This volume deals with the determination of the times of Muslim prayer and the direction towards the Kaaba in Mecca (Arabic qibla) in a little known astronomical tradition of the Islamic Middle Ages. It presents an edition, translation, and explanation of selected chapters from three of the most important folk astronomical treatises, written by al-Aṣbaḥī (Yemen, 13th c.), Ibn Raḥīq (Hejaz, 11th c.), and al-Fārisī (Yemen, 13th c.). The first part introduces the authors and their works and describes the relevant religious and astronomical background. The second part comprises the edition of the selected – and now for the first time published – chapters of the three works and a German translation. The third part contains a lexicographical survey with basic astronomical, religious, and related information, and a commentary on each chapter. The fourth part gives an overview of the topics dicussed.

Wie der Nebel tauchten Sie auf und breiteten sich uber das ganze Land aus. Sie hinterliessen Angst und Schrecken. Sie nahmen den Menschen alles, sogar die Sonne. Es began eine unheimliche Zeit. Die Zeit der Schatten. Gehen Sie mit auf eine Reise durch eine fantastische Welt. Begegnen Sie Drachen, Elfen und Einhornern. Zauberern und magischen Wesen