Sunnis and Shi‘a: A Political History by Laurence Louër

🕌 Sunnis and Shi‘a: A Political History by Laurence Louër – Paperback Edition

A nuanced exploration of one of the world’s oldest religious and political divides.

When the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) passed away in 632 CE without a male heir, a critical question of leadership shook the Muslim world: who should succeed him? What began as a disagreement over succession evolved into a deep theological, political, and cultural division between Sunnis and Shi‘a — a schism that continues to shape the Muslim world to this day.

In this powerful and insightful narrative, Laurence Louër guides readers through the complex history of Sunni-Shi‘a relations, tracing the divide from the early days of Islam to modern geopolitical tensions. Far from promoting a simplistic view of sectarian hostility, Louër reveals how both communities have also coexisted peacefully and even cooperated, depending on historical and political contexts.

📘 What You’ll Learn:

• Origins of the Sunni-Shi‘a split

• Key doctrinal and political differences

• Periods of harmony and conflict throughout Islamic history

• The modern role of sectarianism in Middle East politics

📖 Product Details:

• Format: Paperback

• Language: English
  

• Genre: Islamic History, Politics, Middle Eastern Studies

• Ideal for: Students, history enthusiasts, political science readers, and anyone interested in Islamic studies

🔖 “Sectarianism is not destiny. It is politics.” — Laurence Louër