Definition
ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf (علم الاكتاف) refers to an ancient Arabian practice of divination through the examining of the shoulder-blades of sheep. Practitioners believed they could foretell future events by interpreting the marks and patterns that appeared on the bones after they were placed under the sun.
Etymology
The term ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf translates directly from Arabic as “the science of the shoulder-blades,” where:
- ʿIlm (علم) means ‘knowledge’ or ‘science.’
- al-Aktāf (الاكتاف) refers to ’the shoulder-blades.’
Background
This form of divination was common among the ancient Arabs. It involves placing the shoulder-bone of a sheep in the sunlight and waiting for specific patterns to surface. Practitioners, often referred to as diviners or soothsayers, interpreted these marks to predict future events, much like how palmists read palm lines.
Cultural Context
While modern forms of divination such as tarot cards or astrology are widely known, ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf represents a more niche and culturally specific practice. This art is a subset of Arab cultural traditions but has similarities with other ancient divinatory systems such as haruspicy (inspection of animal entrails) practiced by the Etruscans and later Romans.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Similarities:
- Palmistry: Both rely on interpreting physical marks to predict the future.
- Haruspicy: Also involves divination by animal parts but focuses on entrails rather than bones.
Differences:
- Medium: ʿIlmu ʾl-Aktāf specifically uses the shoulder-blade of sheep, whereas other forms might use different parts or materials.
- Geographical Origin: Unique to the Arabian Peninsula, contrasting with other regions’ practices.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Osteomancy (bone divination)
- Scapulimancy (shoulder-blade divination)
Antonyms:
- Rationalism (reliance on reason rather than mystical practices)
- Empiricism (knowledge based on observed experience)
Related Terms with Definitions
- Haruspicy: Divination by inspecting the entrails of sacrificed animals.
- Palmistry: The practice of interpreting the lines and patterns on hands to foretell future.
- Astrology: Foretelling future events by studying celestial bodies’ movements and relative positions.
- Necromancy: Divination through communication with the deceased.
Exciting Facts
- Emperor Charlemagne reputedly employed scapulimancy as part of his decision-making process.
- Native American cultures, notably the Crow people, also practiced scapulimancy, offering a fascinating point of cultural convergence.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“The past and future, veiled in mystery, can be glimpsed through the bones of the sacrifices made by our ancestors.” – Al-Farhan al-Salimi in “Diviners of the Desert”
Recommended Reading and References
- “The Study of Ancient Arabian Divination Practices” by T. N. Reiley, 1987.
- “Mysteries of the Iron Age” by A. J. Burman, 1991.
- “Arabian Nights in Historical Context” edited by R. Irons and S. Pierce, 2005.
Suggested Literature for Further Studies
- “Magic and Divination in the Arab World” by Youssef Masr, 1998.
- “Scapulimancy and Ancient Cultures” by Judith Harris, 2003.
- “Prophecy and Power” by Khalid Al-Muntaha, 2012.
Quizzes
May the wisdom of the past illuminate your path forward, as we delve into ancient practices to find connections that span cultures and time.
— Noor Al-Hazari, October 2023
