Imam Ali in Twelver-Shi'ite and Barelwi (Ahl i Sunnat wa jama'at) traditions of Islam : an investigation into perceptions of sainthood, martyrdom and prophethood within Shi'ite and Barelwi Islam, and the way in which these concepts are used and understood by religious leaders of these traditions resident in the UK
In Sunni estimation, 'Ali ibn Abu Talib is one of the four Rashidun Khilafat 'Rightly Guided Caliphs' who succeeded the Prophet. In Shia understanding 'Ali was duly designated as his immediate successor by Muhammad. The varying understandings of 'Ali are examined in four roles: as Wali [friend of God], as Imam [Leader], as Shadid [Martyr for God], and as Bab [Gateway to Spiritual Knowledge]. In the thesis 'Ali ibn Abu Talib is examined as the bearer of many attributes some descriptive with others of a more esoteric nature. A significant term ascribed to 'Ali is wali [friend/saint] of God. This is included in the distinctive three tenet Shi'a shahadah. The term and title Imam is used both for the Prayer Leader of a Muslim community and within the Shi'a tradition for the legitimate ruler of the wider ummĂ€h. The concept of the Imam is examined for Shi'a understandings and the comparable idea of qutb pole, within Sufi influenced Sunnism such as the AN i- Sunnat wa jama'at. Within the Shi'a tradition there is a profound awareness of shahid martyrdom for Imam 'Ali, and the majority of the succeeding Imams. This consciousness centres in particular on the death of his youngest son, Imam Husayn as commemorated in
Williams, Ian G.
Philosophy
Imam Ali in Twelver-Shi'ite and Barelwi (Ahl i Sunnat wa jama'at) traditions of Islam : an investigation into perceptions of sainthood, martyrdom and prophethood within Shi'ite and Barelwi Islam, and the way in which these concepts are used and understood by religious leaders of these traditions resident in the UK. In Sunni estimation, 'Ali ibn Abu Talib is one of the four Rashidun Khilafat 'Rightly Guided Caliphs' who succeeded the Prophet. In Shia understanding 'Ali was duly designated as his immediate successor by Muhammad. The varying understandings of 'Ali are examined in four roles: as Wali [friend of God], as Imam [Leader], as Shadid [Martyr for God], and as Bab [Gateway to Spiritual Knowledge]. In the thesis 'Ali ibn Abu Talib is examined as the bearer of many attributes some descriptive with others of a more esoteric nature. A significant term ascribed to 'Ali is wali [friend/saint] of God. This is included in the distinctive three tenet Shi'a shahadah. The term and title Imam is used both for the Prayer Leader of a Muslim community and within the Shi'a tradition for the legitimate ruler of the wider ummĂ€h. The concept of the Imam is examined for Shi'a understandings and the comparable idea of qutb pole, within Sufi influenced Sunnism such as the AN i- Sunnat wa jama'at. Within the Shi'a tradition there is a profound awareness of shahid martyrdom for Imam 'Ali, and the majority of the succeeding Imams. This consciousness centres in particular on the death of his youngest son, Imam Husayn as commemorated in
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