This book offers a wide-ranging overview of the principal tenets of Shi'i Islam. It is useful not only as an introductory text on Shi'i thought and practice, but also as a contemporary expression, from within, of this vibrant branch of the Islamic faith. Despite being comprehensive in scope, the work is nonetheless concise in expression. The emphasis of Ayatollah Sobhani's work is principally theological and jurisprudentially dealing with such issues as the nature of being and the problem of evil. The range of themes covered, the precision of style, and the means by which traditional Shi'i beliefs and practices are substantiated, render this synthetic work both informative and original. Also, having come from the pen of a highly respected contemporary mujtahid, the book affords a telling insight into mainstream theological thinking within the official religious establishment in Iran today.