Tajuddin B. Shu'aib (–2009)

Unfortunately, this guide to the five daily prayers enjoined on Muslims actually manages to make the prayers seem daunting and difficult to perform properly. In the descriptions of each step of the five prayers, no distinction is made between fard and sunnah elements. The transliterations from Arabic are inconsistent. It is a copious reference, but not well organized, and much of the information can be confusing. As a guide for beginning Muslims, this book is less valuable than it should have been. Perhaps this is because it was held to the pedantic standards of advanced scholars, when it would have been better to keep the book's intended audience of new Muslims in mind. A revised, simplified edition would be a good idea. Perhaps the more specialized information (e.g., how to lead specific congregational prayers) should be published in a separate volume.… (mer)