Islamic Beliefs and Practices Affecting Health Care
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Birth Rites: A baby is bathed immediately after birth, before giving it to the mother. The father (or mother or the imam) then whispers the call to prayer in the child’s ears so that the first sounds it hears are about the Muslim faith. Circumcision of the male child is recommended within the first seven days. If for some medical reason this is not possible it can be performed before puberty. A baby born prematurely but at least 130 days gestation is given the same treatment as any other infant. [back to top] Dietary Regulations: No pork or pork products, such as lard, is allowed, nor alcoholic beverages or any food prepared with alcohol, such as some kinds of cakes or deserts. All permissible meat slaughtered in a special way by a Muslim is known as halal or zabiha. Also in seafood, only fish with scales is permissible for food. There is no prohibition against shell fish like shrimp, lobster, and so on. [back to top] Determination of Death: Since the introduction of advanced medical technology, besides the traditional definition of death which occurred when the heart and lungs stopped functioning, some Muslim schools of thought (mainly Sunni* and Shia* Muslims) have accepted brain death as a valid definition when the brain ceases to function and brain cells begin to die. As such, artificial means may be used to preserve the body long enough to remove viable organs that are to be donated according to the conditions stated below. [back to top] Necessary to Life Interventions: It is permissible to use life support to save and lengthen life. Such equipment may not be disconnected for that will be construed as causing death. On the other hand, there is no obligation to continue these interventions just to prolong the imminent death. The purpose of aggressive medical intervention is to maintain the process of life, not to avoid or postpone death. It is forbidden to cause harm to the patient with equipment and drugs when the futility of such procedures is established by a medical team. Under those circumstances it is permissible to unplug life-support systems. “Mercy killing” or “Physician Assisted Aid in Dying” of terminally ill patients is prohibited. [back to top] Postmortem Examination: Autopsies performed for medical research and training is permissible. It is also permissible for determining the cause of death and for the discovery of new remedies. It is necessary to clearly explain the reasons for postmortem to the family. Donation of body parts or organs are allowed if there is a will to that effect or if the family permits. Blood transfusions are also permitted, including those from non-Muslims. Ritual preparation of the body is commenced after completion of the autopsy. Some families will wish to take their dead back to their country of origin for burial. [back to top] Death Rites: The dying Muslim patient may wish to sit or lie with his/her face towards Mecca (northeast from Charlottesville), and moving the bed if necessary to make this possible is appreciated. Family members and elders in the community, including the Imam, may ask to be present so that they can provide moral support, religious guidance in matters of a living will, and to recite the Muslim scripture, the Koran, around the bed. A relative or another Muslim may whisper the call to prayer into the dying person’s ear. In the case of the female client, the Imam and other male members of the community may come, but only if requested. As soon as death occurs the body should be covered completely and placed, if possible, with feet towards Mecca. There are special procedures for washing and shrouding the body. Muslims are required by their religious law to prepare the body for burial. Only when no community member can be contacted, may the health care providers perform these procedures. It is recommended that burial be performed as soon as possible, especially in summer months. Cremation is forbidden even if there is a will to that effect. [back to top] Abortion and Birth Control: Abortion is permitted when the mother’s heath is in imminent danger. In addition, before the fetus attains personhood, that is, during the first 120 days, abortion is permissible if the woman stops lactating for another child. Rape is also a valid reason for abortion if there is a fear of psychological damage and problems that could lead to physical symptoms. Birth control is also permissible if the prescribed method does not have any adverse impact on the health of either spouse and if it does not lead to permanent sterilization. [back to top] Personal Devotions: Muslims perform prayers five times a day. A sick person is allowed to combine noon and afternoon, and sunset and evening prayer. If conditions permit, washing is required. For clients on bed rest only symbolic ablution (known as tayammum) is sufficient. Provision of privacy is important, especially for the female patient during prayer. [back to top] Religious Objects: Prayer rug and the Koran must not be touched by anyone ritually unclean (e.g., with blood or urine on hand), and it is preferable that nothing should be placed on top of it. Some Muslims wear an amulet, a black string or silver or gold chain on which sections of the Koran are attached. These, if requested by the client, should not be removed and must remain dry. [back to top] Special Care of Women: Matters concerning family (abortion, birth control) require both spouses to agree and consent forms are to be signed jointly. Women are very modest and frequently wear clothes that cover all of their body. During a medical examination, the women’s modesty should be respected as much as possible. Whenever possible, Muslim women prefer female doctors. For 10 days after giving birth and 5 to 6 days after menstruation, a woman is exempt from ritually prescribed prayer since this is a time of cleansing for her, although she may request privacy for personal devotions. [back to top] *Sunni Muslims form the majority and differ with the Shia Muslims, a minority, in some matters of practice. They share the basic beliefs in God, the Prophet, the Koran, and the Final Day of Resurrection. |
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