The Caliph And The Imam: The Making Of Sunnism And Shiism

The authoritative account of the sectarian division that for centuries has shaped events in the Middle East and the Islamic world. In 632, soon after the Prophet Muhammad died, a struggle broke out among his followers as to who would succeed him. The dispute over who should guide Muslims, the appointed Caliph or the bloodline Imam, marks the origin of the Sunni-Shia split in Islam. Toby Matthiesen explores this significant division from its origins to today, shedding light on how it has shaped the Islamic world, especially after Muslim Empires embraced sectarian identity. The book discusses how colonial rule institutionalized divisions, leading to resistance and revivalism, and examines the impact of the 1979 Iran Revolution and US-led military intervention in Iraq. Despite long-standing tensions, most Muslims live peacefully, with conflicts often tied to politics. Based on extensive scholarship, this book offers a deep understanding of contemporary sectarian conflict and its roots.