Module 2: Time to Pray

Citation: 

Addasi, M. (2010). Time to pray. (N. Albitar, trans.). Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills

Press.

Summary: 

On a visit to see her Teta (grandmother), young Yasmin learns about the Muslim tradition of prayer five set times a day. The grandmother and granddaughter deepen their relationship as wisdom is passed down through the family generations. When it's time for Yasmin to return home, she takes with her a new found respect for her family's religious background. At the close of the story, we see Yasmin begin to incorporate those traditions into her western style life. This book is a translation from Arabric, and both English and Arabic text are found on each page. There is also an information page at the back of the book that further explains the practice of prayer in the Muslim religion.

Impressions: 

Although I found the book interesting and a good jumping off point for discussion, I felt it was lacking in content. The author describes in good detail the technical aspects of prayer in the Muslim religion, such as: the times, the clothing worn, the proper way to clean oneself before prayer, etc. However, I would have liked to have read more about the philosophy and reasoning behind the Muslim traditions described.  I was left feeling as though I knew nothing more about the heart of the religion than I knew going in to the book. I think it is important for children to understand the basic philosophy of a religion if they are to truly develop a sense of tolerance and empathy for other world views. If we only describe the technicalities of how the religion is practiced, then they can only equate that religion to actions rather than values.

Usage in Library: 

This book can of course be used in a world cultures unit as an introductory piece, or as a resource for an individual student project. Students could each be assigned the task of researching a different country or culture, and then create a display presentation of some kind to share out with the class. Their presentations could even include a picture books read aloud to the class. The librarian would play a key role in helping students find the resources they needed to build their project content, and could also facilitate the presentations and story-times at the end of the end of the process in the library's space. It may even be a project in which community members could be invited to observe. It would be fun to include a pot luck element in conjunction with the final presentations in order to showcase different foods from the various cultures researched.

Reviews:

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4- Yasmin is visiting her grandmother in the Middle East. She hears the muezzin making his first call to prayer before dawn but is too tired to get up. She watches Teta make wudu (ablution) to prepare for worship. Yasmin wonders how she will know when to pray at home because there are no mosques where she lives, but her grandmother assures her they will find a way. Sadly, the visit comes to an end, and Teta takes Yasmin to the airport. When the girl arrives home, she unpacks her gifts, her prayer costume, and her mat, and she finds a surprise box from Teta. In it, she discovers a miniature mosque that gives the adhan (prayer call) five times a day. This is a beautifully woven tale of grandparent affection and spiritual development. Gannon's illustrations present a warm and authentic balance of Islamic geometric designs and Arab architecture and culture. This bilingual, English and Arabic book ends with an explanation of Salah-the five times during the day of worship for Muslims. Familiarizing Islamic prayer through realistic fiction makes this a fine choice for most collections.

Library Media Connection

While Yasmin is visiting her grandmother in the Middle East, she observes her taking part in the Muslim prayer rituals. Her grandmother teaches Yasmin the importance of prayer, the proper way to pray, and how to get ready. She sews her prayer clothes, buys her a prayer rug, and takes her to the mosque. They practice their prayers together so Yasmin will be able to do them herself when she returns. Once home, as Yasmin puts her prayer clothes away, she discovers a present from her grandmother, a special prayer clock that will chime at the five prayer times. Yasmin's story is a wonderful introduction to the Islamic religion. Each page has the Arabic translation below the English words. Through the story of Yasmin and her grandmother, Addasi explains the significance of prayer to Muslims. Gannon's detailed illustrations are vibrant. His portrayal of the Muslim culture shows readers the customs of a society they may know nothing about. There is a detailed description of Muslim prayer times. Purchase this title to fill a need for books on the Islamic religion. Recommended.

Review Citations:

Gilani-Williams, F. (2010). Time to pray. School Library Journal, 56(9), 117.

Cool, K. (2011). Time to pray. Library Media Connection, 29(5), 60.