Islamic theology and the principles of palliative care

• Published in: Palliative & supportive care Vol. 14; no. 6; p. 635
• Main Author: Al-Shahri, Mohammad Zafir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-12-2016
• Subjects: Culturally Competent Care - methods; Culturally Competent Care - standards; Humans; Islam - psychology; Palliative Care - psychology; Religion and Medicine; Theology; Islam; Palliative care; Muslim
• ISSN: 1478-9523
• DOI: 10.1017/S1478951516000080

It is well established that provision of palliative care is a human right for the patients and their families going through the suffering associated with a life-threatening illness. The holistic nature of palliative care, dictated by the multifaceted suffering experienced by patients, calls for giving due consideration to the cultural and spiritual background of the target population. Similarly, the paramount impact of Islamic wholeness on Muslims' perceptions, beliefs, and way of living makes it necessary for non-Muslim palliative care professionals who are caring for Muslim patients to increase their awareness about the parts of Islamic theology pertinent to the principles of palliative care. This would include a basic knowledge of the Islamic faith and how Muslims view and cope with the calamity of a life-threatening condition along with the suffering associated with it. Equally important are issues related to the management of symptoms using agents that are normally strictly prohibited by Islamic teachings, including opioids, brain stimulants, and cannabinoids. The current review briefly discusses the Islamic perspectives pertinent to a Muslim patient's journey throughout the palliative care experience, onward to a safe passing, and beyond.