Some time ago a respected personality in the Asian community, invited to the author's home, pleads, with swollen eyes and cracked voice for advice. The man tells how his daughter ran away from home and moved in with a non-Muslim man without marrying him. Stories like this are not uncommon in Muslim communities up and down the UK, being a clear symptom of poor parenting and a lack of community support. Abdul Bari, an educationalist, has written a timely and valuable book on parenting. The book highlights some of the social, educational and moral dilemmas faced by the diasporic Muslim community in Britain. This broad and comprehensive, sensitive and at times passionate reading makes for a thought provoking book as well as a practical guide. I can unreservedly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve his or her parenting skills.

Verses of the Glorious Qur'an, pearls of Prophetic wisdom, aphorisms of the pious predecessors (salaf al-salahin), personal anecdotes (which may be regarded as case studies), incisive analysis of social problems, and quotes from western sociologists, psychologists and educationalists characterize this book.

Several sections open with Qur'anic verses, which are then explained by modern tafsir. Some of the verses are:

1. Our Lord, give us comfort in our spouse and children and make us a good example for those ward off evil. (25:74)
2. O you who believe! Safeguard yourselves and your family from a fire whose fuel is people and stones. (66:6)
3. O Lord! Grant me by Your favour an upright child. (3:38)
4. My Lord, bestow on me a right acting child. (37:100)

The book is composed of five parts consisting of eighteen chapters. Part one is an "obligatory task" which deals with purpose of life, the value of the children, and the importance of good upbringing. Part two extols the virtue of marriage and family life and its influence through pregnancy, birth and infancy on the child's development. The author masterfully rejects Freudian premises and emphasizes the need to empathize with the child, instilling an Islamic spirit, understanding the child's intelligence by rewarding, disciplining and building self-esteem, even at this early stage. Part Three addresses formal schooling from primary through to secondary. Discussing the choices at secondary level, the author makes a strong case for Muslim schools for, in his view, even secular single-sex state schools have their problems. As the environment of these schools is ripe with permissive values, and as the teaching and other staff have divergent educational aims, they can lead to an unhealthy life and double standards in a Muslim child. That is why Muslim parents are not the only people to insist on the right to send their children to denominational schools. In Part Four, the challenges of adolescence are highlighted. Consumer society and the powerfully influential media make this "period of commotion" difficult. This Part describes intellectual, spiritual, physical and social changes in the teenager. The author offers some useful tips for passing through these tumultuous times: being creative, developing good friendships, observing hijab, controlling the gaze, avoiding egotism, rudeness and distasteful styles and fashion and so on. The final Part, "The Prize and Price", is effectively a commentary on the age-old adage "as you sow, you shall reap". Good parenting is defined as "passing on values, ethos and a sense of responsibility to children. Parenting is an assertive, positive and innovative endeavour."

This is a comprehensive study of parenting which presents the theory as well as practical tips on how to fulfil this important role in life. My only reservation with the book is that it is too lengthy for the busy modern parent. The middle part of the book in particular could have been published separately as a practical guide. This would have made it more accessible to a general readership. The author and the publisher deserve appreciation for this timely and reformative endeavour.