A Concise History of Sunnis and Shi‘is: Understanding the Great Divide in Islam

In this richly layered and compelling account, John McHugo explores the deep-rooted schism within Islam, tracing its origins from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the present day. McHugo delves into the early conflicts over the Prophet’s succession, the evolution of Sunnism and Shi‘ism during the Abbasid caliphate, and the historical rivalry between the Sunni Ottoman and Shi‘i Safavid empires that perpetuated the division.

McHugo reveals how these historical and sectarian conflicts have intensified into contemporary geopolitical struggles, particularly the ongoing rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran for influence over the Muslim world.

Definitive and insightful, A Concise History of Sunnis and Shi‘is offers a comprehensive guide to the genesis, development, and manipulation of the schism that has profoundly shaped Islam and the broader Muslim world. This essential work provides readers with a clear understanding of one of the most significant and enduring divides in world history.