Religious Scriptures Research Articles

Academic malaise among future Muslim accountants: role of piety

PurposeThis paper aims to examine two specific research issues among future members of the Malaysian accountancy profession. First, it explores the extent of committed academic dishonesty (AD) among accounting students in two institutions of higher learning in which Islamic orientation and emphasis are observably different. Second, it investigates whether pious accounting students are dishonesty-resistant, premising the investigation on the maintained assumption based on the Islamic religious scriptures that piety should be placed at the forefront of the crusade against academic malaise particularly AD.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire survey to measure both AD and piety, the usable responses were analyzed using mean score and independent sample t-tests.FindingsThe results indicate that AD practices are within the safe and non-disturbing limit. The results on piety which form the crux of the research suggest that findings are sensitive to different piety measurement, indicating the need for a refine piety proxy in future Islamic piety research.Originality/valueNotwithstanding the small sample based on only two universities, the results provide a critical basis for reality check and policy input on issues relating to AD and piety for all stakeholders, particularly in designing the relevant and necessary trainings and relevant policy formulation in addressing integrity issues in accounting education.

The brain, unconsciousness and death: a critical appraisal with regard to halal meat production

AbstractMuslims derive their dietary laws from the Quran (Islamic Holy Book) and other Islamic scriptures. These religious scriptures prohibit them from consuming meat from animals that die before they are bled-out. Some Muslim authorities have interpreted this to mean that, in addition to the animal being alive, it must also be conscious prior to neck-cutting. This has led to a section of the Muslim community rejecting pre-slaughter stunning for halal meat production with the belief that all forms of stunning lead to instantaneous death. It must be noted that some jurists have debunked claims that animals must be conscious before they are bled-out because it does not appear to be mentioned anywhere in the scriptures. This paper reviews literature on the role of the brain in the control of conscious perception and death and considers the different scholarly definitions of death and how they impact the interpretation of halal slaughter rules and the impact on animal welfare.

Ritual & Practices to Attain Spirituality in the light of Religious Scriptures of the World Religion

Humans are spiritual beings and preferred to be an element (one way or the other) of this potent mighty power that fascinated him. Men have been urged to look or visualize the Mighty Lord. Different kind of tools and means were designed in various religious communities to offer a few beautified methods to meet this fundamental intuition. To attain spirituality, many ancient religions had their own rituals and ceremonial systems that mostly consist of external rites and practices. The purpose of the study is to examine and determine the importance of rituals that are being practice in the world religions? What the methods religious scriptures has mentioned for their followers to adopt to attain spirituality? The study is to find out similarities and differences in rituals & practices to attain spirituality as mentioned in their religious scriptures? Research methodology for this study adapted is descriptive. This research study has fined out that some ritual systems are concerned with inwards purification rather than outwards. The major purpose of all such practices; fasting, sacrifices, charity etc are all to free men from the entire evil deeds, make him pure as the will of the Lord and closer to it.

Khitan dalam Literatur Hadis Hukum

What was found in this paper strengthen Syaltut Mahmud statement and some other scholars that the orders circumcision, for both men and women, not relying directly on religious scripture text, because no one else valid hadith regarding circumcision command. The arguments presented cleric who require circumcision is very weak. According to Mahmud Syaltut, the command of circumcision in Islam actually be accommodated only through the rule of jurisprudence that injure members of the living body (in this case circumcision) is allowed if it there is the benefit derived from it.DOI: 10.15408/ajis.v15i1.2851

The Politics of Homosexuality: Perseverance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (lgbt) Community in a Repressive Social Milieu in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, minorities are subjected to harassment, intimidation and even death by Islamic fanatics and conservative leaders as they try to impose their own interpretation of religious scriptures and punish those who do not agree with their interpretation of religious precepts and follow their rulings. Application of such measures has impacted the safety and security of the gender-minority community, as its members are forced to hide their identities, and cannot speak about their sexual orientation. Government agencies and civil society organizations do not advocate for the rights of this community, and deliberately avoid any discussion about them, fearing a backlash from religious vigilantes, conservative religious leaders and clerics. A lack of public education and social awareness programs about the gender-minority community has contributed to the perpetuation of discrimination, hatred and bigotry toward them − a community that is part and parcel of the social fabric of modern Afghanistan.

Scientific History of Some Alien Plants In India: Origin, Implications And Culture

Indian subcontinent has a rich heritage of biodiversity because of its variable geo-climatic conditions. Several exotic plant species survived since ancient period and became an integral part of Indian flora. Nay, they now seem to be iconic plants and are being venerated. They are valued by the Indians for their esteem, culture and welfare. Select 20 exotic notable species are studied from the standpoint of their origin, distribution, culture and ancient Sanskrit literature. Diverse information about them is adduced from architecture, art, archaeological sites, etymology (philology), anthropology, ancient Sanskrit and religious scriptures. Some of them were once thought introduced by western rulers in the then India few centuries ago. This belief can be easily negated based on the present investigation. They appeared to have been brought in India during pre-Columbian period. They also appear to be indicators of Indian contacts with various parts of the Old World and interestingly even New World.

Wrapped Up: Talismanic Garments in Early Modern Islamic Culture

This study examines clothing inscribed with religious scripture and mystic symbols as a talisman in Early Modern Islamic culture. The objects include extant examples of talismanic clothing from Iran, Turkey, and India created between the late fifteenth century and mid-eighteenth centuries. The premise for scripture as talisman in Islam, the relationship between text and textile, and pre-Islamic relationships to cloth and spirituality in these regions are included in the discussion. Though recent scholarship accepts these textiles as protective devices worn on the battlefield, this study suggests several additional contexts for the use of these talismanic garments. In addition, Qur’an-inscribed garments that emerge as a phenomenon in the Early Modern period are examined in relation to the origin of talismanic clothing in the belief systems that preceded the Muslim era. Specifically addressing the traditions of Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Shamanistic Turkic religious practices, the relationship between cloth, thread, and sacred teachings is explored in relation to the later empires that emerged from these regions. Specific verses from the Qur’an are included as an analytic device for understanding the Islamic perception of textiles and garments on a literal and metaphorical level, as well as spiritual and political practices involving cloth and power.

Suicidal Thoughts, Attempts and Motives Among University Students in 12 Muslim-Majority Countries.

There is a scarcity of research on suicidal phenomena in the Muslim world. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the self-reported prevalence of suicidal thoughts, attempts and motives in 12 Muslim countries. A total of 8417 (54.4% women) university students were surveyed by means of a self-report questionnaire. Overall, 22% of the participants reported suicidal ideation and 8.6% reported attempting suicide. The odds of suicidal thoughts were elevated in Azerbaijan, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, while reduced ORs were recorded in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Malaysia. While odds of suicide attempts were high in Azerbaijan, Palestine and Saudi Arabia reduced odds ratios (OR) were detected in Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia and Tunisia. Taking drugs and using a sharp instrument were the two most frequently used methods to attempt suicide. Only 32.7% of attempts required medical attention. Escape motives were endorsed more than social motives by participants who attempted suicide. Suicidal behaviors were more frequent in women than in men. Compered to men, fewer attempts by women required medical attention. Moreover, our results show that making suicide illegal does not reduce the frequency of suicidal behavior. Results from this comparative study show that suicidal thoughts and attempts are frequent events in young adults in countries where religious scripture explicitly prohibit suicide and the frequencies of nonfatal suicidal behavior show large variation in nations adhering to the same religion.

A qualitative study to determine Kuwaiti Women's knowledge of breast cancer and barriers deterring attendance at mammography screening

IntroductionAlthough a Mammography Screening Service (MSS) has been established in Kuwait since 2014, the attendance rate for eligible women is only 4.2% in comparison to 72.1% attendance in the United Kingdom (UK) mammography screening service. The aim of this study was to determine Kuwaiti women's knowledge of breast cancer (BC), their attitudes toward BCS and the reasons for not attending Mammography Screening (MS). MethodsA pragmatic qualitative methodology was used which included the use of two focus groups conducted at two women only social organisations in Kuwait with a total of 23 women. One focus group was conducted at a social and cultural organisation; the second focus group took place at a social organisation whose primary role is the improvement of literacy though the use of religious scripture. Thematic analysis was applied to the recorded verbal transcripts from each focus group. ResultsThematic analysis revealed four major themes, accompanied by a series of subthemes (1) knowledge and awareness of BC health, (2) knowledge of MS (3) personal factors, (4) medical provision and social environment. ConclusionFindings suggest that participant's knowledge of BC and the decision to attend MS is influenced by a series of factors both personal and external. An increase in the awareness of BC, MS and the process of accessing MSS will enhance the uptake of MS among Kuwaiti women. Furthermore, doctors and health care providers will need to play a significant role in encouraging women to self-refer.

WHATSAPP DAN PEMILIH PEMULA DI KOTA MEDAN: Partisipasi Politik Era Demokrasi Digital pada Pemilihan Gubernur Provinsi Sumatera Utara 2018

This article discusses the political participation of new voters of WhatsApp users in the city of Medan in the governor election of Sumatra Province in 2018. The purpose of the study was to find out about the understanding of democracy and the level of political participation of new voters who use WhatsApp social media as a political discussion. Beginner voters are defined as community members who have the right to vote, aged 17-21 years or have/have been married and registered as a Permanent Voter List. In order to approach the research problem, this study uses the theory of public sphere and contagion. Public sphere is a digital space where critical, rational and objective discussion is transmitted to others. The problem in this study focused on how political participation of new voters who use WhatsApp in city of Medan in North Sumatra gubernatorial election 2018?. Can WhatsApp social media be considered a public sphere in the digital age? The results of the study show that the political participation of new voters of WhatsApp users has increased significantly but the understanding of democracy is co-opted in the politics of identity. Digital democracy is castrated by politics of identity because of the social situation, family environment, relatives and peers, the influence of the pulpit and the religious scriptures and ethnic communities. Then, WhatsApp social media is not a public sphere but 'mono sphere' or 'solo sphere' which is privatized as a limited discussion room with family, relatives, peers, friends of religion and ethnic friends.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: A brief history of human evolution: challenging Darwin\u2019s claim

There is a consensus among evolutionists today that man first appeared in Africa approximately four million years ago. Others counter this theory saying, “... when shall we speak of man as man”? The timeline they give is approximately one million years and to fully understand one million years is still a difficult task.However, another even better way to understand time and man is to study it in terms of generations. So, keeping in mind that primitive people married and had children early, twenty years will make an average generation. According to this there would be 50,000 generations in a million years. Keeping this in mind if we calculate generations we find that 250 generations back take us to the time when written history began. While, another 250 generations back would take us to the time (10,000 years ago), when cultivation began, and man started settled life. Now we are left with 49,500 generations of men, plus a time span of 990,000 years. Keeping these statistics in mind let us ask the question once more, when should we speak of man as man?Therefore, this paper attempts not only to understand the timeframe “when we can really call Man? – Man” in light of the so-called history of human evolution but also to understand that if the specie roaming the earth for a million years was truly man’s ancestor, as is claimed by Charles Darwin. Then what took man’s ancestor so long to show signs of development that we only witness in the last 12000 years.Moreover, while keeping man’s progress under consideration of the last 12000 years, it will further shed light on why there are serious reservations about Charles Darwin theory of human evolution. As many scientists, evolutionists, archeologist and different religious scriptures strongly claim that man came to the earth fully developed and did not evolve from a lesser specie.

Laozi teaching Confucius: history of a text through time

ABSTRACTIn addition to religious scriptures that survive from the Ming-Qing period, the Qing archives related to the prosecution of secret societies contain references to texts and images found in the possession of members of such societies at the time of their arrest. Texts may also be mentioned or at times quoted in full by the accused in the course of their interrogation. Some of these texts are unknown from other sources and thus the archival material offers precious insights into religious literature used by sectarian groups. This article examines a text that appears in the archives under the title Laojun du fuzi 老君度夫子 (The Elderly Lord Saves the Master), tracing the history of its transmission from the Song dynasty until modern days. In the course of the centuries, the text changed its title and part of its content, to the extent that it may be argued that its versions no longer constitute the same text but rather several interrelated ones, each with its own agenda and socio-cultural background.

Instrumentation of Psychospiritual Scale for Malaysian Drug Rehabilitation Centres

The significance of spirituality element in one’s life is not to be silenced. The dualistic nature of human be it physical and spiritual seeks for the balance contentment as so one can achieve the tranquility of life and manage to think, feel and act accordingly. The problem of drug abuse that has been happening nowadays is seemed to be plausible to be associated with the lack of spiritual awareness causing them to choose that path. Recognizing the potentiality of spirituality in drug abuse, this paper attempts to explain the instumentation of psychospiritual inventories in drug abuse in light of making it easier for other drug abuse researchers to quantify the level of drug abuser’s spiritual condition. The psychospiritual scale formulated has 6 domains with 39 items altogether by employing 5-Likert Scale. The methodology employed was based on Interpretive Content Analysis with thematic technique to rule out the cardinal principles from the Islamic religious scriptures and literatures. Face validation was adopted and assigned to two experts in Islamic Sufism and drug abuse fields. The reliability of the psychospiritual instrument was cronbach alpha 0.962. Split-half reliability of this scale was divided into two where the first part achieved cronbach alpha 0.943 whereas the second part scored alpha cronbach 0.921. Indeed, this result signifies that this instrument has high reliability values and suitable to be used worldwide.

Romancing the crucifixion in biblical rewritings by Phillip Pullman and Colm Tóibín

Abstract This paper focuses on how the romance mode is used to re-narrativize the trauma of Jesus’s crucifixion in two contemporary biblical rewritings: Pullman’s The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ 2010 and Tóibín’s The Testament of Mary 2012. Reflecting on the process of the composition of the Bible, these novels resort to romance in order to invite a critical reflection on different narrativizations of the traumatic event, dependent as they are on both conservative and more subversive effects of romance. As some characters rely on the strategies of traditional spiritual romance in order to alleviate their pain, others cynically resort to a dualistic vision to establish and consolidate power, and still others make use of the excess and disarticulation of romance to do justice to the absolute horror of the event, the novels draw attention both to the comforting and subversive function of Christian scripture. Adding a metafictional dimension to the narrative of crucifixion, the novels expose the way in which religious scriptures can become ideological instruments, and signal the potentially dangerous effects of the renewed significance of religion today.

The Brahmo Dharma Debate: Part 1

From the perspective of philosophy of religion, Part 1 of this essay examines the original vision of the faith ‘Brahmo Dharma’ as ‘Reform Hinduism’, a ‘sect’ within the larger religious tradition as ‘Vedantic monotheism’ founded by Raja Rammohun Roy in 1828—with the nineteenth-century ‘Bengal Renaissance’ in the background. Roy questioned the authority of revelation given in the Brahmanas in the Vedic Scriptures and endeavoured a democratization of the Vedanta, rejecting the caste system as well as idolatry. It charts the transition of the Faith from ‘Reform Hinduism’ to Debendranath Tagore’s Codification given in his book Brahmo Dharma, 1850, interpreting it as an ‘independent religion’, not adhering to the authority of the Vedas including the Vedanta or any other religious scripture. This essay marks the recent legal claim in Supreme Court of the Brahmo Samaj that its Faith ‘Brahmo Dharma’ is non-Hindu, and as an ‘independent religion’, it is deserving of ‘minority’ status. The role of British colonialism pertaining to the legal history of ‘Brahmo Dharma’ is reviewed here to bring forward Brahmo Samaj’s contemporary claim of ‘Brahmo Dharma’ being ‘non-Hindu’. Focusing on ‘religious reform’ as primary to ‘social reform’, in this context, this essay reflects upon the interpretation of the Faith—arguing that ‘reform in religion’ ought to be recognizable in law, not merely customs and rituals, considering ‘the Spirit of the Faith’ which is essentially ‘Upanishad–Vedanta’.

The Way of the Strangers

Despite the considerable scholarly work which has gone into understandingthe Islamic State (IS), the depths of the motivations and psychology ofits members and supporters have not been truly plumbed. Graeme Woodchronicles his forays into the minds of adherents of the organization in TheWay of the Strangers: Encounters with the Islamic State and does an impressivejob of laying bare the thought behind the group and its attention-grabbingbrutality. While it is regarded by most of the world as a collection ofpsychopaths, notably by the vast majority of Muslims, who consistently denouncethe group and its claims to religious legitimacy, Wood argues that itdoes have a logic and basis in religious scripture that is by and large internallyconsistent, if morally repugnant, and notes that only by understandingthis logic—and, therefore, the beliefs of its ardent supporters—can therest of the world combat it most effectively. He also provides an interestingwindow into the group’s recruitment process by examining some individualswhom he terms “seducers”, those who encourage others to immigrateto the group’s territory in Iraq and Syria. While this last part may seemsomewhat outdated, it will unfortunately retain importance as IS coalesceselsewhere and perhaps even attempts a resurgence in those two countries;the examination of this possibility falls far outside the scope of this review,but its existence at all sees this aspect of the book retain its importance ...

Exploiting the Prophet's Authority: How Islamic State Propaganda Uses Hadith Quotation to Assert Legitimacy

ABSTRACTThrough its prolific propaganda, the self-declared Islamic State (IS) seeks to attract new recruits, motivate existing members, and assert the group's legitimacy. This study addresses the question of how IS attempts to legitimize itself through its official rhetoric by exploring its invocation of religious authority via reference to sacred Islamic texts. The study focuses on a specific category of religious scripture: the collected words and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, known as the hadith. The body of hadith has historically served as a bridge of authority from past to present, linking later individuals and groups to the legacy of the Prophet. Related studies have demonstrated that within the Arabic-speaking community in general, citing hadith and Qur'an is an everyday rhetorical strategy for argumentation across all topics, secular and sacred. This article takes an in-depth look at the hadith quotations included in a sample of official IS propaganda to compare the relative frequency of specific themes and to determine which hadith compilations IS publicists prefer. The study compares the quotation of hadith across media platforms (videos, newsletters, and magazines), genres (print and video), and languages (Arabic and English). The findings show that IS messaging tends to quote hadith from canonical Sunni collections. The study highlights important differences between English and Arabic language propaganda, noting in particular that English-language propaganda focuses more on apocalyptic prophecies than Arabic-language materials. Case studies illustrate how IS selectively draws on the vast body of hadith literature as part of the group's strategic framing.

The Perception of Perhumas Central Java Members on Principles of PR Performance in Islam

Public Relations as a matter of study and implementation of theory, can not be separated from the influence of religious scriptures embraced by individuals. For a Moslem, the Qur'an and Hadith are the guides and sources of knowledge that are used as a reference by Public Relations Officer in the work. Arthur W. Page proposes work principle that must be owned by Public Relations: Tell the Truth, Prove It with Action, Listen to the Customer, Manage for Tomorrow, Conduct Public Relations as If The Whole Company Depends on It, Remain Calm, Patient and Good Humor. This research discusses about the Perception of Perhumas Central Java Members in viewing the principles of public relations performance in Islamic Shari'a view. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative, using 4 informants. Analytical techniques used are interactive analysis model, data collection was done by structured interviews and literature study.

Beyond Sacredness: Why Saudi Arabian Bioethics Must Be Feminist

At the core of Saudi Arabian bioethics' moral foundation is a strict reliance on religious scripture. This methodology is far from perfect; religious interpretations often lack sufficient moral analysis and intellectual engagement. Women are the most affected by this limited religious understanding, which is often influenced by entrenched patriarchal norms. In this paper, I argue that Saudi bioethics must shift from its current unreflective practice to a more contemplative understanding of Islamic texts. The Saudi women's movement—an effort that utilizes a methodology of religious textual reexamination to offer feminist understandings of Islamic values—is presented as a model for Saudi bioethics.

Gandharva: Origin and Performing Arts

The prime objective of this research article is to explore the different forms of arts performed by the ‘Gandharvas’ along with their historicity of social and sacred religious origin towards which the mainstream Nepali society is indifferent. In the social context of Nepal, they are regarded as the musician caste. They are also treated as the so-called lower caste people, the ‘dalits’ and are also denied the prestigious position in the society as well as in the pages of history. Although neglected in the society as well as in the history, they have got a pious origin as mentioned in the Hindu religious scriptures and beliefs. Their performing arts and musical instruments also have the religious significance. They have made a great contribution for nation through their performing arts. But the paradox is that they have not got the true recognition in Nepali society even though they share the sacred lineage like other groups. Although they have sacred place in religion, their position is downtrodden in society.