Muslim Prayer and Public Spheres: An Interpretation of the Qur'anic Verse 29:45

This essay examines the various meanings and efficacies attributed to the Muslim prayer (salat) by its practitioners as well as by observers. The key questions that form the main concern of this article are: How is the ritual of prayer brought to life by its practitioners? What constitutes an efficacious prayer? What meanings do observers draw from the practice of prayer among Muslims in diverse localities as well as from their interpretive discourses? The essay brings together ethnographic studies on Muslim practices of prayer and exegetical discourses on what prayer should contribute to the ethical conduct of Muslims in public spheres. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]