Religious Institutions Research Articles

Contribution of University Partner Islamic Boarding Schools in Maintaining Moral Values in Banyumas Indonesia

Islamic boarding schools, as educational institutions and religious institutions, contribute to maintaining community morals (moral guardians) within the Islamic boarding school environment. This is based on the reality that Islamic boarding schools are religious educational institutions that have basic values as a moral foundation for society in responding to social changes that occur. It is hoped that the religious cultures that emerge from Islamic boarding schools can be an antithesis to the moral degradation of urban society, which is caused by several things, including the influence of massive technological developments and urbanization in cities such as Purwokerto. This research aims to analyze the contribution of the UIN Saizu Purwokerto partner Islamic boarding school in maintaining community morals in Banyumas Regency. Using qualitative research methods, this research explores various educational programs and social activities implemented by Islamic boarding schools. The results of the research show that Islamic boarding schools play an important role in instilling moral values and Islamic teachings, as well as shaping the positive character of students. The approach used in teaching, which includes a relevant curriculum and daily life based on religious values, contributes significantly to increasing moral awareness in society. In addition, interactions between Islamic boarding schools and local communities strengthen social relations and create an environment that supports the practice of moral life. This research confirms the important role of Islamic boarding schools as agents of change in the moral formation of society in the modern era.

The Linguistic Landscape of Places of Worship in Accra: Religion and Multilingualism in Ghana

Despite the profusion of research on linguistic landscapes (LLs) in urban settings, studies on the LLs of religious places remain largely unexplored. Against this background, this article explored the LLs of religious spaces in Accra. Using data collected from signage, interviews, and observation within various religious institutions, the researchers aimed to determine the languages used on religious signage, the language preferences of different religious denominations, the motivation behind these linguistic choices, and the relationship between signage languages and linguistic practices in Accra. The results of the study corroborate previous research findings, revealing that English is the predominant language on religious signs. In contrast, indigenous languages are rarely featured. The study found no correlation between Accra’s linguistic practices and the languages featured on religious signs. These results have implications for language policy, cultural identity, and community cohesion within religious spaces.

“Sometimes you have knowledge but lack the equipment to save a life”: perspectives on health system barriers to post-abortion care in Liberia and Sierra Leone

BackgroundAbortion is largely restricted in Liberia and Sierra Leone, with exceptions under limited conditions. Consequently, women and girls seeking induced abortion care in these settings resort to unsafe methods, resulting in severe complications. Post-abortion care (PAC) is a lifesaving obstetric intervention to address abortion-related complications, but access to quality and comprehensive PAC in health facilities is daunting. Research on barriers to PAC, drawing on perspectives from diverse stakeholders, is critical to inform specific programmatic improvements to enhance access to quality PAC services.ObjectivesThis study explored stakeholders’ perspectives on the barriers to quality PAC across health facilities in Liberia and Sierra Leone.MethodsThis cross-sectional qualitative study targeted PAC providers in selected health facilities and policy actors in Liberia and Sierra Leone. We conducted in-depth interviews with 33 healthcare providers – 8 in Liberia and 25 in Sierra Leone; and 13 policy actors – 8 in Liberia and 5 in Sierra Leone. The policy actors included representatives from religious institutions, ministries of health, civil society organizations, and non-government organizations working on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues. Audio files of the interviews were transcribed verbatim in the original language of the interview and translated into English by expert translators. A deductive and inductive approach was used to develop a codebook to code the interviews in Dedoose software. Data analysis was conducted using the thematic approach.FindingsDiverse viewpoints of what constitutes quality PAC existed among stakeholders in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and these variations are reflected in their practices and behavior around PAC services. Our analysis revealed some weaknesses and gaps in PAC delivery, including a lack of trained providers, which was more pronounced in Sierra Leone than in Liberia. In both countries, the absence of functional PAC equipment, inadequate PAC supplies, and infrastructure-related challenges (e.g., lack of rooms with audio-visual privacy during PAC service) were commonly cited. Limited audio-visual privacy complicated provider-patient interactions, with providers mentioning that this makes patients withhold vital information during history-taking. Providers had no or limited knowledge of the law, and best practices around PAC, leading to delays, denial of services, overcharging fees, and stigmatization of some patients.ConclusionDespite existing policies and interventions on post-abortion, many health facilities in Liberia and Sierra Leone lack essential post-abortion care equipment and supplies and trained providers. There is a need to recruit and train willing providers, along with a clear referral system. Further, sensitizing health providers, stakeholders, and communities on abortion-related policies, guidelines, and value clarification could help improve post-abortion care service provision and uptake.

How the Science–Religion Interface of Christian Religious Leaders Shape Their Perceptions of Depression

This study explores the relationship between Christian religious leaders’ beliefs about the science and religion interface and their understanding of the causes and treatments for depression. We focus on Christian religious leaders because they often serve as first responders for congregants seeking help with mental health issues and are influential figures in maintaining the authority of religious institutions. Previous research has neglected the role of religious leaders’ perceptions of the science–religion relationship in shaping their views on mental health. Relying on responses from approximately 1200 Christian religious leaders from the National Survey of Religious Leaders in the United States, this study adopts ordinal logistic regression to examine how epistemological conflict, epistemic openness, and views of institutional conflict shape religious leaders’ interpretations of and treatments for depression. This study contributes to knowledge of science and religion, religious leaders, and mental health in the United States.

Machine learning algorithms for prediction of measles one vaccination dropout among 12–23 months children in Ethiopia

IntroductionDespite the availability of a safe and effective measles vaccine in Ethiopia, the country has experienced recurrent and significant measles outbreaks, with a nearly fivefold increase in confirmed cases from...

Abstract Su606: PulsePoint Alert Location Features in a Mid-Sized Metropolitan Area

Introduction: PulsePoint is a smartphone-based system that alerts layperson responders to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) events in non-residential locations within the United States. These locations can be classified to inform public access defibrillator (PAD) placement and focus responder training and recruitment efforts in high-frequency areas. Our objective was to manually classify the locations of PulsePoint alerts to better understand how PulsePoint performs across a variety of location types. Methods: Records were obtained for each PulsePoint alert in Allegheny County, PA, USA (pop. 1.2M) from 06/24/2016 to 10/28/2020. PulsePoint generates an alert when a potential OHCA occurs in public and is within 400m of at least one responder. Alert data contains address and location name, and the number and locations of nearby responders and PADs. We placed each location into one of the following categories: “education”, “consumer goods/services”, “restaurants/bars”, “transit hubs”, “hotels”, “entertainment venues”, “recreational facilities”, “government/municipal”, “offices”, “industrial/manufacturing”, “religious institutions”, “parks/outdoor spaces”, “sidewalk/street”, and “shelters/supportive housing”. “Unspecified/unknown” was used for locations that could not be classified due to insufficient information. We excluded all outpatient health, assisted-living, daycare, and correctional facilities. For each location category, we calculated the event count and the median number of nearby responders and PADs. Results: There were 994 included events during the capture period. The most frequent location category was “sidewalk/street”, which represented 24 percent of all alerts; the least frequent was “transit hubs”, which represented 0.7 percent of all alerts. “Shelters/supportive housing” had the highest median number of responders (7, IQR 1-14), while “industrial/manufacturing” had the lowest (1, IQR 1-3.5). “Transit hubs” had the highest median number of PADs (31, IQR 31-41), while “parks/outdoor spaces” had the lowest (0.5, IQR 0-1). Conclusion: PulsePoint alert-generating events occur across a wide variety of location types. Further research is needed to understand the accuracy of the system’s location data versus EMS dispatch records. Nonetheless, the data may have implications for system improvement by highlighting which location types have low numbers of nearby responders and PADs and may benefit from strategic PAD placements and training efforts.

The far side of capitalism: Institutions and trade financing in Manila during the long eighteenth century

AbstractSustained long‐distance trade in the early modern era necessitated institutional mechanisms capable of solving three interrelated challenges: the need to mobilize an unprecedented volume of capital and to lock it in for long periods of time, ways of mitigating the principal–agent problem across continents, and methods to internalize and distribute the high risks associated with intercontinental sailing. The case of Manila represents an alternative institutional approach to achieving market impersonality and solving the three fundamental challenges without the need for joint‐stock corporations, and extending beyond private and cultural networks. By adapting urban religious institutions such as brotherhoods and using legacy funds to facilitate pooling savings, Manileños managed to establish a capital market capable of mobilizing large resources towards trade finance during the long eighteenth century.

China–Thai Cultural Diplomacy Through the Buddhist Wat: A Case Study of the Thai Wat in Chaozhou Kaiyuan si, Guangdong

Cultural diplomacy is often regarded as a potent method to enhance the bond between nations by facilitating the interchange of cultural values and practices. Previous studies have focused chiefly on political and economic elements, neglecting the role of religious institutions in cultural diplomacy. This paper investigates the function of Wat Chaozhou Kaiyuan si in Guangdong as a means of cultural diplomacy between China and Thailand. This temple is a significant platform for cultural and religious exchanges, fostering enhanced understanding and collaboration between the two nations. Using a case study methodology, this research employed five semi-structured interviews with several individuals, including a head monk from Wat, a monk from Thailand, a monk from China, a diplomat from Thailand, and a diplomat from China. Additionally, field observations were conducted. The data were examined using NVivo through a three-step process consisting of data collection, data coding, and data interpretation. The study produced four noteworthy findings: (1) Buddhism plays a vital role in cultural diplomacy by advancing national objectives through cultural engagement. (2) Cultural diplomacy involves the act of advancing a country’s interests by means of engaging in cultural exchanges. (3) We identified the key actors involved in formal cultural diplomacy. (4) Wat Chaozhou Kaiyuan acts as both a platform for cultural diplomacy and a facilitator of foreign cultural interactions, which is discussed in this study.

The Role of Youth Groups in Community Peace Building: Case of Amani Kibra and Kibera Hamlets in Kibra Informal Settlements, Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of youth groups in community peacebuilding, focusing on the Amani Kibera and Kibera Hamlets groups within Kibra's informal settlements in Kenya. Methodology: Anchored on Paul Lederach’s Conflict Transformation Framework, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, involving 40 respondents from Kibera Hamlets and 35 from Amani Kibera, selected through purposive and cluster sampling. Data collection included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed, while quantitative data were processed using SPSS Version 28. Findings: Findings indicate that youth groups primarily focus on "Mentoring and Empowerment" (27.8%) and "Arts and Creative Expression" (26.9%), but encounter challenges such as resource limitations and socio-political instability, leading to ineffective support from religious institutions, government agencies, and NGOs. The study concludes that youth groups are essential for addressing community challenges and recommends expanding arts initiatives, improving resources, and using online platforms to enhance peacebuilding in Kibera. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study uniquely contributes to theory, policy, and practice in informal settlements by offering actionable, context-specific recommendations grounded in empirical evidence. It provides valuable insights into how innovative collaboration fosters trust and social capital, serving as an important resource for policymakers.

Management of Inter-Religious Conflicts in Kwara State: Prospects and Challenges

Nigeria has experienced various inter-religious conflicts that have obvious effects on peace. In Kwara State, for example, inter-religious conflict has surfaced as a major feature of inter-group relations. This paper examines the management of inter-religious conflict in Kwara State. Nigeria with the use of descriptive analysis. Conflict theory was employed as the basis of the study. The Kwara State Government applied various strategies in the management of inter-religious conflict, among them attempts to provide good governance and equitable development, litigation, use of police actions to prevent or quell emergent violence, establishment of inter-faith dialogue committees and partnership with traditional and religious institutions such as the Ilorin Emirate Council. Other government response strategies include court processes and the deployment of security forces. These have attracted considerable attention. In view of the situation on ground, the study advocates for some measures towards effective management of inter-religious conflicts in the state. These include the establishment of a committee comprising all representatives of social groups within the state. The committee should provide a forum for discussing and resolving communal issues instead of resorting to violence. Besides, it is further recommended research be carried out for an in-depth understanding of the causes and solutions to inter-religious conflicts in the state, where experts in conflict resolution would be used to curtail possible outbreak of conflicts, while increased attention is devoted to the prevention of social conflicts, the peaceful resolution of existing conflicts should be intensified through constant dialogue.

Scandinavian Saints in Middle Low German Disguise: Transregional Perspectives on a Late Medieval Printed Hagiographic Collection ‘Der Heiligen Leben’

ABSTRACT In 1492, a Lübeckian printer Stephan Arndes released an updated edition of a popular late medieval hagiographic collection Der Heiligen Leben in Middle Low German. From a few dozens of newly added legends, nine of them are about saints who were venerated only in Northern Germany and Scandinavia – or both. By adding these ‘Northern’ hagiographies, Arndes attempted to domesticate an otherwise rather universal collection – and not only among a Northern German but also a Scandinavian audience. By analysing these hagiographies, their possible Latin sources, and how Stephan Arndes got hold of these texts, the article shows that the edition in question is a testimony to transregional hagiographic knowledge transfer between Northern Germany and Scandinavia. Such an exchange was realized through specific editorial decisions, printing networks, and business connections, enabled by the wide usage of Middle Low German in the Nordic countries not only among foreign merchants but also locals, especially in legal and religious milieux. This case study of Stephan Arndes’ hagiographic print reveals that late medieval transregional devotional networks were bi-directional, unlike what is suggested by the centre-periphery paradigm, often applied when discussing medieval German influences on Scandinavian religious culture and institutions.

Religion, secularization, and far-right support in the Netherlands, Hungary, and Italy

Academic evaluations of the relationship between religion, secularization, and far-right collective actors have grown increasingly complicated. New religious immigrants, seen as invaders importing contradictory values imposed on the populous by EU elites, may threaten Christian and irreligious Europeans. Europe has been secularizing for decades, concurrent with a resurgence in far-right collective action, but this far-right resurgence has also accompanied an increase in religious discourse in politics. In this study, I investigate the relationship between religion, secularization, and far-right collective action utilizing three case studies. I find, with some caveats, that in Hungary, Fidesz motivates Christian voters with religious nationalist appeals, while assertive secularization motivates irreligious voters in the Netherlands. Italy is more complex, where far-right collective actors are less able to monopolize social issues. These findings speak to the critical role religious values and institutions play in shaping voter preferences and present competing options for secularist politics moving forward.

A Requiem for “Jadidism”? Debates on Islamic Education in Contemporary Tatarstan

Abstract Over the last two decades, the public discourse on Islam in Tatarstan has seen a shift from celebrating “Jadidism” to a new emphasis on “Qadimism”. This paper explores the Tatar national movement’s use of “Jadidism” in the 1990s and 2000s and then reconstructs the “Qadimist” countertrend which started to gain visibility with the works of DUM RT deputy mufti Valiulla Yakupov (d. 2012), and which became dominant in the religious establishment of DUM RT under Mufti Kamil’ Samigullin (in office since 2013). In the second part of the paper we trace the marginalization of “Jadid” literature in Tatarstan’s Islamic teaching institutions. We argue that also “Qadimism”, as the discursive counterpart of “Jadidism”, has undergone changes in scope and meaning over time, and eventually became a self-ascription of the current Islamic leadership. Furthermore, our paper compares the attack on “Jadidophilia” by religious leaders in Tatarstan with the ongoing critique of “Jadidophilia” by Western academic scholars.

Understanding and Application of Spousal Rights and Obligations Based on Surah Al-Nisa’ Verse 34 in Simpang Kiri, Aceh

Marriage in Islam aims to create a harmonious family rooted in the principles of sakinah (tranquility), mawaddah (love), and rahmah (compassion). However, a limited understanding of spousal rights and obligations—especially in Simpang Kiri Subdistrict, Subulussalam City, Aceh—often leads to conflicts that can culminate in divorce. This study analyzes the local community’s perceptions and practices regarding marital rights and obligations as outlined in Surah Al-Nisa’, verse 34, while also evaluating the impact of local customs on household dynamics. Employing a qualitative field research approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and observations with community members, religious leaders, and officials from the local Office of Religious Affairs (KUA). The findings indicate that the community’s understanding of spousal rights and obligations primarily focuses on tangible aspects such as financial support and mahr (dowry), often overlooking the essential Islamic values of justice and compassion. Additionally, local customs significantly shape marital practices, frequently resulting in inconsistencies with Islamic principles. This study recommends enhancing religious education and fostering collaboration between religious institutions and community leaders to deepen the understanding of marital roles in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Exploring The Religio-Socio Ethical Dimensions of Ai-Driven Evangelism: Opportunities, Challenges, And Implications

This paper investigates the impact of AI-driven evangelism, focusing on its religiosocio ethical dimensions. It highlights the integration of artificial intelligence in religious practices, addressing its benefits such as broader access to spiritual content, personalized education, and improved engagement with younger audiences alongside significant challenges, including concerns over authenticity, empathy, and ethical implications of machine-mediated guidance. The study stresses the importance of establishing ethical frameworks for AI use within religious institutions. Recommendations include developing ethical guidelines that align with theological principles, providing ongoing education for religious leaders on AI, and engaging congregations in discussions about technology integration. The paper concludes by advocating for balanced approaches to AI that enhance spiritual experiences while respecting diverse faith practices. Overall, it emphasizes the necessity for continued dialogue among religious communities to successfully navigate the complexities introduced by AI in spiritual life.

The Role of Civil Society and Religious Organizations in Shaping Environmental Policy in Bangladesh

Research Problem: The intersection of religion, civil society, and public policy is an increasingly relevant area of study, particularly in the context of environmental degradation. In Bangladesh, the impacts of climate change, industrialization, and globalization have created significant environmental challenges. These challenges necessitate a critical examination of the role of civil society, including religious organizations, in addressing environmental issues. The key question is: How effectively is civil society, in conjunction with religious institutions, contributing to the environmental movement and influencing policy reform in Bangladesh? Research purposes: This paper aims to explore the role of civil society, including the influence of religious organizations, in the environmental movement in Bangladesh. It seeks to understand how civil society organizations engage in advocacy, lobbying, stakeholder pressure, environmental impact assessments, and grassroots mobilization. The goal is to evaluate how these efforts shape public policy on environmental governance in a religious and sociopolitical context. Research methods: : This study uses a qualitative, review-based approach, relying on secondary data from existing literature, media reports, and policy documents. It critically examines the involvement of civil society organizations in the environmental movement, with a focus on how religious values and institutions intersect with public policy efforts in Bangladesh’s environmental governance. Results and Discussion: The findings suggest that civil society organizations, including those with religious affiliations, play an important role in influencing environmental policy in Bangladesh. Through advocacy, lobbying, and public mobilization, these organizations have brought attention to critical environmental issues, facilitating public participation in environmental governance. However, challenges remain, including political biases and limited resources, which affect their ability to fully shape policy. Religious organizations have also been shown to contribute moral and ethical dimensions to environmental activism, aligning their values with sustainable development goals. Research Implications and Contributions: The research underscores the importance of integrating religious organizations into the broader framework of civil society engagement in environmental governance. It highlights how religious values can complement public policy efforts, contributing to a more holistic approach to sustainable development. The paper provides recommendations for policymakers to strengthen collaboration between civil society, religious institutions, and government bodies to make environmental policy more effective and inclusive, aligning with the journal’s scope of exploring the intersection of religion and public policy.

Optimizing Systematic Land Registration (PTSL) to Enhance Legal Certainty of Land Ownership Rights: Collaboration with Religious Value in Indonesia

Research Problem: Land disputes between the public and various stakeholders frequently arise in Indonesia, often due to limited public trust in the Complete Systematic Land Registration Program (PTSL). This distrust results in low participation in PTSL, affecting land security and legal ownership. Research purposes: This study aims to analyze how religious institutions and values can help optimize PTSL to provide stronger legal guarantees for land ownership while supporting the legal protection of land rights within the community. Research methods: A qualitative approach with descriptive-analytical methods was applied to explore the relationship between PTSL implementation, public trust, and religious influence on land registration. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that the implementation of PTSL has been effective in promoting land certification, which strengthens legal protection in compliance with existing laws. Moreover, the involvement of religious institutions has been shown to foster public trust by aligning PTSL with community values rooted in faith, making the program more widely accepted. Research Implications and Contributions: The research highlights the importance of religious institutions in enhancing public trust in government programs like PTSL. By integrating community beliefs into the implementation of PTSL, the program not only functions as a mechanism for legal protection but also aligns with ethical and religious principles. This study provides a conceptual foundation for the government to incorporate religious and community values into policy implementation, ultimately enhancing legal certainty and protection of land rights.

Reclaiming and Unlocking Ancient Heritage Knowledge from Ethiopia’s Ancient Cultural Heritages

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to reclaim and unlock heritage knowledge related to the secular value of time and labor from a sample Ethiopian ancient Ge’ez parchment manuscript. We claim that Ethiopia’s ancient Ge’ez parchment manuscripts could be a source of heritage knowledge if systematically studied. We conducted an extensive and intensive survey to identify and select relevant ancient Ge’ez parchment manuscripts from ancient churches and monasteries in Tigray, Ethiopia. We selected one Ge’ez parchment manuscript for content analysis related to secular value time and another Ge’ez parchment manuscript for the secular value of labor and work ethics. Content analysis and interpretation including language translation from Ge’ez to Tigrinya and English was used as a method of heritage knowledge extraction, as were unlocking approaches from the selected sample Ge’ez parchment manuscripts. Digital content was also produced in order to have access to the digital content, which facilitates further content analysis. A critical evaluation of the physical condition of the sample manuscripts including their palaeography, folios, marginalia, and provenance was made in order to establish their relative age and credibility. From our content analysis, we extract and unlock valuable information and heritage knowledge domains related to the secular value of time and labor. The striking aspect in this study is that the sources of such heritage knowledge are the ancient Ge’ez manuscripts preserved for centuries in religious institutions like ancient churches and monasteries. These sources of heritage knowledge could be easily accepted by Christian farmers to address and solve their earthly problems. We, therefore, assert that the analysis of manuscripts democratizes access to knowledge, making historical collections accessible to a broader audience. Therefore, this current research paper extends the scope of previous studies from merely identifying preservation challenges and making ancient manuscripts accessible through digitization to conducting content analysis, unlocking relevant heritage knowledge domains, and disseminating the knowledge as well as preventing the loss of valuable heritage knowledge. Finally, we suggest making a paradigm shift from preserving heritage for its own sake to focusing on heritage knowledge transfer and education. This is mainly because we currently stand at a crossroads, facing a dilemma between valuing and utilizing heritage on one hand and ensuring its sustainable preservation on the other.

Gereja Katolik dan Pengentasan Pengangguran Pemuda di Era Bonus Demografi

Youth unemployment in Indonesia remains notably high at 9.25%, posing a potential threat to the optimal utilization of the demographic dividend anticipated to peak by 2030. This research seeks to explore how the Catholic Church can contribute to addressing youth unemployment during this critical period. By employing the theoretical framework of Catholic social teaching—focusing on the principles of human dignity, solidarity, and integral justice—the study examines the Church's role, potential, and concrete opportunities in mitigating youth unemployment, and provides recommendations for key programs. A qualitative approach is used, involving a literature review of Catholic social teaching documents and analysis of secondary data. The study's findings suggest that the Catholic Church holds strategic potential through its extensive network of parishes and institutions to assist in resolving the youth unemployment issue. Suggested priority programs include skills training, educational scholarships, job fairs, the establishment of youth empowerment institutions, vocational schools, research centers, and business incubators. Effective cross-sector collaboration is crucial to ensuring that these Church-initiated programs function efficiently and offer long- term benefits to Indonesian youth, helping them seize the opportunities presented by the 2030 demographic bonus. This research adds to the understanding of the potential contributions of religious institutions in addressing contemporary socio-economic challenges and opens avenues for further study on the intersection of religion, public policy, and economic development within the framework of Indonesia‘s demographic dividend.

The Office of Shaykh al-‘Aql of the Druze in Lebanon

This book forum centers on Said Abou Zaki's Arabic book, “The Office of Shaykh al-‘Aql of the Druze in Lebanon.” It includes contributions from various scholars, each offering a unique perspective on the historical and institutional analysis of Druze religious leadership in Lebanon: Tuba Yildiz, Yusri Hazran, Akram Khater, and Abdul Rahman M. Chamseddine. Yildiz acknowledges the lack of historical readings and erroneous information in early 20th-century works on the Druze. She appreciates Abou Zaki's comprehensive study of Lebanese and Ottoman perspectives, offering a broader understanding of the Druze religious institution's development and its connection with the Ottoman Empire's socio-religious policies. Hazran commends the book for providing a comprehensive historical study of the Druze community's religious and spiritual leadership, shedding light on its evolution from the 11th century through to the Ottoman Empire's fall. Although the book excels in its research methods and historical insights, Hazran suggests strengthening it by addressing specific methodological and historical issues, such as placing the discussion on existing narratives and substantiating Emir Bashir Shihab II's role in the schism. Khater highlights the internal tensions in Abou Zaki's book arising from its threefold goals: serving as a historiographical essay, an origins story, and a history of Mashyakhat al-‘Aql. Khater commends the work's critical review of existing literature and acknowledges the book's significant contribution to understanding the position of Shaykh al-‘Aql amidst political crises. Chamseddine praised Abou Zaki's critical historiographical approach and genealogical method. Chamseddine highlights the importance of integrating oral histories and local traditions into academic research. He notes that Abou Zaki's work sheds light on the Druze community's religious evolution, although he critiques the book's occasional lack of coherence due to abrupt transitions and unexplained terminology. The reviewers concluded that the book constitutes a significant contribution to Druze Studies.