Muslim Culture

This week's reflection journal is about the Muslim Culture. In my reflections this week I will discuss what I have learned about their religious beliefs and I can use this knowledge to better my nursing practices.

Lesson's Learned: Muslim beliefs 

Muslims believe that their God Allah is their one and only true God. They believe that this God is a singular being and there are no others they worship. Allah is an Arabic name for God and a universal name in which they refer to their God. Muslims believe this God is the creator of all the universe and He is above all things. It is also believed they those who put God at a lesser state of being is committing sin.  By living through His principles and guidelines they aim to please Allah. 

Muslims also believe in being respectful to individuals who faithful and are conscious of God and are also considerate and kind in their dealing with non Muslims. With the requirement to be respectful to God fearing or conscience individuals they must work together to solve problems within their social surroundings. They honor others and try to do their best to contribute to building the societies in which they live. Muslims believe in giving charity to others in need and when they need it, being slow to anger in times of frustration and forgiving all who may wrong you. These acts are believed to exemplify Muslim beliefs in God’s principles of being selfless and surrendering oneself by doing good and serving others. Additionally, by living by these standards one can develop humility and be on good standing with God.

Within the Muslim culture there are five practices or Pillars that each member must do to be in accordance with Islam. These pillars are: Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. Each pillar represents obligations in which Muslims must perform within their lives to show their faith and devotion to their God. The Salat is the second Pillar within the five practices of Muslim beliefs and is a performance of Muslim ritual prayer which they perform five times a day. They believe that God has commanded them to give prayers at specific times of the day- sunrise, midday, afternoon, sunset and before midnight. These ritual prayers are believed to involve the mind, body and spirit through set actions in their prayers.

#nursingbyCOURTNEY... how to apply the understanding of Muslim beliefs into your nursing practice

In the world today there are many conflicts and stereotyping about the Muslim culture. In the healthcare practice individuals must set aside biases, harsh judgments, and political opinions. It is vital that nurses understand the Muslim religious and cultural practice to provide more holistic and patient centered care to Muslims without stereotyping.  One cultural practice nurses need to be aware of is how Muslim women prefer to have same gender doctors and healthcare providers. Out of respect for their cultural practices nurses must do their best to accommodate with these preferences and not portray judgments. Additionally, Muslim women have certain modesty beliefs which may be difficult to adjust to during certain physical exams. However, nurses must practice good communication skills and first always ask permission to uncover parts of the body for any medical reasons. Also it is good nursing practice to provide proper privacy during any exams or treatments. 

Courtney's "Two-Cent's"

It has been interesting to learn more about the Muslim culture and religious beliefs because it is somewhat new to me. While growing up I had a neighbor who was Muslim, but I was too young to understand what that meant or why it mattered. However, now as I am older I am realizing how common it is to have negative stereotypes associated with the Muslim culture. I believe that many people are quick to stereotype Muslim individuals because they have not taken the time to understand them or get to know them personally. As I have studied and learned more about the Muslim culture and beliefs, I have been able to rid some of my own misunderstandings about their culture. I think if more people spent time to get to know Muslim's personally they would give less cruel and unnecessary judgment’s and be more open to accepting Muslim people. 

References: 

Facts about Muslim beliefs found on http://www.dummies.com/religion/islam/islam-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Pillars_of_Islam

Pictures taken from: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/formerlyfundie/the-call-for-christians-to-radically-love-our-muslim-neighbors/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/01/muslim-women-veil-integrate-study

http://dailymail.com.ng/here-is-the-muslim-population-in-the-36-states-of-in-nigeria/