Prayer in Islamic Thought and Practice

The five daily prayers (Salat) 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 Salat, 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 Salat. 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 (Salat) and supplication (du'a'): development and rules; 2. Valid prayer and ideal prayer; 3. Interpretive models: what is Salat, and what does it do?; 4. The community at prayer: congregational prayer, prayer leadership (imama), and the boundaries of the religious community; 5. Women and prayer.

Marion Holmes Katz is Associate Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at New York University. Her publications include Body of Text: The Emergence of the Sunni Law of Ritual Purity (2002) and The Birth of the Prophet Muhammad: Devotional Piety in Sunni Islam (2007).