Miracles and Material Life

Book Description

In the vibrant spiritual landscape of the Malay world, a remarkable tradition of Islamic miracle workers known as pawangs has flourished for centuries, bridging the sacred and the material in ways that challenge conventional understanding. Teren Sevea opens a window into this extraordinary universe, revealing how these charismatic religious figures have shaped both spiritual practice and economic life across Southeast Asia.

Drawing from previously unexplored manuscripts and direct encounters with contemporary pawangs, this illuminating study uncovers the profound connections between miraculous intervention and everyday material existence. Sevea demonstrates how these spiritual practitioners have historically influenced the extraction of natural resources, the application of technology, and the rhythms of economic activity throughout the region.

The narrative traces the pawangs' influence across vast networks spanning the Indian Ocean, following maritime trade routes and Sufi spiritual connections that linked diverse communities under British colonial rule. Rather than existing in isolation from worldly concerns, these miracle workers emerged as central figures in what Sevea identifies as a distinctive spiritual economy.

For readers seeking to understand how sacred wisdom intersects with practical life, this scholarly exploration offers fresh insights into the enduring power of spiritual authority. The book reveals how traditional Islamic mysticism continues to shape contemporary experience, providing a compelling example of spirituality's tangible impact on material circumstances and community well-being.