A Concise History of Sunnis and Shi'is By John McHugo

A Concise History of Sunnis and Shi'is by John McHugo offers a detailed and accessible exploration of the 1,400-year-old schism that continues to shape the Muslim world today. Tracing the origins of this historic divide from the immediate aftermath of the Prophet Muhammad’s death, McHugo explains the early conflicts over rightful succession and how distinct Sunni and Shi’i identities emerged during the Abbasid caliphate. The book further examines the entrenched rivalry between the Sunni Ottoman Empire and the Shi’i Safavid dynasty, a division that cemented long-lasting sectarian differences. Moving into the contemporary era, it sheds light on how political ambitions and geopolitical struggles, particularly between Saudi Arabia and Iran, have intensified sectarian tensions, leading to widespread violence and instability. This definitive work combines historical context with modern analysis, making it an essential resource for understanding the complex origins and ongoing impacts of the Sunni-Shi’i divide in Islam and global affairs.