This work, by one of the most respected Shi’ah-Islamic scholars of recent years, helps both Muslims and non-Muslims understand the history and philosophy of the Shi’ah school of thought from someone who is an authority on the subject. Tabataba’I tries to present the traditional Shi’ite point of view as it is and as believed and practised by generations of Shi’ah Muslims, touching on the history and origins, and major differences within Shi’ism as well as outside of it. This book will be indispensable for anyone interested in understanding the Muslim society, its history and theological development in the early stage till the present.