Miracles and Material Life: Rice, Ore, Traps and Guns in Islamic Malaya

Teren Sevea's research explores the economic, environmental, and religious significance of Islamic miracle workers (pawangs) in the Malay world during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, highlighting their connections to the spiritual economy and maritime connections.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In this groundbreaking exploration, Teren Sevea delves into the profound economic, environmental, and religious significance of Islamic miracle workers (pawangs) in the nineteenth and twentieth-century Malay world. Through meticulous textual analysis of previously overlooked manuscripts and intimate encounters with contemporary pawangs, readers are introduced to a vibrant universe of miracle workers, both past and present. Sevea unveils the intricate connections between miracles and material existence, shedding light on the multifaceted roles of these extraordinary individuals within societies characterized by the interdependence of resource production, extraction, and technological advancements. By examining the interplay between charismatic religious figures and the economic and technological landscape, Sevea establishes the pawangs' pivotal position within the spiritual economy of the Indian Ocean world, spanning maritime connections, Sufi networks, and the frontiers of the British Empire. This captivating study offers a fresh perspective on the enduring legacy of Islamic miracle workers and their profound impact on the cultural, social, and spiritual tapestry of the Malay world.

In this groundbreaking exploration, Teren Sevea delves into the profound economic, environmental, and religious significance of Islamic miracle workers (pawangs) in the nineteenth and twentieth-century Malay world. Through meticulous textual analysis of previously overlooked manuscripts and intimate encounters with contemporary pawangs, readers are introduced to a vibrant universe of miracle workers, both past and present. Sevea unveils the intricate connections between miracles and material existence, shedding light on the multifaceted roles of these extraordinary individuals within societies characterized by the interdependence of resource production, extraction, and technological advancements. By examining the interplay between charismatic religious figures and the economic and technological landscape, Sevea establishes the pawangs' pivotal position within the spiritual economy of the Indian Ocean world, spanning maritime connections, Sufi networks, and the frontiers of the British Empire. This captivating study offers a fresh perspective on the enduring legacy of Islamic miracle workers and their profound impact on the cultural, social, and spiritual tapestry of the Malay world.

Weight: 429g
ISBN-13: 9781108702126