Reviewer: Vincent F Carr, DO, MSA, FACC, FACP (Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences)
Description: In this age of high emotions and misunderstandings, this extraordinarily important book explains the religion and culture of Islam in terms that every person can easily understand. A British publication, the book uses statistics unique to that audience, but the authors have brought a breadth of research and experience to make this useful for all medical practitioners and administrators. This updates the first edition of 2000.
Purpose: The introduction frames the purpose exquisitely, "Most important of all, we believe, is the recognition that patients, irrespective of their religious or cultural affiliation, have a right to be heard, and their perspectives and world-view respected." The authors then address the needs and concerns of Muslim patients in a manner that is clear, concise, and compassionate. The authors' objectives are most honorable. The forewords of both editions, written by two world statesmen, Sir Alexander Macara and HRH The Prince of Wales, punctuate the importance and the accomplishment of the book.
Audience: One of the most extraordinary aspects of this book is that it starts orienting the unfamiliar to the basic tenets of Islam. Therefore, while the book targets those in the medical community, its utility extends far beyond medicine as a primer for all persons who wish to understand the Muslim religion and culture. The authors are respected senior practitioners, consultants, and professors with tremendous experience in medicine, their religion, and in teaching by their lives.
Features: Remarkably, the authors develop a working understanding of the Muslim grand narrative in a way that demands readers to reflect upon their previous understanding of Islam, or lack thereof, the Five Pillars of Faith, and then move on to the Muslim patient, interspersing explanations, quotations from the Qur'an, and clinical vignettes. The references are a combination of peer-reviewed journal publications, medical texts, academic publications, and religious writings. Numerous examples of rituals are explained and put into perspective, such as ablutions, name choices, food offerings, and hair shaving. The book addresses pragmatic aspects of medical practice that must be understood by any practitioner who treats Muslim patients, such as modifying a medication dose or the use of a nicotine patch during the fast of Ramadan; understanding potential issues with insulin in a diabetic; proper immunizations to prepare a patient wishing to participate in Hajj; and burial customs.
Assessment: This book should be required reading for those who care for Muslim patients as well as those living among Muslim neighbors. With a simple understanding of what is described here, there is the potential for easing much of the anxiety and mistrust Western society has developed. This is a masterful book that should be required reading for every medical, nursing, and ancillary health professional student.
