Religious Texts Research Articles

Terms referring to crawling in Ancient Egyptian Religious Texts DR/ Rania Abd El-Aziz

Terms referring to crawling in Ancient Egyptian Religious Texts DR/ Rania Abd El-Aziz

The semantic approach in understanding and analyzing the Qur’anic discourse among the Ash’aris

This research studies, “The semantic approach in understanding and analyzing Quranic discourse” from the perspective of a semantic study that aims to clarify the most important tools of semantic research and their role in revealing the secrets of Quranic discourse, as the study of semantics is considered one of the most important topics on which understanding the text and discourse between the speaker and the listener is based. It has great merit in understanding the text and arriving at the speaker’s intent. Semantic research is considered one of the most important branches of Arabic linguistics and one of its most important topics. Its importance increases if it is linked to understanding and analyzing religious text and discourse, whether that text and discourse is a Qur’anic text or a noble Prophetic hadith. The student of the Qur’anic text and Hadith al-Nawawi must do his best and take into account all the angles of meaning and its tools in order to arrive at the true meaning of the Shariah behind the words and verbal discourse. In light of this, I used the descriptive and analytical approach in order to understand the semantic approach in the discourse of the Holy Qur’an. The scope of the research expanded into four sections as follows: 1) The first topic: I placed it under the title “Conceptual Principles” 2) The second section: It was responsible for researching “mechanisms for understanding Quranic discourse.” 3) The third topic: In which I talked about “Types of significance in the Qur’anic discourse.” 4) The fourth section: I devoted it to mentioning a group of samples and applications for semantic research in the Holy Qur’an and demonstrated their impact on the coherence between verbal and conceptual meaning in Quranic discourse. The conclusion was to mention the most important findings that I reached through the research. Keywords: method, connotation, Quranic discourse, types of connotations, mechanisms of connotation, understanding the text.

Preserving the Sacred Text: An Appraisal of Recent Meâl Bans in Türkiye

Abstract Recently, there have been heated debates in Türkiye as a result of the legal action taken by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (pra) to ban the translations of the Qur'an on the grounds that it contains “objectionable” interpretations of passages contrary to “the fundamentals” of Islam. This study argues that, throughout history, the sacred text has been of symbolic importance and thus the authorities have sought to exert control over it. After a review of the recent cases, a conclusion is drawn that the political views as well as the unconventional religious interpretations may have been the driving factors in the decision to ban meâls. Moreover, there is the distinct possibility that the spread of modernist Islamic interpretations via the Internet, particularly Qur’anism, which has been directly targeted by the pra in official sermons, may be another contributing factor in translation bans.

The sanctity of decoding: Reframing Hebrew literacy in the United States and Europe

Aims and Objectives: This article explores the challenges Jewish children face in educational programs teaching about Judaism and Jewish culture located in the United States and Europe. Students learn to decode Hebrew but not to read for comprehension, which conflicts with other types of literacy learning they encounter throughout their education in school and at home. Methodology: The study is based on long-term participant observation at two religious education programs, one in the United States and one in Luxembourg. Data and Analysis: A language socialization lens was applied to coded fieldnotes to bring findings into conversation with each other. Findings: Following initial frustrations stemming from a mismatch between American and European schooled literacy expectations and Hebrew decoding, students came to understand Hebrew as a distinctive sacred language. This allowed them to reconceptualize decoding as a successful and meaningful form of literacy and to see themselves as competent Hebrew users and members of a broader Jewish community. Originality: Existing studies primarily focus on sacred languages and literacies oriented around supporting connections with the divine. This study contributes to the existing body of work by illustrating religious literacy education aimed at cultivating communal and religious identification. Implications: This study provides evidence that decoding of sacred texts without comprehension of lexico-semantic content can be a meaningful form of literacy that enables religious members to affirm and do community without explicit reference to divine relations. It argues for a distinctive form of bilingualism in which the sacred language and talk about it work together to create meaningful religious learning.

Inovasi Pembelajaran Kitab Kuning Di Pesantren Dalam Penguatan Literasi Keagamaan

This research aims to analyze the forms of innovation in the teaching of Kitab Kuning in Islamic boarding schools (Pesantren) to strengthen religious literacy. The study employs a library research approach, utilizing literature sources such as journals, books, dictionaries, documents, magazines, and other references. The research method involves a literature review. The results indicate that Pesantren is capable of producing students proficient in Arabic language and fundamental knowledge of religious studies. Various innovations can be implemented to enhance religious literacy, such as the use of technology through e-learning and online forums. Additionally, innovations in teaching models or methods, such as the ArRumuz method, which facilitates quick reading of religious texts, and problem-based learning methods, involving the study of issues in society, can contribute to strengthening religious literacy. Moreover, innovations in extracurricular activities, including programs like Qira’atul Kutub tutoring, Qira’atul Kutub study sessions, and achievement award and art performance programs, are also noteworthy.

Jaunākie latviešu romāni: literāri reliģisks teksts vai teksts ar reliģiskiem motīviem? Daži raksturīgi piemēri

The article focuses on recent Latvian novels. The article examines the possibility of dividing novels into two categories: literary religious texts, from which new theologies can be derived by identifying features of these texts, and literary texts with religious motifs, in which neither the central message nor the plot, nor the artistic devices are religious at any level; religion in these texts functions as an object of reflection for the protagonist or the author, which may or may not influence the development of the protagonist or the narrative. This textual analysis helps to identify certain dimensions of religiosity in Latvian novels. The article aims to offer analytical examples for each set of literary texts and describe the methods of their analysis (the hermeneutic method and the combined method with elements of exegesis and close reading). The article also includes two examples from each set of texts, demonstrating the use of the methods. The article’s conclusions offer insight into the imaginative apologetics of Jānis Rokpelnis and Nora Ikstena, as well as a description of several religious motifs in the novels of Inga Ābele and Jurģis Liepnieks.

Sex Reassignment Surgery, Marriage, and Reproductive Rights of Intersex and Transgender People in Sunni Islam.

The traditional gender binary constitutes an integral aspect of Islamic social ethics, which has a pivotal role in shaping religious obligations, legal proceedings, and interpersonal judgments within Muslim communities. Within the familial sphere, this gender binary underscores fundamental responsibilities encompassing parenthood, filial duties, and inheritance rights. Recent years have witnessed a growing challenge to the traditional concept of the gender binary within Islamic societies. This shift is driven by increasing social libertarianism that emphasizes gender fluidity and individual choice. Hence, this article aims to critically scrutinize evolving discussions and controversies about the rights of intersex and transgender individuals, particularly issues relating to sex reassignment or gender-affirming surgery, marriage, and reproduction, from the perspective of the Sunni tradition of Islam. To support the various interpretations and insights presented here, a comprehensive and rigorous analysis is carried out on various religious texts and scholarly sources to elucidate the theological and jurisprudential positions on gender issues. It is thus concluded that Shariah offers greater flexibility in the treatment of intersex individuals compared to those with gender dysphoria because the intersex condition is viewed as a physical impairment that is not the choice of the afflicted individual. By contrast, in the case of individuals with gender dysphoria, they are willfully attempting to change their recognized biological sex, that God had naturally given to them at birth. Therefore, it is recommended that such transgender individuals deserve respectful psychological and social rehabilitation with help and guidance from religious authorities, their families, and communities.

Islamic perspectives on preconception, prenatal, and perinatal counseling.

With advances in prenatal imaging, genetic testing, and medical treatment of premature neonates, new bioethical challenges have arisen. Many Muslims turn to their faith and religious leaders to help navigate these novel challenges. This article briefly discusses the factors that are involved in religious leaders issuing a fatwa, or religious opinion. Using clinical scenarios, this article reviews the current discourse amongst Islamic scholars and laws in Muslim-majority countries regarding challenging bioethical topics surrounding preconception counseling, antenatal testing and termination of pregnancy, as well as Islamic scholars' attempts to determine a minimum gestational age of viability using primary religious texts, the Quran and hadith. Challenges and shortcomings in the Islamic perspective on these issues are also addressed to highlight areas in which further research should be pursued. A deeper understanding of Islamic religious perspectives on these topics can help clinicians in providing care that is informed by patients' cultural and religious values.

THE FEATURES OF RELIGIOUS TEXT AS THE TYPE OF RELIGIOUS DISCOURSE AND CLASSIFICATION OF ITS LEXICON

The main aim of this article is to study different standpoints about religious discourse, which includes sacred texts that are the core of universal culture. The article highlights the main linguistic features of religious discourse and combines several scientists’ various descriptions. This research mainly analyses religious texts as one type of religious discourse. Islamic literary and public texts are chosen as the object of research. In order to achieve the main aim of the research, linguistic observation and analysis, contextual and lexicographic analysis, as well as classification methods are used. According to the analysis's findings, it is clear that there are special features of religious discourse, and they are considered specialized texts. There are many levels of the Islamic religious lexicon, they cannot be understood by all people. The study introduces new classification of Islamic religious terms. Due to the canonic nature of Islamic religious texts and the existence of lacunae in the English culture in relation to the lexicon of Islamic discourse, the speaker or writer should be very careful while choosing the appropriate lexicon to achieve adequacy when using them in English.

Rethinking Islamic Feminist Thought on Reinterpreting the Qur'an: An Analysis of the Thoughts of Aminah Wadud, Fatima Mernissi, Asma Barlas, and Riffat Hassan

This article aims to revisit Islamic feminist thought on the reinterpretation of the Qur'an by analyzing the views of four major figures in the movement: Aminah Wadud, Fatima Mernissi, Asma Barlas, and Riffat Hassan. This study uses a critical text analysis approach to understand the arguments and interpretations they put forward in interpreting Qur'anic verses related to gender. Through an in-depth analysis of their work in articles, books, and papers of their views. In addition, the article explores the ways in which these Islamic feminists reconstruct an understanding of sacred texts, highlighting differences in approach and common themes in their interpretations. In addition, it evaluates the impact of their reinterpretations of the Qur'an on traditional views in Muslim societies and their implications in the context of social change and gender equality. When examining Islamic feminist views on the Qur'anic reinterpretation, it is important to thoroughly understand the cultural and linguistic context of Arabic. Misconceptions regarding the interpretations of classical Muslim intellectuals, which are often considered discriminatory against women, are often due to a lack of understanding of the cultural and linguistic context of Arabic. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to linguistic and cultural contexts when interpreting sacred texts. On the other hand, feminists should also note that interpretations of the Qur'an do not always result in interpretations that are in line with their principles of gender equality. The theoretical implication is that, in an effort to understand the verses of the Qur'an related to gender issues, it is important to consider the cultural context, language, and comprehensive interpretation. There is room for dialog and deeper understanding between feminist views and traditional interpretations, by taking an approach that combines an understanding of classical Arabic culture with the values of gender equality championed by feminists.

Repositioning the Theory of Dialectical Translation of Religious Texts in Qur'anic Perspective

Dialectics focuses on understanding the context of the al-Qur'an and is integrated as a method of dialogue between the original text and the translation. By developing a new framework that combines al-Qur’an dialectics and religious values through textual analysis and literature review. This study provides a critical review of translation theory, investigating the relationship between language and religious meaning in the al-Qur'an text. The combination of dialectical aspects and al-Qur'an perspectives is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of theories on the translation of religious texts, especially in the Islamic context. The practical implications include the development of more contextualized and detailed translation guidelines as well as a more comprehensive understanding of the religious meaning embedded in the al-Qur'an text. The methodology used is library research using a descriptive qualitative approach and book research involving textual analysis of religious texts in the al-Qur'an, followed by a literature review of existing translation theories. The results of this analysis form the basis for the development of a dialectical model in the translation of religious texts, in which cultural, historical and linguistic contexts become key considerations. By utilizing the al-Qur'an perspective, this research directs the translation of religious texts towards a deeper and more contextual understanding.

Hearing God

AbstractThis essay attempts to address a simple question: what does it mean to hear God? So much hangs upon learning something about hearing God: revelation, salvation, formation, vocation and mission, for example. What is the relationship then between hearing and knowing God? Before examining two particular passages from the Scriptures in which hearing and knowing coincide (the calling of Samuel and God the Father speaking to Jesus the Son), I offer a sketch of a phenomenology of hearing; a phenomenological reduction of sound or, more specifically, voice. As an event, sound summons through and across several biological systems. So, it is an anthropology of reception and response which is paramount here. Having, then, examined the two Scriptural passages in the light of this phenomenology, I draw attention to an underlying mimetic irony that is ineradicable with respect to hearing God in the Scriptures: the play of the vocal within the written, aurality/orality and textuality. I conclude that, while this mimetic irony is a key characteristic of a sacred text, recognising persona as ‘sounding through’ we can appreciate Scripture's role in salvation as a participation in the Persona Christi.

Dini Metin ve Geleneklerde Mitra Kültü ve Mitraizm Üzerine Bir İnceleme

The cult of Mitra, which is related to the cult of the Sun, was active in Anatolia, India and Iran. The name and cult of Mitra has been widely used in Indian and Iranian religious texts and rituals. It still continues in the Zoroastrian tradition. The religious tradition of Mithraism, which bears the same name, emerged in the Roman period in the 1st century BC in the form of the religion of mystery, and continued its existence in Anatolia and Roman lands until the 5th century. Mithraism, which was adopted by Roman soldiers and merchants, spread to Europe and North Africa under the rule of Rome, and took various forms by mixing with local cults. Mithraism, which was banned and subjected to oppression when Christianity became the official religion of Rome, declined and its temples were destroyed. Mithraism survived among the Gnostics and disappeared into history. Keywords: Mithra, Mithraism, Rigveda, Avesta, Greek-Roman Mythology

Nurturing Empowering Perceptions: Exploring High School Girls' Perspectives on Gender Equity in Formal Educational Context and Factors Beyond

The primary objective of this article is to conduct an in-depth analysis of multiple factors-cultural, religious, and educational—that shape the perceptions of gender equality among female high school students. Focusing specifically on this demographic sample enables a nuanced exploration into how adolescence interacts with these factors to influence their perspectives on gender roles and expectations. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, going beyond the traditional educational paradigms, to include a variety of external influences such as familial backgrounds, religious texts, sociocultural norms, and the overall school environment. The research aims to contribute to the scholarly discourse on gender equality by enriching our understanding of how societal attitudes permeate classroom walls to shape young girls' viewpoints. By doing so, this study aspires to unearth the implicit and explicit messages received by female students that sustain gender imbalances. This serves the dual purpose of not only highlighting these influencing variables but also leveraging this knowledge to develop targeted interventions. The ultimate goal of this research is to formulate insightful strategies that promote a more equitable and empowering perception of girls and, by extension, women in society. These strategies will be rooted in the findings, which delineate the complex relationship between culture, religion, and education in shaping these perspectives. Thus, the research provides practical insights that could serve as foundational elements for fostering a more inclusive and empowering socio-educational environment for female students and women in the future.

Manifestations of Climate Change in Qur’an and Sunnah

‌Climate change arises from a combination of natural factors, such as solar radiation and volcanic activity, and human activities like industrial emissions and deforestation. These factors contribute to increased levels of carbon dioxide and methane, resulting in global warming and the occurrence of extreme weather events. Interestingly, references to various climate change phenomena, including rainfall, wind, earthquakes, and floods, can be found in the Qur'an and Sunnah. The main objective of this study is to strengthen the confidence of believers by highlighting the scientific wonders contained within these religious texts and how they relate to today's society. To achieve this, the study adopts a descriptive, analytical, and inductive approach, drawing upon a range of sources such as previous research, classical scientific literature, electronic resources, and online databases. Ultimately, the study confirms the existence of evidence regarding climate change within the Qur'an and Sunnah, and recommends further investigation in this area. The aim is to foster scientific inquiry and demonstrate the ongoing relevance of these religious texts in addressing contemporary challenges, specifically climate change. By delving into this subject, the study aims to bridge the gap between religious teachings and our current scientific understanding. It has the potential to significantly influence future discussions and research on climate change that integrate both faith and science.

Religija, teologija i filozofske vještine automatiziranih programa za čavrljanje (chatbotova) pogonjenima velikim jezičnim modelima (LLM)

In this study, I demonstrate how religion and theology can be useful for testing the performance of LLMs or LLM–powered chatbots, focusing on the measurement of philosophical skills. I present the results of testing four selected chatbots: ChatGPT, Bing, Bard, and Llama2. I utilize three examples of possible sources of inspiration from religion or theology: 1) the theory of the four senses of Scripture; 2) abstract theological statements; 3) an abstract logic formula derived from a religious text, to show that these sources are good materials for tasks that can effectively measure philosophical skills such as interpretation of a given fragment, creative deductive reasoning, and identification of ontological limitations. This approach enabled sensitive testing, revealing differences among the performances of the four chatbots. I also provide an example showing how we can create a benchmark to rate and compare such skills, using the assessment criteria and simplified scales to rate each chatbot with respect to each criterion.

Who is My Neighbour?: Law and Religion

The relationship between law and religion has a complex history. This article explores their convergence, divergence, and interdependence, focusing on the law of torts and religious principles. Specifically, the study examines negligence, which involves breaching a duty of care and causing harm. A key question arises: Who should be taken care of? This intersection between law and religion revolves around the concept of a "neighbour." The research employs a purely doctrinal methodology. Findings reveal that religious texts emphasize love, compassion and proximity in defining a neighbour, while the legal perspective emphasizes proximity, foreseeability, and reasonableness, disregarding love and compassion. Ultimately, the article concludes that law and religion demonstrate both convergence and divergence. Even in secular states, contemporary legal traditions still maintain theological roots and practices. Thus, theology continues to influence legal frameworks, highlighting the enduring interdependence between law and religion.

AL-MASKAN AL-AWWAL LI AL-INSĀN AL-AWWAL NAẒRAH FĪ AL-KUTUB AL-SAMĀWIYYAH

The Holy Books addressed the story of the first man through all of its phases; creation, living in Paradise as the first home and settling in the earth as the second and temporal one. This paper analyzes the related texts in the Holy Books, due to their importance as sources that tell this part of the humankind’s story, in addition to their religious reliability for their believers, to answer this question: What are the characteristics of the ideal house? The research follows the comparative descriptive approach by extracting the characteristics of the man’s first home from the religious texts. Then, measuring their fulfillment of the elements of architecture and the humans’ needs while comparing between the versions of the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Book. The importance of this research lies in the usage of the religious stories in connection with housing concepts and theories of architecture. The paper has accomplished conclusions and recommendations that highlight the importance of balancing the utilitarian and practical aspects with the psychological and emotional comfort while designing a home.

Arabographic texts and the problem of reading

This article explores the development of the Arabographic tradition during the early centuries of Islam. Evidence from pre-Islamic graffiti, poetry, and prose, as well as other sources, suggests the existence of an established writing tradition in western Arabia during this period. Furthermore, the Quran contains indications of the use of written documents. This graphic system enabled writing not only occasional or brief text fragments, but also significant volumes of information. The codification of the Quran marked a pivotal moment in the final transition from an oral to a written cultural tradition. The earliest handwritten fragments of the sacred text, as well as epigraphy, enable tracing the progression from a basic to a more intricate writing system. This comprised distinctive signs for consonant graphemes, vowel indicators, regular utilization of matres lectionis, and so on. The surviving documents also demonstrate a broad range of script variations. Later on, in the 8th century, early medieval Muslim scholars transcribed the poetic heritage and prose of the Jahiliyyah period using this graphic system.

Библейское имя в составе белорусских и польских фразеологизмов / Біблійнае імя ў складзе беларускіх і польскіх фразеалагізмаў

The article focuses on the role of biblical anthroponyms in the phraseology of both Belarusian and Polish. It delves into the characteristics of the process of appellativization and highlights the phonetic peculiarities of biblical anthroponyms and analyses phraseologisms with the same anthroponymic component in both Slavic languages. The descriptive method allows to careful study of the structure, semantics and figurative content of phraseologisms, which makes it possible to identify similarities and differences between them. The abovementioned method also includes the examination of phraseological equivalents, that is, the equivalents of phraseological expressions in both languages. In addition, attention is drawn to the phonic characteristics of anthroponyms, which can affect the perception of phraseologisms and their equivalents by users of both languages. It is also important to consider the intercultural context. Some phraseological units may be common to both languages due to the Christian roots and the links of both nations with pan-European culture. However, despite the common source of the sacred text, biblical phraseologisms can differ grammatically, semantically and stylistically, which is due to the evolution of languages and the cultural and linguistic specifics of both communities. The analysis also illustrates certain deficiencies or quantitative differences in language materials, which may be due to historical, social and cultural circumstances of both languages. The existence of these differences underscores the need for further, in-depth research on Biblical names in Belarusian and Polish phraseology, as well as the prospect of expanding research into other Slavic languages.