ABSTRACT

Like every religion or religious tradition living in the flux of history, Shi'ism has changed since its origins, and its "original" features have evolved. Today, Shi'i beliefs and ritual practices are far more complicated. Shi'i scholars and philosophers, regardless of whether they are followers of the "Rationalist" school or esoteric mystics, are first and foremost men of study and initiation. It is incorrect to claim that Islam is less interested in history than either Judaism or Christianity. The Sunni mind is also deeply aware of the impermanence and vanity of this lower world. Again and again the Qur'an says that this world is nothing in contrast with the world beyond, the only world that matters. For Shia, the historical time of the prophecy is followed by a time of walaya, a time of study but also a time directed towards the events of the return: the return in God and return to God, the announced return of the Twelfth Imam.