The five daily prayers (Salāt) that constitute the second pillar of Islam deeply pervade the everyday life of observant Muslims. Until now, however, no general study has analyzed the rules governing Salāt, the historical dimensions of its practice and the rich variety of ways that it has been interpreted within the Islamic tradition. Marion Holmes Katz's richly textured book offers a broad historical survey of the rules, values and interpretations relating to Salāt. This innovative study on the subject examines the different ways in which prayer has been understood in Islamic law, Sufi mysticism and Islamic philosophy. Katz's book also goes beyond the spiritual realm to analyze the political dimensions of prayer, including scholars' concerns about the righteousness and piety of rulers. The last chapter raises significant issues around gender roles, including the question of women's participating in and leading public worship. This book will resonate with students of Islamic history and comparative religion.
• The first general book on prayer in Islam appropriate for comparative courses • Multidimensional approach bringing together perspectives from Islamic law, mysticism, Sunni and Shi'ite sources • Strong focus on gender, including the question of women's participating in and leading public worship
Contents
1. Canonical prayer (Salāt) and supplication (du'ā'): development and rules; 2. Valid prayer and ideal prayer; 3. Interpretive models: what is Salāt, and what does it do?; 4. The community at prayer: congregational prayer, prayer leadership (imāma), and the boundaries of the religious community; 5. Women and prayer.
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