Muslim Prayer in American Public Life

Observant Muslims strive to fulfill the pillars of Islam, which include praying five times a day, preceded by a cleansing ritual and followed by physical prostrations facing Mecca. In a society not always understanding or accepting of these practices, how do observant Muslims navigate this ritualistic obligation? In this book, Rose Aslan seeks to answer this question and explores the complexities of maintaining devout Islamic rituals in post-9/11 America.

Drawing on an original survey of 350 Muslims as well as examples from literature, poetry, film, television shows, and social media posts, Muslim Prayer in American Public Life provides an in-depth examination of the lived experiences of Muslim prayer practices in the United States today. It explores the various ways practicing Muslims navigate their ritual obligations within a predominantly secular society and the diverse challenges they confront regarding prayer in public settings such as schools, workplaces, media representations, religious debates, and protest movements. Aslan shows how Muslims employ creative adaptations to prayer in secular spaces that are not designed to accommodate religious needs. Despite facing discrimination, they assert their identity and claim belonging in the United States through embodied spiritual acts. Muslim Prayer in American Public Life illustrates how Muslims strive to maintain their faith within an ever-evolving American national context.

Rose Aslan is an independent scholar. Her areas of expertise include sacred space, material culture, ritual, and pilgrimage in medieval and contemporary Islamicate contexts. She was formerly an associate professor of global Islam and religion at California Lutheran University and now works as a healing-centered transformational life coach and breathwork practitioner (compassionflow.com).