ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf (علم الاكتاف) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance
Definition and Practice
ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf (علم الاكتاف) refers to the ancient practice of divining by the shoulder-blades of sheep. This form of divination was prevalent among the pre-Islamic Arabs who believed that the shoulder-bone of a sheep could reveal future events or provide guidance. The bone would be placed in the sun, and the person practicing this divination would examine the resulting marks and patterns to interpret them.
Etymology
The term ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf (علم الاكتاف) is Arabic, where:
- ʿIlm (علم) means “knowledge” or “science”.
- ʾl-Aktāf (الاكتاف) refers to “the shoulders” or “shoulder-blades”.
Thus, the compound phrase translates to “the science of the shoulders”.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
This tradition of divination is conserved in classical Arabic literature and historical records. It illustrates the various forms of mystical and supernatural practices that existed in pre-Islamic Arabia. The use of shoulder bones was specifically noted in works like Kashfu ʾz̤-Z̤unūn, an encyclopedic dictionary of Arabic literary and scientific history.
In comparison to other forms of divination, such as palmistry (practice of reading palms), ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf plays a minor role in Islamic culture today but stands as an example of the complex cultural tapestry precedents to Islam.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: علم الاكتاف
- Turkish: Omuz kemikleri bilimi
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Classical Arabic Literature: A Library of Arabic Literature Anthology” by Geert Jan van Gelder
- “Pre-Islamic Arabia: Societies and Peoples” by Sabatino Moscati
- “Magic in Islam” by Michael Muhammad Knight
Takeaways and Conclusion
ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf is a testament to the rich and diverse pre-Islamic Arabian traditions, showcasing the belief systems that predated and evolved around early Islam. While not practiced widely in contemporary Islamic cultures, it provides valuable insights into the methods ancient societies employed to seek knowledge and predictions.
The practice of ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf underscores the human desire to understand and predict the future, a common theme in many cultures and religions throughout history.
By studying such terms, you gain a fuller appreciation of the historical and cultural evolution that underpins modern Islamic civilization.
