leidenarabichumanitiesblog — page 4

Zaydism

Zaydi fiqh and the Jews of Yemen

How can the study of Zaydi jurisprudence help us understand the relationship between Imam Yaḥyā Ḥamīd al-Dīn (r. 1904-1948) and the Jews of Yemen? What sources are available for study? What further questions does the focus on dhimma law raise regarding Zaydi law and political thought?

Zaydism

How an old Yemeni legal manual helped to decipher the South Arabian script

Manuscript copies of well-known works, especially notes in them and other traces of use, can reveal surprising details. On close inspection, the Zaydi manuscript presented here turns out to be one of the oldest copies of Kitāb al-Azhār, which also has an exciting history of provenance and reception.

Zaydism

Al-Muʾayyad bi-llāh’s theological treatise, al-Tabṣira

Is Islamic Thought Western? 10 Theses on 'Western Philosophy'

Zaydism

A Short History of Zaydi fiqh

What is Zaydi fiqh? How has it developed over time? How Shīʿi or Sunni is it? In this blog piece we want to share some thoughts on the development of Zaydi fiqh as a discipline central for the Zaydi community. We will also point out topics that still await to be researched.

Laylat al-Qadr as Sacred Time

Ramadan as a holy month has special rituals performed throughout its full 29-30 days, fasting from sunup to sundown, and extra communal prayers in the nights. Apart from these, it also has a special night which is specified as the pinnacle of sacred time, Laylat al-Qadr, the night of decree.