Publisher's Synopsis
This work studies the development of the institution of the "uluma" in the Muslim world, with special reference to Shi'ite Islam, in which a semi-formal hierarchy has been in existence since the 19th century. The book examines the emergence of Ithn 'Ashar jurisprudence and its periodic changes, the rise of a Shi'ite learned body, the institutionalization of the positions of mujtahid and marja' a l-taqlid, their financial sources of authority, and finally the political roles of the "uluma". It also surveys the long drawn out struggle for authority amongst the representatives of speculative thought in Shi'ism. It includes the challenges of the Sufis, Akhbaris and Shaykhis to the office of "ulama", which was successfully empowered with juristic mandate and with the charismatic authority of the viceregent of the Imam.
