Download Muslim Cultural Awareness Training

Muslim
Cultural
Awareness
Training
Objective of the Presentation
• This Presentation is for educational/awareness purposes
only.
• To facilitate the professionals in meeting with Muslim clients.
• Best Practice Standards when working with Muslim clients.
Mental Health & NZ Muslims
•
There are approx. 50,000 Muslims in NZ & the number is
growing rapidly.
•
The topic of mental health is a huge taboo in Muslim
community.
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The stressors that affect the mental health of NZ Muslims are
quite different for the 1st generation migrants & refugees, 1.5
generation and 2nd generation.
•
A vast majority of first generation Muslim migrants have lost
their careers in the move.
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1.5 generation has a mixed bag of challenges
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2nd generation is a hybrid generation and they find it difficult to
follow the traditions of their parents.
Internet help
Google ???
• Recommended Websites:
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http://bayyinah.com/
http://seekershub.org/
http://www.nurulilm.com/
https://www.qibla.com/
Religion vs Culture
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What is Muslim culture?
– It is the lifestyle, habits, values, traditions and customs that
people follow in different parts of the Muslim world.
– Muslims from Asia, Africa, Europe and Middle East have
their own particular food, clothing, method of raising
children, wedding celebrations, divorce and funeral
protocols.
– All these cultural norms are guided by the Religious
teachings.
What is the Muslim religion?
•
Is it about punishments only?
Hellfire ?
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The example of drink driving
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Guidance for living
•
For sound mental health
Muslims are encouraged to:
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Be humble to their parents
For men, to be kind to their wife
Maintain ties of kinship
Be helpful to their neighbours
Be good to the animals
Take care of the planet, land,
oceans & other resources
Excel in kindness, generosity,
patience & thankfulness.
Judge between people with fairness
Control their anger
Forgive other people
Maintain cleanliness
Practice mindfulness
Five pillars of
Islam
1. Belief
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Muslims believe in one God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of
God.
2. Prayer
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Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day
Five pillars of
Islam continued
3. Fasting
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Month of Ramadan
4. Zakat
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Charity
5. Hajj
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Holy pilgimage
The Six Pillars of Faith
Halal & Wholesome Food
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Nourish the body and soul
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Foods that are forbidden
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Pork, ham, bacon and its by products
Animal that is not slaughtered or kosher
Gelatine & Rennet (from non halal source)
Blood and its by products
Rights of Fellow Human
Beings
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Poverty
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Hunger
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Famine
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Drought
Obsessions
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Obsessions are discouraged in Islam
Addiction Management
Waste of time
Modesty in Islam
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Dress code for women and men varies from culture to culture
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Wear modest clothing for both men and women
Gender Interaction
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No physical contact between men and women
Same gender practitioner is preferred by the Muslims
Forbidden in Islam
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Gambling
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Intoxicants
Factors Affecting Muslim
Health
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Parenting challenges
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Terrorism / jihad / the crisis of
ISIS???
Media representation
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Environmental conditions
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Hijab???
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Isolation
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Lack of employment
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Role reversal
Issues!!!
Issues!!!
Issues!!!
Avoiding Assumptions
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Don’t assume that all Muslims practice their faith equally.
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There is difference between religious practices and cultural
practices.
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Most of the personal and social problems are not because of
practicing according to the religious teachings. These problems
are because of not living according to the religious teachings.
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Bad practice by a few Muslims does not mean that all Muslims
are bad.
One Size Does Not Fit All
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Don’t assume any Muslim’s inappropriate behaviour is due to their
religion, it may be their culture, upbringing or simply their
personality type.
The End
Thank you for your time and patience