Risâle-i Uğru Abbâs 1920 Islamic Belief in Ottoman Empire Arabic Turkish Karbala Islam

Risâle-i Uğru Abbâs – Constantinople Edition (1339 AH / c. 1920)

Description:

This is an Ottoman-era booklet titled Risâle-i Uğru Abbâs (with its commentary), printed in Istanbul around 1339 AH (circa 1920). Written in Ottoman Turkish, the work belongs to the tradition of late Ottoman popular religious literature, combining devotional texts with explanatory commentary (şerh).

The booklet generally contains a prayer associated with “Uğru Abbas” along with its explanations and interpretations. It reflects a form of folk religiosity that was widely circulated and read among the public in the final decades of the Ottoman Empire.

The work takes its name from Hazrat Abbas (Abbas ibn Ali), an important figure in Islamic history known for his bravery and loyalty, particularly in relation to the events of Karbala. In popular belief traditions, “Uğru Abbas” is seen as a protective and assisting figure, invoked in times of difficulty and hardship.

The text presents a specific prayer attributed to him and explains its spiritual benefits and perceived effectiveness. Rather than being a scholarly theological or jurisprudential work, it is part of the practical devotional tradition aimed at offering spiritual support through prayer and belief.

Books of this type were especially common in the late Ottoman period and were widely read among the general population. They represent an important aspect of folk piety, where religion was practiced through accessible texts focusing on prayers, blessings, and spiritual remedies.

This booklet stands as a collectible example of Ottoman popular religious culture in its final phase, reflecting everyday spiritual practices and beliefs of the time.

Key Features:

• Title: Risâle-i Uğru Abbâs

• Date: 1339 AH (circa 1920)

• Place of Publication: Istanbul

• Language: Ottoman Turkish

• Format: Religious Booklet

• Content: Prayer and commentary (şerh)

• Subject: Devotional prayers and spiritual practice

• Associated Figure: Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali

• Themes: Faith; Protection; Folk religion; Spiritual devotion

• Historical Context: Late Ottoman popular religious literature

• Significance: Example of Ottoman folk devotional and prayer literature

• Collector Appeal: Late Ottoman religious pamphlet reflecting popular belief traditions