesen delves into this significant division, tracing its origins from the early days to the present. The book unfolds chronologically, shedding light on the various ways in which it has shaped the Islamic world. It outlines how Sunnism and Shiism emerged as the two main branches of Islam, particularly after the Muslim Empires embraced sectarian identity. Matthiesen reveals how colonial rule institutionalized divisions between Sunnism and Shiism, leading to the emergence of pan-Islamic resistance and the revival of Sunni and Shii movements.

The book also focuses on the aftermath of the 1979 revolution in Iran and the US-led military intervention in Iraq. Matthiesen demonstrates how these events further exacerbated tensions between Sunnis and Shias, leading to conflicts and divisions within the Islamic world. However, it is important to note that despite their long and antagonistic history, most Muslims have led lives characterized by confessional ambiguity and peaceful co-existence. Tensions arise when sectarian identity becomes intertwined with politics.

The Caliph and the Imam is a groundbreaking work that draws upon decades of scholarship in numerous languages. It serves as a comprehensive and authoritative text for readers seeking a deeper understanding of contemporary sectarian conflict and its historical roots. The book provides a rich and nuanced analysis of the complex dynamics that have shaped the sectarian divide in the Middle East and the Islamic world, offering valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the region.

Weight: 1540g
Dimension: 241 x 165 x 57 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198806554