What is the theme in Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz?

Religion is the main theme in the story. 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.