laws which outright forbid
Themes Religion Midaq Alley is superficially full of religious language, which Western readers may find coming from every character, from the most pious to the most debauched. This is typical of Arabic, however, and is as much a reflex as when a Westerner automatically says “Bless you” when someone sneezes. Beneath this, Islam is shown embedded in the lives of these people. Young Abbas Hilu is said to be conscientious about his religious duties but is occasionally lazy. These duties (the “Five Pillars” of Islam) are: 1) profession of faith, 2) ritual prayer, 3) giving alms, 4) fasting during Ramadan, and 5) pilgrimage to Mecca. In addition, Shiites, which these Egyptians clearly are, given their devotion to “Lord Hussain”, also pay special attention to jihad (holy war), living virtuously and encouraging others to do likewise, and refraining from evil actions and to encouraging others to do likewise. Holy war is not mentioned, but Radwan Hussainy is a paragon of the other two. He, in particular, is shown trying to talk Kirsha out of his “sin”, reminding himself beforehand of the teaching that one who reforms a profligate does better than one who sits with a believer, and that God—not men—leads people where he wishes.
Alwan remembers wanting to make the profession of faith whenever he regains consciousness following his heart attack. Ritual prayer five times a day toward Mecca is not shown, but Umm Hussain is careful when greeting the pious Hussainy to position her robe over her hand before shaking his, thus preserving his ritual purity. Several times, there are references to the strict dietary laws which outright forbid pork and wine and require the pious to investigate ingredients before consuming. The formal giving of alms is not shown, but Afify is shown distributing voluntary charity to beggars as she prepares to wed. Curiously, she also lights candles in a Christian church. There is a hint of Ramadan fasting discipline, when the revelers end their nighttime celebration once white and black threads can be distinguished at daybreak. Because Hussainy is participating in it, much attention is given to the fifth pillar, the Hajj, a requirement of every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so at least once in his or her lifetime. The change into ritual clothing is mentioned and some of the rituals but, curiously, not the circling of the Ka’aba and touching the Black Stone.
Sex Midaq Alley looks at sex from a number of angles. The most prominent is Kirsha’s homosexuality. The local religious expert, Radwan Hussainy, declares it “unworthy” for an older, respectable man open the door and invite the devil in this way. Hussainy does not wish to offend or shame Kirsha, but insists he must repent, abandon this “filth created by Satan”, and never again see this “dissolute youth”, who Hussainy wrongly sees as the seducer. By continuing in sin, Kirsha risks losing every penny. Kirsha objects that all men do dirty things and this is his. Mrs. Kirsha is blunt and when the
