Download Week 5 Islam

As diverse as our nursing population is at VUMC, it is important to understand each of our cultural differences and that of
our patients. In honor of Nurses’ Week 2010 and VUMC’s Nursing Diversity, we will begin a bi-weekly series highlighting
different religious groups that are visitors to VUMC.
Week 5: Islam ( a brief overview)
Islam is the name of the religion which comes from an Arabic root
word meaning "peace" and "submission." Islam teaches that one
can only find peace in one's life by submitting to Almighty God
(Allah) in heart, soul and deed. Muslim defines a person who
believes and follows Islam.
Islam has over 1 billion followers worldwide (1/5 of the world’s
population) and is considered a monotheistic faith, along with
Judaism and Christianity. Although usually associated with the
Middle East, less than 10% of Muslims are Arab.
Muslims believe that since Allah alone is the Creator. Any
worship and prayers directed at saints, prophets, other human
beings or nature is considered idolatry.
The basic beliefs of Muslims fall into six main categories, which are known as the "Articles of Faith":
- Faith in the unity of God
- Faith in angels, who are made up of light and have different purposes:
-- Angel Gabriel brought the divine message to Mohammad.
-- Angels Kiraaman and Katibeen record the actions of
the human beings; one records good deeds, the other
bad deeds.
-- Azrael, the angel of death, takes the soul out of the body.
-- Angels Munkir and Nakir questions each person in grave.
- Faith in prophets
- Faith in books of revelation
- Faith in an afterlife
- Faith in destiny/divine decree
The "five pillars" of Islam:
In Islam, faith and good works go hand-in-hand for belief in Allah makes obedience to Him a duty. Muslims consider
everything they do in life to be an act of worship, if it is done according to Allah's guidance.
There are also five formal acts of worship which help strengthen a Muslim's faith and obedience. They are often called the
"Five Pillars of Islam":
- Testimony of faith (Kalima)
- Prayer (Salat)
- Almsgiving (Zakat)
- Fasting (Sawm)
- Pilgrimage (Hajj)
What you as a patient provider should know*
Abortion
Autopsies
Birth Rituals
Prohibited unless the mother's mental and physical health are in danger.
Not permitted unless required by law.
Other than circumcision of male children, no other special rituals are performed at
birth.
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Death and Dying
The preference is to die at home. When death occurs in the hospital, the following
may occur:
- The family should be allowed to be present
- The family will want the patient's body draped and turned toward Mecca.
- In the hospital, turning the patient's head to the right is sufficient ritual.
- Washings will be done by the family.
- Minimal contact with the body by those who are not family is crucial.
- Muslims are not embalmed. Burial is to occur as soon as possible.
- Cremation is prohibited.
Death is a taboo subject of discussion and grief counseling is often perceived
as an intrusion.
Important Note: The presence of an Imam (spiritual leader) will facilitate the
observance of these practices.
May not eat pork products (i.e., bacon, ham), by-products, or any food prepared
using pork or having been in contact with pork. Allowed to eat beef, poultry and
mutton (lamb) only if prepared by a Muslim according to Islamic Law. As a result,
patient may refuse to eat hospital food and insist food be brought from home. No
restrictions on fish, vegetables, dairy products or fruit. Black Muslims follow a
kosher diet.
Diet
Drugs,
Blood Products, Vaccines
End of Life/Terminal Care
Acceptable
The medical/ethical concept of the "right to die" is not found within Islamic
teachings. Any medical interventions in support of this are prohibited. DNR, DNI, or
LCPR orders are generally not acceptable, but may vary with the individual.
Holy Days
No day is ‘holy’ but there are days which are celebrated worldwide. Patients may be
exempt from fasting.
Medical Information Discussions
Many Muslim groups may prefer that medical information be discussed only with
second degree male relatives, such as cousins or uncles. The health care team
should make an early assessment of this in order to assure greater cooperation and
family assistance.
Modesty
Extremely important. Women usually are covered from head to foot (even in bed)
and may not permit an internal prenatal examination.
Gowning requirements for surgery and tests will be met with opposition. Males are
always covered from waist to knee. Medical examinations of either sex in front of a
group of medical professionals will be objectionable to both male and female.
Prayer
Physical Examinations
Occurs five times /day, prostrate, facing Mecca. Required of all Muslims.
Male:
Males should be examined only by male doctors and nurses when possible. Males
may also object to female staff in general.
Female:
Females should be examined only by female doctors and nurses when possible. A
general objection may be made to the presence of male staff unless the patient's
husband or father is present.
Reproductive Issues
Transplantation/Organ Donation
Washing, Ritual
No standard beliefs.
"The majority of the Muslim scholars belonging to various schools of Islamic law
have invoked the principle of priority of saving human life and have permitted the
organ transplant as a necessity to procure that noble end." [Transplantation
Proceedings, 1990]
Ritual washing [ablutions] is a necessary part of worship, including daily prayer. For
personal cleanliness, showering is preferable to a bath. Water should be provided in
the bathroom near the commode for personal hygiene.
*VUMC Religious Cultural Manual, accessible on www.vanderbiltnursing.com’ Quick Links page (under employee resources).
**Additional resource excerpted from: About.com: Islam
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