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This study examines the theological debates surrounding the Ibāḍī epistle of Khalaf b. Ziyād al-Baḥrānī, written in the early 2nd/8th century. The epistle, which focuses on the theological concept of al-asmāʾ wa-l-aḥkām (names and rulings), represents one of the earliest known discussions of faith classifications and their legal implications in Islam. Khalaf’s work is compared to Kitāb al-Irjāʾ and the Epistle of Sālim ibn Dhakwān, highlighting how early Islamic sects, particularly the Ibāḍīs, Murjiʾites, and Muʿtazilites, debated the definitions of īmān (faith) and kufr (unbelief). The study situates Khalaf’s epistle within the broader theological discourse of the period, showing how his classification of faith-related rulings influenced later Ibāḍī thought. It also challenges the assumption that Ibāḍism only matured as a structured doctrine in the 6th/12th century, demonstrating its continuous evolution from the early Islamic period.

This study presents the first investigation of the nearshore wave climate in the main tourist area on the northern coast of Djerba Island, southeast Tunisia. The region is known for its long, dynamic sand spit at Ras Rmel, and its low-lying sandy beaches, which are experiencing significant long-term erosion driven by coastal processes. These beaches face threats from extreme winter storms and rising sea levels, exacerbating coastal risks. Accurate estimation of mean and extreme wave characteristics is crucial for assessing erosion and flooding risks under extreme weather conditions and improving coastal protection structures. In the absence of buoy wave measurements along the Djerba coastline, a numerical wave modelling approach was applied. The third-generation SWAN wave model, operating in a nested grid with a high spatial resolution was implemented and validated using altimeter data from seven satellites. Based on the produced hindcast data, the characteristics of wave storm events and the extreme wave return periods were assessed. The results show that the Djerba coastline experienced a significant number of storms (116 events) between 2011 and 2020, with frequent storms coming from the east, northeast, and east-northeast directions. The most severe storms, in terms of intensity and duration, occurred in 2019, driven by easterly winds. Nearshore wave modelling results revealed that the central part of Djerba beach is particularly exposed during extreme wave events, and may be more vulnerable to erosion and flooding.

يتناول البحث معرفيا شخصية رمزية في المجالين الكلامي والفكري، إذ يعالج الدّرس الكلامي عند عمرو خليفة النّامي، كما يهدف إلى فهم مصطلح الأمّة عنده، من خلال تراثه العلمي المكتوب والمنقول عنه مشافهة. ذلك أنّ علم الكلام في عمومه وعند مختلف المدارس الكلامية بقية جافا وتابعا. جافا من حيث مباحثه وقضاياه، وتابعا لتقريرات كلّ مدرسة ومذهب واتّجاه، رغم قيامته من بين ركام الماضي ومحاولته اللّحاق بتحدّيات الواقع الذي نشأ ونمى وتجدّد فيه، تحت ضغط الجدل الدّيني ومقولات الفلاسفة وصراعات المتكلّمين وأصحاب الفِرق. ولا نبالغ إن اعتبرنا أنّ الأشاعرة والماتريدية عموما أو من يُعبّر عنهم بأهل السنّة والجماعة ـ بغض النّظر عن من انتسب لهم لاحقا ـ قد وجدوا أنفسهم في جهة مقابلة للمدرسة الإباضية، خاصّة في العصر الحديث، مع انتعاشة صحوة التديّن وظهور التيّار الإسلامي العريض بمختلف مسمّياته وأدبيّاته، والذي يُعتبر عمرو خليفة النّامي أحد رموزه، إذ نسج مشروعه المعرفي من مادّتين؛ الاتّجاه العقدي والفقهي الإباضي والالتزام الفكري والتنظيمي المبكّر في المشروع الإسلامي الحديث. وفي هذا الإطار المعرفي الدقيق يتنزّل بحث "الدّرس الإباضي من خلال كتاب دراسات عن الإباضية للمفكّر عمرو خليفة النّامي"، محاولين تحديد ملامح منهجيته في التعاطي مع تلك المسائل الكلامية الخلافية التراثية مهيّأ منها عجينة مادّته الفكرية في إطار إعادة تشكيل الوعي الإسلامي للنُّخَب الشّبابية، وكيف استطاع نحت تعريف جديد لمفهوم الأمة المسلمة من أجل بناء جيل رسالي جديد منسجم متكامل وغير متناقض بسبب ذلك الموروث الفقهي والكلامي القديم، والجدلي في كثير من مواطنه. ولذلك جعلنا للبحث ثلاثة معابر حتى يفهم القارئ طبيعة مشروع عمرو خليفة النّامي، في تقييم التراث من جهة، والانخراط في المشاريع التنويرية الحديثة من جهة ثانية، وذلك من خلال محاضرته "ملامح الحركة العلمية في وارجلان (ورقلة) وضواحيها"، وكتاب "ظاهرة النفاق في إطار الموازين الإسلامية"، وكتاب "دراسات عن الإباضية". وهو جوهر البحث.

This research aims to identify some of the urban planning constants established by scholars and experienced practitioners in the founding of cities, and to examine their connection to the establishment of major urban centers of the Central Maghreb—such as Tihert, M’sila, Achir, Al-Qal‘a, Béjaïa, Constantine, and Tlemcen. This is achieved through an investigation of the environmental and ecological considerations observed in selecting city locations and planning. Accordingly, careful attention was given to place characteristics and suitability in relation to criteria present in many chosen sites. Consequently, these factors had a significant impact on the history of these cities, their future trajectories, transformations, and relations with their surrounding environment, which constitutes a vital space for both cities and inhabitants. On this basis, these cities were able to develop, endure, and withstand time.

In 1798, the first political treaty between Oman and Britain was signed, establishing the foundation for the development of bilateral relations across various domains. This agreement laid the groundwork for extensive cooperation between Muscat, the capital of Oman, and London in subsequent years, particularly in the military sector. In 1952, Saudi forces reinitiated military intervention in the Buraimi region, located in northwestern Oman, after an absence of more than eighty years, posing a direct threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Oman. This incursion prompted the need for coordinated political and military action between Sultan Said bin Taimur (1932–1970) and his ally, Britain, leveraging the longstanding relationship and formal agreements between the two nations to counter the threat and restore stability.Accordingly, this study seeks to examine the nature and dimensions of Omani-British cooperation during the Buraimi Crisis (1952–1955), highlighting the convergence of mutual interests that underpinned the alliance during this critical episode. The study explores the support extended by the British government to Sultan Said in both political and military contexts and frames the crisis within a historical narrative that traces its evolution from inception to resolution. By outlining the various phases of the conflict and emphasizing Britain’s role throughout, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in twentieth-century Gulf politics.

The following evaluates 778 tombs surveyed, 295 from the BEW salvage excavations in the Bāṭina, and 361 excavated from Samad/al‑Muyasser. We entered long‑known and also new sites into an open-source database known as ‘Ent’ – an ongoing effort. Two issues arise for the hut tomb chronology: to determine a more specific nomenclature of the tomb shapes and to date by means of contexted finds. To the extent possible, we disambiguate hut tombs from other burial structures. Specific stone structures previously identified as ‘cairns’ can be more closely typologised. Dating tombs more finely than to the Early Iron Age or late pre‑Islamic period is rarely realistic. Excavated, poorly preserved tombs shed little light on the dating of well‑preserved hut tombs.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life threating disease and a major public health problem caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm named Echinococcus granulosus. Cystic echinococcus is transmitted from animals to human (zoonotic disease). In endemic areas, the incidence rate reaches over 50 per 100,000 person/year and prevalence may be as high as 5-10%. It is found in most countries worldwide, but it is not an epidemic disease. Current treatment involves surgical removal of the cysts, percutaneous drainage, or chemotherapy with anthelmintic drugs like albendazole. While albendazole is effective in treating (CE) in both humans and animals, though, it has drawbacks, including poor absorption, vertigo, liver enzymes elevations plus the risk of recurrence. Recently, there was a high tendency among researchers to evaluate and present herbal plants as an alternative option due to being easily available, inexpensive, cheap and with low side effects. Therefore, the current project aims to explore the scoliocidal potential of Boswellia sacra extracts, and essential oils on Echinococcus granulosus both in vitro and in vivo. Protoscolices were collected from hydatid cysts obtained from infected sheep livers. Many polar and non-polar solvents were used to obtain a wide range of extracts from B. sacra gum resin. Extracts were prepared and applied at various concentrations (e.g. 30, 3, 0.3 µg/ml) for different exposure times (2-60 minutes). The mortality rates were assessed using 0.1% eosin staining by light microscopy. The results so far obtained indicate that all extracts used in the current study displayed promising significant scoliocidal effects against E. granulosus in vitro speaking. However, the standardized B. sacra gum resin extract showed the highest scoliocidal activity in vitro, achieving 100% mortality at 3µg/ml after 10 minutes of exposure compared to both negative and treated positive control with albendazole. These results are promising, however, additional in vivo studies are in progress to confirm such activity.

Frankincense, the aromatic resin obtained from Boswellia species, has been traditionally valued for its medicinal and antimicrobial properties. A standardized extract of Boswellia sacra (Omani frankincense) was evaluated for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The chemical composition of the powder was analyzed using HPLC/MS, revealing a rich profile of bioactive triterpenoids including boswellic acids (AKBA, KBA, α-BA, β-BA, α-ABA, and β-ABA) and lupeolic acids (LA and ALA). Among these, β-ABA (86 µg/mg) and AKBA (50 µg/mg) were the most abundant. Antibacterial activity was assessed using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, showing moderate inhibition of Escherichia coli (MIC: 512 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 1024 mg/mL). Antifungal testing revealed stronger effects, with 38% inhibition of Fusarium sp. at 0.25 mg/mL after 5 days of incubation. However, the inhibition of Alternaria alternata at 0.5 mg/mL was 45%. These results support the potential of this standardized extract as a natural antimicrobial and antifungal agent and underscore the value of Omani frankincense in traditional and modern therapeutics.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a severe zoonotic disease that poses a significant threat to humans and animals, slow animal husbandry, caused by larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus. Canines are the definitive host, while humans are the accidental host. E. granulosus infections often remain asymptomatic for years before the cysts grow large enough to cause symptoms. Hepatic and pulmonary signs and symptoms are the most common clinical manifestations. Approximately 4 million people are infected with hepatic hydatid disease globally, and an additional 60 million are at risk of infection. The liver is the most involved organ, although it may affect other organs. The diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis relies on immunodiagnostic methods alongside radiological methods in combination with clinical findings. Albendazole and Mebendazoles are the drugs for choice in treating small cysts and preventing recurrence after surgery. In general, herbal extracts from different plants have gained attention in recent years for the prevention and treatment of a variety of chronic conditions due to their multi-targeted characteristics. Nerium oleander has a wide range of potential activities including anticancer, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. B. sacra gum resin possesses a wide range of potential activities such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, analgesic, immunomodulatory. Given the side effects of the medications used and the risks of surgical procedures, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of combining extracts of N. oleander leaves and selected B. sacra gum resin extracts. The samples were exposed for different time periods (5-20-35-50) minutes using different concentrations (30µg/ml-3µg/ml-0.3µg/ml) for each exposure period. The combination of the extracts had a clear effect on the percentage of killing protoscoleces in vitro. The percentage of killing protoscoleces increased with increasing concentration and exposure period of the extracts in vitro, the highest percentage of killing was recorded in the N. oleander extract, reaching 70% at a concentration of 30mg/ml for a 50-minute exposure period. After combining the extracts, the highest percentage of killing was recorded, reaching 64% at a concentration of 30mg/ml for a 50-minute exposure period. The highest percentage of killing was recorded for the B. sacra extracts reaching 58% at a concentration of 30mg/ml for a 50-minute exposure period. The current results in vitro are interesting and encouraging, indicating some synergistic effect between these extracts, however, additional animal studies are required to further validate the synergistic effect of B. sacra and Nerium oleander leaves.

This study explores the significance of the gum-arabic tree (Acacia senegal), locally known as “Tur” (/θur/) in Dhofar, the only region in the Arabian Peninsula where it naturally grows. Its gum, called “Malukh” (/məlɔx/), holds exceptional medicinal and nutritional value. Traditionally, both the bark and gum have been used to treat wounds, infections, respiratory and digestive disorders, joint pain, kidney failure, and eye diseases. It is also valued for enhancing immunity, fertility, and overall vitality. Secondary products such as camel milk and honey derived from trees’ nectar further contribute to its health benefits. The dark red gum considered the highest quality, is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Its solubility, lack of taste or color, and low caloric content make it suitable for therapeutic use, weight management, and cholesterol reduction. Furthermore, it plays a role in skincare, cosmetic products, and pharmaceutical formulations. Despite its proven properties, its use remains largely confined to older generations. This study highlights the urgent need to scientifically document, preserve, and promote this underutilized national resource, recognizing its potential in both medical applications and sustainable economic development.

Gangrene is a serious condition, which is characterised by tissue death. It results from restricted blood flow and anoxic conditions and is frequently caused by atherosclerosis, tissue damage, diabetes mellitus and some pathogen infections. Gas gangrene (clostridial myonecrosis), a common class of gangrene, results from bacterial (particularly Clostridium perfringens) infections following tissue injury. Woodfordia uniflora is used in traditional Arabian healing systems to treat gangrene ulcers and skin sores. However, despite its well-documented uses, W. uniflora has not yet been rigorously tested against bacterial causes of gangrene ulcers and skin sores. Additionally, W. uniflora extracts are yet to be tested for therapeutic potential against other aspects of ulcer/wound healing, including inflammation and tissue regeneration. Solvent extracts prepared from W. uniflora leaves were tested against C. perfringens as well as a panel of epidermal bacteria. Antimicrobial activity was quantified by MIC determination. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was evaluated using COX-2 and PGE2 ELISA assays. Toxicity was evaluated using ALA and HDF cell viability bioassays. The methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts displayed noteworthy inhibitory activity (≤875µg/mL) against C. perfringens. The ethanol extract was particularly good, with an MIC of 250µg/mL. The extracts also had noteworthy inhibitory activity against several antibiotic-resistant epidermal bacteria, including MRSA (MICs 250-650µg/mL). Additionally, the W. uniflora extracts (1.25mg/mL) significantly inhibited COX-2 activity and PGE2 secretion. The ethanol extract was particularly promising, decreasing COX-2 enzymatic activity and PGE2 secretion by approximately 60% and 73% respectively. All W. uniflora extracts were non-toxic in the ALA and HDF cell viability assays, indicating their safety for therapeutic use. Taken together, these results indicate that W. uniflora extracts have therapeutic potential in the treatment of gas gangrene by inhibiting C. perfringens (and several skin bacteria), as well as inhibiting COX-2 mediated inflammation. Further studies are required to determine whether the extracts also affect extracellular matrix formation and tissue remodeling, and to identify the extract components responsible for those activities.

This presentation highlights the innovative integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aromatherapy into chronic disease management, centered on Oman’s unique medicinal resource—frankincense (Boswellia sacra). We explore the systematic development of its compound formulations and multidimensional therapeutic applications. Guided by the TCM theory of “meridian attribution based on fragrance and flavor properties, we synergize modern extraction techniques (e.g., supercritical CO₂ extraction) with advanced formulation technologies (nano-carriers, targeted delivery systems) to develop a synergistic frankincense-myrrh compound system. This approach effectively enhances the bioavailability and stability of bioactive components. Industrial-scale production of aromatherapy transdermal patches and aerosol formulations has demonstrated preliminary success in community-based health interventions, particularly in regulating emotional states and improving sleep quality among hypertensive patients. Furthermore, this speech proposes a China-Oman collaborative initiative to advance the sustainable utilization of frankincense resources and facilitate the joint establishment of international quality standards. By integrating the TCM philosophy of “preventive treatment of disease” with Omani traditional therapies, we aim to build an interdisciplinary cooperation network. This framework seeks to address global health challenges in aging societies through culturally informed, evidence-based innovations.