Time and prayer: the daily program of Ghazālī

Abstract

This paper presents the daily program proposed by Abū H̩āmid al-Ghazālī in the tenth book of the first quarter of the Ih̩yāʼ ʽUlūm al-Dīn. After introducing the author and his work, the paper’s focus will be on the principles used by Ghazālī in his arrangement of times, on the program he suggests to worshipers and on the difference between their program and those of workers, administrators, scholars, students and true monotheists (muwah̩h̩id). It is argued that, while some of Ghazālī’s suggestions are hardly applicable today, others are still relevant, at least to practicing Muslims who wish to arrange their day efficiently based on the teachings of their faith.