Islam

1. Islam

2. Communication • 90 % of the world’s Muslim do not speak Arabic as their native language • When reading the Qur’an( religious book), or even in simple conversations with each other, the Arabic language is constantly used. The star and crescent is the best known symbol used to represent Islam. This symbol is not of Muslim origin. • It was the polytheistic icon adopted during the spread of Islam. It is used today, and is sometimes controversial in the Muslim world. www.about.com/arabic

3. Communication • Due to the influence of Islam, the Arabic alphabet is one of the most widespread writing systems in the world. • The alphabet was found in large parts of Africa, and Western and Central Asia. • The Arabic alphabet has been adopted by other groups like Persian ,Pashto, Urdu. www.about.com/arabic

4. Values • Children are taught to be respectful to Allah(God),elders, and their parents. • When a baby is born the first thing the parents will do is recite a prayer in his/her ear :God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, There is No God but Allah There is No God but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God, Come to Prayer Come to Prayer, Come to Salvation Come to Salvation, God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest. www.Islamuncovered.com

5. Values • Values include teaching the children to pray and worship at a young age. • At the age of seven children are taught to pray. By the age of ten they are commanded to pray. From this time forth they will be responsible before Allah if they do not. • Other social aspects that are the cause of disruption to a peaceful family life such as drugs and alcohol are not allowed. • It is forbidden in Islamic culture to hit or strike anyone across the face.

6. Values • Do not excessively eat and drink. They believe it kills your heart if you do. • Sex before marriage is one of the most serious sins a Muslim can commit. • Marriage in Islam is a family affair since it is also an alliance between families www.islamuncovered.com/family/familly.htm

7. Practices • Fasting during Ramadan is mandatory. • Every male and female is expected to perform prayers five times a day. • The Koran should not be touched by anyone ritually unclean and nothing should be placed on top of it. • Muslim women usually cover all of their body with clothing. • Privacy and washing is required at prayer time. deWitt 181

8. Beliefs

9. There are six articles of faith in Islam. The six main doctrines that Islamic people believe in are the following: • 1. God, known as Allah, is seen as the only one Supreme god. • 2. Angels are comprised of light and each have different purposes. • 3. Scriptures are read from four books. The four books include Torah (Moses), the Psalms (David), the Gospel (Jesus) and the Quran (Mohammad). • 4. Prophets, which all messagers from Adam to Mohammad, must be believed in without hesitation. • 5. Resurrection occurs after the Muslim has passed on. At this time they will be held accoutable for there doings in life. • 6. Muslims believe in divine creed, which means that everything that is happening and everything that has happened. http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/islam/beliefs.html

10. Sensitive Nursing Issues • In a traditional Islamic family, women do not have as much freedom as an Americans do. Some women may not even be allowed to make decisions about their healthcare. The woman’s husband or father must be present to give consent for treatment. • Many Muslims with medical conditions insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs, and healthcare professionals must work with their patients to reach common ground. • Elderly Muslim patients may insist on same care giver because of the strong issue regarding touching non family members of the opposite sex. • Using any drugs aimed at ending’s a persons life is not allowed in Islamic culture, no matter the circumstance. DeWitt 181

11. Views on Death and Dying • In Islam belief, a person does not have the right to determine his or any body else’s time to die. • When an Islamic individual dies their eyelids are closed, their body is wrapped, and the burial takes place as soon as possible. The body is not touched until prepared. When the body is placed in the tomb, the body must be positioned to face Mecca. • Patients must face Mecca, confess sins, and beg forgiveness in the presence of the family. • Cremation is forbidden and autopsies are not allowed except for legal reasons. • Body parts may not be removed or used for a transplantation unless a donor card is signed or organs are willed. http://www.7.bev.net/civic/icb/pdf/i43_lad.pdf; chapter fourteen pg 181

12. Islamic Families • An Islamic family consists of a division of labor between husband and wife. • If the relationship between man and woman is based on lust, passion, and impulse, this division of labor will not work. • The upbringing of the children is important in the function of the family. http://www.missionislam.com/family/index.htm

13. Islamic Families • Elders are of high status in Arabic families because of their experience. • Family members look towards the elders for advice. http://www.culturediversity.org/mide.htm

14. Nutritional and Dietary Practices • Fasting for Muslims means abstaining from all foods and beverages. This includes gum and water, as well as medication and smoking. • At no time is pork or alcohol beverage allowed in an Islamic diet. • All meat animals must be killed and blessed in a specific way. • The Quran gives Muslims tips on regarding a well balanced diet, which includes meat, fish, fresh milk, cheese, and fruit. • Many Islamic individuals will not eat collard greens or cornbread. www.spiritualworld.org/islam/practices.htm; http://islamic-world.net/sister/h18.htm; chapter 14 pg 181

15. Islamic dishes Kunafeh: dessert made of a cheese layer, topped with vermicelli-like pastry, baked and drizzled with syrup • Muhalabyeh: rice pudding • Qamaruddeen: apricot juice • Sambusek: egg roll-like pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables (snack or appetizer) • Tabouleh: salad made of parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, olive oil, and other spices • Zalabia: fried pastry dipped in sugar syrup or dusted with ground sugar www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/072709p56.shtm

16. Medications • There are two different believes among Islamic people. Some believe contraception of birth control should be prohibited because it interferes with Allah’s will. Others believe that contraception should be permitted because women should only have as many children as the husband can afford. • Abortion is prohibited but may be performed under special circumstances. • Islamic people believe that the human induced drugs given to a sick patient is not what heals them, Allah does. chapter 14 pg 181; http://www.missionislam.com/health/treatmet.htm

17. Rituals • A Muslim must pray five times a day. While praying, they must face towards Mecca. • Muslims must fast during the month of Ramadan. • After a baby is born, he/she is bathed and given to the mother immediately. Circumcision is performed within the first seven days of life or previous to puberty. • Every Muslim must take a pilgrimage to Kaaba in Mecca at least once in their lifetime. • It is mandatory on every Muslim to give 2.5% of their yearly savings for charity. http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/islam/beliefs.html; chapter 14 pg 181

18. Faith • There are five pillars of faith in Islamic religion. The five pillars are duties of each Muslim to perform to demonstrate his or her faith. • The first one is Testimony of faith, which means the Muslims must reject all the false gods and accept Allah as the sole creator. • The second is Prayer. It is mandatory for every Muslim to pray five times a day. • The Third is Almsgiving which literally means “to grow” or “to purify.” Almsgiving means to gain Allah’s blessing and purify the wealth by helping the ones who need it. • The fourth is Fasting. Every Muslim is required to fast during the month of Ramadan throughout the day. • The fifth is Pilgramage. It is the responsibility of every Muslim that is able to take a pilgramage to Kaaba once in their lifetime. http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religoin/islam/beliefs.html

19. Transcultural Nursing Process • Nurses need to be knowledgeable about the prenatal care of women from Saudi Arabia. • The nurses must have a basic understanding of the Arab attitudes, beliefs, practices, and cultures. http://www.culturediversity.org/mide.htm

20. Holidays • There are four main holidays in an Islamic year. • One is Muharram (The Islamic New Year). The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic year. It is celebrated quietly with readings, prayers, and reflection. • A second holiday is Eid al-Adha, which is the celebration concluding the Hajj. This day known as feast of sacrifice takes time to remember Abraham’s willingness to obey Allah by sacrificing his son Ishmael. To celebrate this holiday a lamb is sacrificed and then distributed to family members, the friends and the poor. http://www.infoplease.com/spot/islamicholidays.html

21. Holidays • A third is Eid al-Fiter (The celebration concluding Ramadan). This holiday is celebrated after the month of fasting ends. During this holiday Muslim people wear their finest clothes, decorate their homes with lights and decorations, enjoy visits with friends, and share their blessings by feeding the poor. • Another holiday is Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday). This holiday celebrates the birthday of Muhammad and is the 12th day of the month of Rabi. This day is celebrated by making recollections of Muhammad’s life and significance. http://www.infoplease.com/spot/islamicholidays.html