| The Umm al-Kitab is a work of unknown origins and authors, complex layers and enigmatic ideas. This text believed to have been compiled in the 2nd century (Islamic calendar)/8 th century (Christian calendar) and written in Persian has a significant role to play in the early studies of a particular Shi'ite sect of Isma'ilis. It is also an indicator of how far sweeping these ideas were to have reached such a remote area of Central Asia where the Umm al-Kitab was discovered. Yet, the Umm al-Kitab is also important on a larger level in that it gives us a glimpse into the past world of Christians and Jews---as mawali or non-Arab converts of the Arab tribes---and of growing Islam. For this reason, this study is important to Shi'ite history as a whole. |
