This introduction to Shaykism will explore the history and teachings of a community whose founders and ideas were essential to the rise of the Bábí Faith. In additional units we will read and discuss biographies of Shaykh Ahmad-i-Ahsa'i and of Siyyid Kazim-i-Rashti. In additional units we will examine their teachings, focusing particularly on their concept of God.

Thoughout the course, we will explore the relationship of Shaykhism to Shi'i Islam and to the Bábí Faith as well as the role its founders played as forerunners of and preparation for the Báb. Many of the readings will come from the brilliant work of the French scholar A. L. M. Nicholas, available in English translation or summary, but we will also use the works of other Shaykhi scholars.