People of the Prophet's House

The book under review focuses on four major points: a frequent use of the verses of the Qur’an and Ahadith by the contributors to support their argument; the way the tragedy of Karbala’ is remembered in ritual and form; the form covers the arts and architecture, film and drama; and, the commonality of respect among the Shi[ahs and Sunnis for the household of the Prophet or Ahl al-Bayt. Of course, both Sunnis and Shi[ahs give equal respect to the members of the Prophet’s family, except that Sunnis regard the wives of the Prophet as an integral and sacred part of the Ahl al-Bayt. Rather than the hierarchy of a genealogical affinity, the Sunnis give equal respect and merit to all the Companions of the Prophet. Oleg Grabar (whom the book commemorates) states that despite the ruthlessness of globalisation, the Shi[ah have been parsimoniously faithful in their preservation of their faith and culture. James W. Allan throws light on elements of architecture, such as the domed chambers, barrel vaulted halls, surrounding walls, minarets, porticos and porches that one finds in common in Shi[ah shrines of Imams and others in Iraq. Such a sample of art may also be found in the design of the well-known mausoleum of Isma[il of the Samanid of Bukhara.