Apocalypticism and prognostication in early Shiʿi literature

This study explores the historical and religious significance of two Islamic tombstones from the Majapahit era in King King, Tuban, Java. The focus is on Sirajuddin Isa ibn Salahuddin Al Ma'bary's tombstone and an unnamed tombstone in the Mbah Randu complex. Through epigraphic and ornamental analysis, the research reconstructs the history of Islamic propagation in Java between the 13th and 15th centuries. Sirajuddin Isa is identified as a key figure in spreading Islam during the Majapahit period. His tombstone's inscriptions "Seek the Eternal", highlight the emphasis on monotheism and rejection of polytheism, suggesting early implementation of Islamic laws. While the Ornamental motifs like the lotus flower symbolize purity and spiritual enlightenment, blending local and Islamic traditions. The Hijri calendar's role in daily practices is also examined, indicating the integration of Islamic customs into Javanese life. These tombstones serve as historical artifacts illustrating the spread of Islam, the enforcement of Islamic laws, and cultural exchange between Islamic and local traditions in Java, highlighting Sirajuddin Isa's prominent role as an Islamic leader and legal authority during the Majapahit period.

While the trait of absorption has received a considerable amount of scientific study, states of absorption have been comparatively understudied and even less scholarly or scientific attention has been paid to those that are cultivated within the contemplative traditions of Islam and Judaism. This paper explores canonical descriptions of states of contemplative absorption in Islamic and Jewish traditions, specifically highlighting how they are often cultivated using sensory deprivation and sensory withdrawal, can be distressing and entail functional impairment considered normative in some contexts, and how some are set apart as the goal of specific meditative paths. The import of this survey goes beyond just historical significance, since these traditions assume, and recent research suggests it is plausible, that such states may be hyper-plastic and pivotal in both adaptive and maladaptive directions.

The seed of Nigella sativa Linn., known by various names like Small Black Seed, Black Cumin, and Kalonji, has a rich history in treating diverse ailments, as lauded by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) for its healing properties against numerous diseases, except death, in Islamic and Arabic traditions. Rich in volatile oils, fixed oils, tannins, proteins, and essential amino acids, Kalonji finds extensive use in Unani medicine for conditions ranging from joint pain and indigestion to asthma, diabetes, and even cancer. This review synthesizes current literature to explore Kalonji's therapeutic potential, emphasizing its historical significance and relevance in modern disease management. By elucidating its multifaceted applications, from traditional remedies to contemporary pharmacology, the review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of Kalonji's role in healthcare today.

This study aims to analyze the contribution of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) to the contextual and integrative development of Islamic law in Indonesia, with a particular focus on two major institutions: Pondok Pesantren Tebuireng in Jombang and Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo. These pesantren were selected due to their unique characteristics and historical significance in shaping Islamic legal thought in Indonesia. Using a qualitative approach and case study method, the research finds that Tebuireng contributes significantly through its emphasis on progressive and contextual Islamic intellectual traditions, while Gontor excels in producing adaptable Muslim leaders capable of responding to social and legal changes. The findings reveal that the integration of Tebuireng’s intellectual approach and Gontor’s modern, character-based educational system offers a strong model for reconstructing Islamic law in ways that are responsive to contemporary Indonesian society. In conclusion, pesantren have substantial potential to serve as centers for Islamic legal development that are not only normative but also practical, contributing significantly to harmonizing sharia values with the national legal system.

Iskandar Zulqarnain, often equated with Alexander the Great, is a multifaceted figure whose legacy transcends historical accounts to enter the realms of myth and literature. This study explores his historical significance, literary representations, and socio-cultural implications across various societies. Employing a comprehensive literature review and qualitative analysis of primary and secondary sources, the research highlights how Iskandar's narrative adapts to different cultural contexts, particularly in Islamic, Persian, and Western traditions. The findings indicate that Iskandar's duality as both a conqueror and a unifier has led to a rich tapestry of stories that influence cultural pride and identity. Furthermore, the literary legacy of Iskandar is intertwined with historical narratives, showcasing how his character has been romanticized over time. This exploration reveals the complexities of Iskandar's legacy, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary discussions about nationalism and cultural identity. Overall, the study contributes to understanding how historical figures are remembered and reinterpreted, reflecting broader societal values and aspirations

This thesis examines how the occult tradition is an inherent part of the production of vernacular literature during the Elizabethan period. I argue that occult discourses about language are drawn upon by writers of the period who seek to establish an English literature to rival that of the classical tradition. The quotidian nature of occult philosophies which vacillate between the scientific and the magical in the early modern period has been recognised in recent criticism. Taking into consideration the etymological root of the word occult as secret or hidden, this thesis departs from the traditional demarcations of occult studies. By removing the occult from the realm of the magus and dramatic sensationalism, this thesis begins with the premise that occult discourses are present within Elizabethan culture and are absorbed into textual practice. It adopts the term occult poetics to describe the processes of writing that rely upon occult discourses to imbue efficacious qualities and communicate esoteric knowledge within Elizabethan vernacular poetry. I examine John Dee, traditionally viewed as a magus-figure, and resituate him within discourses about language. I show that Dee believed the divine origins of language lay in geometry and number, and that his semiotics informs his hopes for Elizabethan imperialism. Contemporaneous to Dee’s depiction of Elizabeth as imperial queen is Edmund Spenser’s cry to establish English as a kingdom of language, which leads to experimentation with English verse that is based on the occult qualities of number and quantity. I consider how occult and emergent scientific discourses are engaged with in the new poetry in terms of cosmology with Fulke Greville and Giordano Bruno, and optics in George Chapman’s poetry. Finally, I approach the figure of Elizabeth as an occult body analogous to the lodestone who sits at the centre of language production through analysing Spenser’s The Faerie Queene.

Moving from the Christian religion to the Western occult tradition, Blake’s religious syncretism emerges from a deep symbolic and thematic plot. This article aims to analyse how this religious and philosophical traditions may have played on Blake’s thought and to what extent it is possible to envisage in his poetical system a transmigration of symbols both from Christian doctrine and the Cabalistic tradition. Particular attention will be given to the analysis of the Prophetic Books, in which Blake created a cosmogony inhabited by Oriental deities, druids, and Old Testament characters.

Determining the start of the Hijri month through astronomical calculations not only merges Islamic tradition with modern science but also governs religious events for global Muslims. Traditionally, the commencement of each month was heralded by the sighting of the crescent moon, but the advent of technological advancements has ignited debates regarding the utilization of scientific calculations for lunar month initiation. These astronomical calculations entail intricate computations of the moon's phases and angles, employing algorithms to pinpoint the start of each lunar month, a proposition purportedly aligned with Islamic principles. Despite this, controversy ensues, with traditionalists underscoring the historical and spiritual significance of moon sighting, which has long fostered unity among believers. This ongoing debate reflects broader discussions on the integration of science and tradition within the Islamic world, posing a formidable challenge in striking a balance between religious customs and scientific progress. Nevertheless, continuous dialogues aim to forge a harmonious coexistence between religious scholars and scientists, seeking to reconcile faith and reason in determining significant Islamic calendar events. Consequently, this paper emphasizes the precedence of visual sighting over astronomical calculations in confirming the start of lunar months, stressing the imperative of combining astronomical calculations with visual confirmation. Moreover, it advocates for the permissible use of optical aids such as telescopes for observing the crescent moon's birth, treating sightings through such devices as equivalent to naked-eye observations.

The kitab kuning (classical Islamic texts) has long been regarded as an authoritative reference in the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) tradition. These books, written by classical Islamic scholars, have been studied across generations and are viewed as time-tested sources of Islamic knowledge grounded in the Qur’an and Hadith. One distinctive method used in pesantren to comprehend the kitab kuning is the maknani method—a translation approach utilizing Arab Pegon, a modified Arabic script adapted to the Javanese language. The use of Arab Pegon serves not only as a learning aid but also holds historical significance in the spread of Islam in the Indonesian archipelago. Pesantren Fathul Ulum in Kwagean, Kediri, is one of the Islamic boarding schools that continues to preserve this Pegon translation tradition in the study of kitab kuning. This qualitative research aims to examine the tradition of translating kitab kuning into Arab Pegon at Pesantren Fathul Ulum through the lens of Talcott Parsons’ structural-functional theory, particularly the AGIL framework (Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency). The findings reveal that Pegon translation functions both as a pedagogical tool and a socio-cultural mechanism that sustains the pesantren system. The pesantren’s ability to adapt its teaching methods to the diverse backgrounds of its students reflects the function of adaptation. The design of a learning system that preserves classical Islamic knowledge demonstrates the function of goal attainment. The function of integration is evident in the social structure and collective use of linguistic codes, thereby strengthening community cohesion within the pesantren. Meanwhile, the function of pattern maintenance is realized through the preservation of values, norms, and educational traditions across generations. Thus, the practice of Arab Pegon translation plays a vital role in maintaining the existence of pesantren as a traditional Islamic educational institution amid the dynamics of social change.

The Ulugh Beg Madrasah in Samarkand is a prominent scientific and educational institution of Central Asia. The construction of the madrasah was initiated in the 15th century by Ulugh Beg, the Timurid ruler and astronomer. The madrasah played a great role in the development of astronomy, mathematics, and Islamic studies. This article discusses the historical significance, architectural elegance, and astronomical contributions of the madrasah by virtue of its association with the Ulugh Beg Observatory. The study sheds light on Ulugh Beg's laborious efforts at star cataloging and how his mathematical advancements influenced Islamic and European astronomical traditions. The article also discusses the madrasah's role in pedagogy and the spread of scientific knowledge in the medieval Islamic world. By exploring its role as an intellectual hub, this research emphasizes the lasting influence of Ulugh Beg Madrasah on the scientific thought of its time and after.

In this paper we discussed about the occult ritual present in Bosnian culture, specifically linked to the tradition of Bosnian Muslims. In the first part of the paper we explored the specific bordering segments of magic and religion relying on the theories of famous sociologists/ anthropologists. The second part of the paper primarily consists of recent studies on the topic of lead casting in Bosnian cultural context, being primarily focused on Bosniack (Bosnian Muslim) recent tradition. The third part has been dedicated to the specific anthropological research of lead casting procedures in two towns in Central Bosnia. We concluded that this occult tradition has its background in the pagan rituals but it in the actual case it blends with elements of Islamic tradition primarily supported with verses from the Quran.