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.

• 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.

• 1.5 generation has a mixed bag of challenges

• 2nd generation is a hybrid generation and they find it difficult to

follow the traditions of their parents.

Internet help

• Recommended Websites:

– http://bayyinah.com/

– http://seekershub.org/

– http://www.nurulilm.com/

– https://www.qibla.com/

Google ???

Religion vs Culture

• 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 ?

• The example of drink driving

• Guidance for living

• For sound mental health

Muslims are encouraged to:– 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

– Muslims believe in one God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of

God.

2. Prayer

– Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day

Five pillars of

Islam continued

3. Fasting

– Month of Ramadan

4. Zakat

– Charity

5. Hajj

– Holy pilgimage

The Six Pillars of Faith

Halal & Wholesome Food

• Nourish the body and soul

• Foods that are forbidden– 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

• Poverty

• Hunger

• Famine

• Drought

Obsessions

• Obsessions are discouraged in Islam

• Addiction Management

• Waste of time

Modesty in Islam

• Dress code for women and men varies from culture to culture

• Wear modest clothing for both men and women

Gender Interaction

• No physical contact between men and women

• Same gender practitioner is preferred by the Muslims

Forbidden in Islam

• Gambling

• Intoxicants

Factors Affecting Muslim

Health

• Terrorism / jihad / the crisis of

ISIS???

• Media representation

• Hijab???

• Lack of employment

• Role reversal

• Parenting challenges

• Environmental conditions

• Isolation

Issues!!!

Issues!!!

Issues!!!

Avoiding Assumptions

• Don’t assume that all Muslims practice their faith equally.

• There is difference between religious practices and cultural

practices.

• 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.

• Bad practice by a few Muslims does not mean that all Muslims

are bad.

One Size Does Not Fit All

• 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