Multiplication through Division: Time, Value, and Prosperity in Indonesia

Main author: Retsikas, Kostas
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-25871
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description The paper explores contemporary practices of value multiplication amongst Muslims in Indonesia, paying particular attention to the rise to public prominence of 'the mathematics of alms giving'. 'The mathematics of alms giving' provides the faithful with a systematic method of achieving prosperity both in this world and the afterlife through encouraging them to divide their property up, spread it around and share it with others. Such practices are held to have the miraculous effect of ensuring the parted property's eventual return in multiplied form. Much of this effect is mediated by a literalist understanding of the Quran and the rendering of alms as an investment carrying the promise of divine increase.
format Journal Article
author Retsikas, Kostas
author_facet Retsikas, Kostas
authorStr Retsikas, Kostas
author_letter Retsikas, Kostas
title Multiplication through Division: Time, Value, and Prosperity in Indonesia
publisher HAU Society for Ethnographic Theory
publishDate 2018
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/25871/