2007/12/11 by Julian Millie · 29 citations
Mathematics · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Anthropology #Archaeology #Artificial intelligence #Asian Studies and History #Computer science #Cultural and Religious Practices in Indonesia #Flexibility (engineering) #History #Invocation #Islam #Islamic Studies and Radicalism #Java #Mathematics #Popularity #Programming language #Psychology #Social psychology #Sociology #Syntax
paper · doi:10.1017/s0022463408000052
published in Journal of Southeast Asian Studies 39(1), 107-122 (Cambridge University Press)
openalex publication_date 2007/12/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Abstract The tawassul is a ritual invocation popularly used in West Java at grave visits and in other Islamic observances. In simple terms, it consists of two acts; the naming of figures who are considered as mediators ( wasilah ) between a supplicant and Allah, and the making of an offering for the benefit of the mediator. Participants in tawassul hold contrasting understandings of what is achieved by performing it. Furthermore, the invocation is easily adapted for diverse settings while retaining its basic syntax. This multivocality and flexibility provide keys to understanding the popularity of the tawassul as a religious observance for Sundanese Muslims.