The purpose of this workshop is to explore from many different angles the meanings of the ways in which Muslims pray God. How and why was the commandment of prayer established? What is its significance in connection with the Prophet’s Ascent (Mi’raj)? How should we comprehend the time of prayer as different from the serial time of our works and days? How should we understand also the different times of the five prayers? For example the systematic grouping of zuhr and asr on the one hand, maghrib and isha on the other hand by Shi’i Muslims while such a grouping is exceptional among Sunni Muslims? What interpretations for the very gestures accomplished during a prayer? How do we decipher the signs that are written by the praying body?

These are but just a few of the questions that could be raised by the different presenters and discussed. They are merely indicative and other perspectives on the “phenomenology of Muslim prayer” are welcome.

Co-sponsored by the IRCPL and Institute of African Studies.