Prayer in Islamic Thought and Practice

Offers a broad historical survey of the rules, values and interpretations relating to Sal?t, the five daily prayers of Islam.

Marion Holmes Katz (Author)

9780521716291, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 29 April 2013

250 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.34 kg

'In this rich, engaging, and illuminating book, Marion Holmes Katz attempts, and largely achieves, something remarkable. … One of the best qualities of the book is its capacity to make clear that Islam is no monolith as regards prayer or, by implication, virtually any element of belief or practice.' Paul Powers, Journal of the American Oriental Society

The five daily prayers (Sal?t) 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 Sal?t, 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 Sal?t. 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.

1. Canonical prayer (Sal?t) and supplication (du'?'): development and rules
2. Valid prayer and ideal prayer
3. Interpretive models: what is Sal?t, and what does it do?
4. The community at prayer: congregational prayer, prayer leadership (im?ma), and the boundaries of the religious community
5. Women and prayer.

Subject Areas: Islam [HRH], General & world history [HBG]