This volume's contributors present and discuss different aspects of their experience with regard to Muslim women's rituals and devotional practices in Shiite Iran. One of the main aims of the book is to broaden the understanding of women's devotional lives, as well as to call attention to general social change. Most of the contributions are based on field research, direct observation, and participation in rituals. This provides a unique opportunity to better understand methodological challenges related to gender issues and field research among Muslim communities. (Series: Iranian Studies - Vol. 1) [Subject: Sociology, Women's Studies, Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, Middle East Studies, Iranian Studies]