بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

In the name of God, the Beneficent the Merciful

In His name that is Love, Goodness and Generosity

In His Name that created man and guided him

In His Name that sent His chosen ones with His message and His religion for mankind to know Him and taste eternal and true Love

Dear readers!

The goal of this book is to present an overall understanding of the Shi’a Islamic school of thought, in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (S) and his Ahl Al-Bayt (‘a).

In that regard, this book is neither a black-and-white factual book nor a historical compendium. Its purpose, however, is to start a dialogue with common sense, one that is in line with the Ahl Al-Bayt’s teachings. The overall aim of this book is to provide the reader with an overall understanding of the meaning of Shi’a, what it stands for, what it is founded on and constitute a foundation for future research

The build-up of this book is focused on comprehensive headlines followed by more specific, substantial and prevailing subheadings. This will include various questions posed to give a wider insight into this subject.

Take note that the citing of historical events connected to those with determinant and prominent roles in pivotal past events has been crucial in shedding light on many aspects of history. In that regard, sensitive questions have been put forth with respect, based on actual encounters made in the past. Therefore, the mention of renowned personalities is not intended to personally attack any school of thought or, God forbid, anyone’s faith.

To summarize, the main focus in this book has been to put forward Shi’a belief and the Shi’a school’s foundations to the public at large and exhort the readers to reflect.

Do questions arise whilst reading? Good! Read more, reflect and search on.

This book is dedicated to the Prophet (S), his daughter Fatimah az-Zahra’ (‘a), his chosen successor Imam Ali (‘a), his grandchildren Imam Al-Hasan (‘a) and Imam Al-Husayn (‘a), and the nine following Imams (‘a) from Imam Al-Husayn’s (‘a) progeny. May this be a step to hasten the arrival of the twelfth Imam (‘aj), inshaAllah!

Den Väntades Vänner

Anniversary of Eid Ghadir –
18 Thul Hijja 1440 / 20th of August 2019