Ottoman 1896 Islamic Occult Havass Vefq Spells Charm Book Islam Talisman Prayer Al-An'am
En'am-ı Şerif – Rare Ottoman Havas and Devotional Book, 1313 AH (1896 CE)
Description:
This rare Ottoman devotional and Havas (Islamic esoteric sciences) book was published in 1313 AH (1896 CE) by El-Hac Hüseyin Efendi. Printed in Ottoman Turkish and Arabic, the volume is preserved in its original hardcover binding and measures approximately 11.7 × 7.5 cm, making it a true pocket-sized companion intended for daily use and personal devotion.
Traditionally known as an En'am-ı Şerif, this book is far more than a collection of Qur'anic passages. It represents a comprehensive handbook of religious devotion, spiritual protection, and traditional healing, reflecting the widespread Ottoman belief that the Qur'an, prayers, and sacred numerical formulas could provide both physical relief and spiritual safeguarding.
The book contains numerous Qur'anic chapters and verses, including Surah Al-Fatiha, Al-Baqarah, Ya-Sin, Al-Fath, Ar-Rahman, An-Naba, Al-Kawthar, Al-Kafirun, and Al-Ma'un. These chapters were included not only for recitation during worship but also because of their perceived spiritual virtues and protective qualities according to Ottoman religious tradition.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this volume is its extensive treatment of traditional healing practices. It contains devotional remedies and supplications intended for ailments such as headaches, eye diseases, skin conditions, fevers, malaria, and other physical illnesses. During a period when access to modern medicine was limited, many people sought healing through Qur'anic verses, prayers, and devotional practices, making books such as this an important part of everyday life.
The book also addresses psychological and spiritual concerns, including excessive crying in children, night fears, epilepsy (historically referred to as Ümmüsıbyan or Sara), and protection against unseen spiritual harm. It includes protective amulets, prayers, and religious formulas intended to provide comfort and divine protection.
In addition, the volume offers prayers and devotional formulas related to daily life, including supplications for relief from debt, protection from enemies, the removal of harmful magic or sorcery (İbtâl-i Sihir), success in important matters, and seeking divine blessings during difficult circumstances.
As a work of Havas literature, the book incorporates numerous mystical techniques that have long been associated with Islamic esoteric traditions. These include wafqs (sacred numerical squares based on the abjad numerical values of Qur'anic verses and the Beautiful Names of Allah), symbolic talismans, seals, sacred diagrams, the Seven Waw symbols, and other protective figures. The names of the four archangels—Jibril (Gabriel), Mikail (Michael), Israfil, and Azrail—also appear as protective elements within certain talismanic designs.
Beyond its religious and devotional value, this book stands as a fascinating historical document illustrating how Ottoman Muslims sought healing, protection, and spiritual reassurance through the sacred words of the Qur'an. It reflects a period when religious devotion, traditional medicine, and mystical practices were closely interconnected, offering valuable insight into the spiritual culture of the late Ottoman Empire.
Because of its early publication date, original binding, bilingual Ottoman Turkish and Arabic text, and rich Havas content, this volume is a rare and highly collectible Ottoman publication. It is especially desirable for collectors of Ottoman books, Islamic devotional literature, Havas manuscripts and printed works, Qur'anic studies, and the history of traditional Islamic healing.
Key Features:
• Title: En'am-ı Şerif
• Publisher: El-Hac Hüseyin Efendi
• Publication Year: 1313 AH (1896 CE)
• Languages: Ottoman Turkish and Arabic
• Format: Original hardcover
• Size: Pocket edition (11.7 × 7.5 cm)
• Contents: Qur'anic chapters, prayers, traditional healing texts, talismans, wafqs, and Havas practices
• Includes: Surah Al-Fatiha, Al-Baqarah, Ya-Sin, Al-Fath, Ar-Rahman, An-Naba, Al-Kawthar, Al-Kafirun, Al-Ma'un, and numerous devotional prayers
• Subjects: Traditional healing, spiritual protection, Islamic esoteric sciences (Havas), wafqs, talismanic symbols, and devotional practices
• Historical Significance: A valuable example of late Ottoman religious culture, demonstrating the close relationship between faith, traditional healing, and Islamic mystical practices
• Collector Appeal: Rare Ottoman-era En'am-ı Şerif in its original binding, highly desirable for collectors of Ottoman printing, Islamic devotional books, Havas literature, and nineteenth-century religious publications