Download Islamic Faith - Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing

FREMANTLE MULTICULTURAL CENTRE INC.
241 – 243 High Street, Fremantle WA 6160
Tel: (08) 9336 8282
Fax: (08) 9430 6352
Cultural Briefing Notes on the Islamic Faith
The word ‘Islam’ is an Arabic word meaning, submission to the will of God. This word comes from
the same root as the word ‘salaam’, which means peace. This word is used as part of the normal
greeting between people, ‘salaam alecome’, meaning peace be with you. The word Muslim means, one
who submits to the will of God, regardless of their race, nationality or ethnic background.
The Quran is the word of God, which revealed to the prophet Muhammad over 1400 years ago. These
words, has remained unchanged since then. Muslims worship the same God as Jews and Christians.
The Arabic word for God is ‘Allah’. Muslims believe God is loving, compassionate and merciful. God
makes judgments about people’s lives and can forgive people’s sins through prayer.
The five pillars of Islam:
1) Muslims worship one God and believe the last prophet is Muhammad. The Koran recognises that
other prophets came before him, such as, Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus.
2) Ramadan is the fasting month, held in November each year. During this time people do not eat any
food or drink any water from dawn to sunset each day, unless they are sick or frail.
3) prayers are said five times a day, usually during set periods throughout the day
4) persons should be charitable by giving 2.5% of their wealth/savings to the poor
5) There is a great sense of sham if they don’t. Muslim’s should go on a pilgrimage to Mecca, at least
once during their lifetime.
Codes of behaviour: Islam is a way of life and the Koran encourages certain qualities to be observed
by people in daily life, for example, honesty, humility, politeness, sincerity and truthfulness. Pride and
self-righteousness is condemned, as only God is the only judge of human behaviour.
Dress: All Muslims are expected to dress modestly, with loose fitting clothes that do not accentuate
the human form. Women should wear the Hejab, ie, a scarf / bonnet covering the hair and shoulders
only when going out in public (not worn inside the home). Women do not have to cover up there faces.
Food: Muslims can generally eat most food, except Pork, which the Koran states is a forbidden meat.
They can eat other meats however, but they should be Halal prepared, ie, slaughtered in Islamic
manner. All seafood and vegetarian food can be eaten.
Social interaction: The mixing of the sexes is not encouraged, except for spouses, siblings and
relatives, unless they are accompanied by an adult. When there is an intention for marriage between
persons of the opposite sex, they must first get approved from both the families. Any dating is carried
out in the presence of one the families, as Muslims believe that if left alone the couple may be tempted.
Population: Approximately 200,178 (1.8 %) of the total Australian population is from an Islamic
background. In Western Australia there are 12,122 Muslims, or 0.6% of the population (Census 2006).
Seniors: Traditionally, the children of the elderly look after the parents in their own home, until they
pass away. They provide financial, material, physical and emotional support whether parents live with
them or separately. With the current generation of Muslims in WA, there is a general reluctance to use
mainstream aged care services, especially residential care.
Copyright FMC (C) March 2009 Source Ms Samira Ilahi, Muslim Women’s Support Centre