International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care

1 International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care Promoting Hospice & Palliative Care Worldwide Article Of The Month Article Of The Month Main Index Help the IAHPC If you wish to donate to this program, click here Page Options Change Text Size Quick LinksDonate to IAHPC IAHPC Membership Join/Renew Newsletters/Publications Palliative Care Bookshop Search Our Site Site Map Website Help IAHPC Resources Administrative and Program Development Tools Pain & Palliative Care Assessment and Research Tools Educational Resources Funding / Grants Information for patients / Relatives Policy and Advocacy Tools Standards for Palliative Care Provision Treatment Guidelines IAHPC Store Visit the IAHPC Store Tell a friend about this site!Click here to tell a friend about the IAHPCA rticle Of The MonthOctober 2007 Dear Readers Here's the Article for this Month:Reviewed by: Mohammad Al-Shahri, MD and IAHPC Board MemberDeath, Dying and Burial Rites in IslamAuthors: Al-Shahri MZ, Fadul N and Elsayem : European Journal of Palliative Care 2007; 13(4): 164-7 Summary The article provides an overview of Islamic rites pertinent to death, dying and burial in order to assist health care providers in enhancing their cultural competence when caring for dying muslim patients and their families.

2 Islam means submission to the will of the creator of the universe (Allah) by conforming to His law and worshipping Him alone. The two main sources of Islamic teachings are the Noble Qur an (the holy book revealed to the last Prophet, Muhammad) and the Sunnah (prophetic sayings). Death, in Islamic jurisprudence, may be defined as complete irreversible cessation of heart Death, Dying and Burial Rites in (1 of 3) [1/11/2008 2:00:11 PM]Death, Dying and Burial Rites in IslamContact UsHome IAHPC ProgramsFaculty Development Program Recognition Awards Program Traveling Fellowships Traveling Scholarships Ways You Can Help the IAHPC Donate to the IAHPC JOIN IAHPC You can join/renew online or phone us at: Toll Free 1-866-374-2472 or 1-936-321-9846 Free NewsletterFREE Monthly Hospice & Palliative Care Newsletter SIGNUP HERE beat and respiration and/or permanent cessation of all functions of the brain which has started to decay (as confirmed by specialist physicians).

3 Muslims believe in an afterlife but do not believe in the reincarnation of the soul of the dead person into others. Life is sacred in Islam and people do not own their lives and, therefore, they have no right to end their lives. Hence, forbiddance of euthanasia. Muslims are likely to be more comfortable with non-definitive expectations of longevity, as they believe that the longevity of a person is known only to Allah and determined by Him. However, they need to be kept updated about the progression of the disease and whether death is clinically approaching. muslim families may want to position the bed of the dying to face the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The body of the deceased should be handled and transported with the highest possible degree of dignity, as the sanctity of the dead person is considered the same as the living. Autopsies are strictly prohibited unless they are required by law. Muslims are prohibited from eating pork or drinking alcohol.

4 Although exempted from certain worship practices, terminally ill patients may express strong desire to fulfill these duties. The whole dead body must be washed and shrouded and then carried by the relatives and muslim community to the mosque to perform funeral prayers before burial. Why I chose this spiritual and cultural concerns of our Palliative care patients and their families need not be overemphasized. Muslims are living as large or small minorities in almost all non-Islamic countries. It has been reported that minority groups may be at increased risk of receiving suboptimal healthcare. I believe that we need to improve our awareness of the cultural background of various minority groups who may need our specialized Palliative care. Reviewer: Mohammad Al-Shahri, MD Palliative Care Program King Faisal Hospital Riyadh 11393 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Al-Shahri is also a member of the IAHPC Board of Directors visit the following link to read past Articles Of The Month: more information?

5 Please contact (2 of 3) [1/11/2008 2:00:11 PM]Death, Dying and Burial Rites in IslamPromoting Hospice & Palliative Care Worldwide HomeDonationsIAHPC ProgramsResourcesBookshop Join Free NewsletterPoliciesContact Us Site Map 2008 (3 of 3) [1/11/2008 2:00:11 PM]