History of Early Religious and Political Sects

This course provides students with a profound understanding of the historical, theological and political developments of the Muslim community that led to formation of the early Muslim sects. It considers the origins of the theological positions of the Khawarij, Shia, and Murji’a in the 2nd centuries, as well as the subsequent development of the Mu’tazila as a fully realised theological school.
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Level

Beginners

Duration

6 hour and 10 minutes in total

Number of Units

5

Course Overview

The formative period of Islam, from the period following the murder of the third Caliph, ‘Uthman, until approximately the middle of the 4th century AH. was a time of important political and theological groupings. This era was beset with conflicts and controversy, and questions of legitimate leadership that rocked the Muslim community.
In order to understand the theological schools of orthodoxy found in Sunni Islam, it is crucial to have an understanding of the political circumstances which led to the rise of groups such as the Khawarij, Shia, and Murji’a in the 2nd century, the subsequent rise of the Mu’tazila movement, and the various responses to it.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
  • Appreciate the diversity of politico-theological opinion in the formative period and its relationship to historical events.
  • Understand the development of different Muslim sects and theological schools from a critical historical perspective.
  • Analyse the way in which different theological views have influenced each other.
  • Gain critical appreciation of theological labels such as Ahl al-Sunna, Shia and Muʿtazila in the light of their genesis.