Reflection On Muslim Stages Of Life

In 2009, then British Conservative leader David Cameron warned us of the “age of austerity.” Since then, we have seen various permutations of austerity—not only with regard to government spending, but also in the everyday choices people make. We see austerity’s influence in Apple and Google’s logo designs, in the clean lines of trendy Scandinavian furniture, in the preoccupation with decluttering and minimalism, and in the blossoming tiny-house movement. With the British vote for “Brexit,” Australia’s reluctance to accept Muslim refugees and the recent election of Donald Trump, we have also clearly become more austere in our view of “other” people which can be seen in Laila Lalami’s “My Life as a Muslim in the West’s ‘Gray Zone,’” as she speaks of the obsession to put people neatly in their proper boxes in addition to compartmentalizing them to uphold certain values, features, and looks.

Islam originated in present day Saudi Arabia where the prophet, Muhammad, had been born. Islam would later be able to spread quickly through trade, the appealing nature of the Islamic faith, and military campaigns.

The concept of life after death has been around practically as long as life itself. Our beliefs about life after death can have a profound effect on our attitudes toward life. Most individual's beliefs about life after death are directly related to their cultural or religious affiliations. According to Montagu, "Of all the many forms which natural religion has assumed none probably has exerted so deep and far – reaching an influence on human life as the belief in immortality" (1955, p.15).

The spread of Islam throughout the world was among the most significant worldwide movements in history. Beginning as the faith of a small community of believers in Arabia in the seventh century, Islam rapidly became one of the major world religions. The core beliefs and culture of this faith is the belief that Muhammad (570-632), a respected businessman in Mecca, a commercial and religious center in western Arabia, received revelations from God that have been preserved in the Qur'an. The core of Islam remains the same today after 1396 years. Islam still translates to “submission” and Muslims still live by the Qur’an and follow the 5 Pillars of Islam. However, throughout the Pre-Islamic, Umayyad, and Abbasid

First, the religious concept views death as the commencement of a new life (Campione, 2004). Next, the

When sick with an illness they feel that they must engage in positive actions. To prevent illness, they must be clear and relieved of negative imprints that the world may bring their way. Buddhism has a strong belief that anything that occurs to them now is a reflection of a previous action, not only in this current life but of previous lives too. The Buddhism religion believes that the start of all problems stems from selfishness; one must avoid greed, anger and thoughts of jealousy. When death occurs they feel that their consciousness that holds their karmic imprints separates from their body and travels into a new life. Meditation and visualization are used to heal by reciting mantras and use of visualizing holy images (Hawter, 1995).

The spiritual significance of illness and suffering is a topic Christians continue to grapple with, as Larchet points out in The Theology of Illness. Scripture offers a wealth of wisdom and cues for understanding illness, health, and healing from a Christian perspective. Larchet analyzes the various and often contradictory Christian positions on health and illness, revealing how attitudes have shifted over time and with changes in medical technology, practice, and ethics. For example, St. Barsanuphius presents a comprehensive analysis of the spiritual significance of illness and suffering. One view holds that illness signifies a lack of faith; another presents illness in terms of a person who is offered the opportunity to develop a stronger faith, or whose faith is being put to a test like the story of Job. Ultimately, the latter remains the most helpful way to approach illness and healing from a Christian perspective. The essence of Christian health care is that, "Healing itself, while resulting from natural processes, actually comes from God," (Larchet 116).

This report will be investigating the various sociological perspectives on health as well as the models and definitions of health and ill health. These topics will assist in the understanding of how different people and different cultures react to ill health.

With majority of Somalia practicing the religion of Islam, it is believed primarily that illnesses and diseases are God’s will. The religion teaches that all calamities whether it be mental or physical sickness, that the individual remain patient. Mental illness in the Somali culture is socially unaccepted. The stigma surrounding this issue is that the mentally ill are rejected from society

The definition of death is another issue paramount to this discussion. Robert Rakestraw, professor of theology at Bethel Theological Seminary in his article on this very subject

The optimal health is equally important in every culture, but the reaction towards situation requiring decision-making about health can be different in every culture. Muslim receives illness and death with patience and prayers. They consider illness as punishment for their sins. They also consider death as a part of a journey to meet God. However, they are strongly encouraged to seek medical help when required. The concept of health maintenance has a significant importance in Islam; there are some foods that are not permit like pork and alcohol. Cleanliness has a high importance. Circumcision of male infant is recommended. ("," October, 17th 2012) Where as, in Hispanic and Mexican culture health maintenance is supported mainly by using folk medicine. Mexican believe their health problems may be a result of god’s will, or they may not have the resources for conventional care and turn only to traditional healers, such as curanderos, or herbal remedies to treat their ailments. ("," ) There are other barriers for Mexicans to

Moreover, Muslim’s have set, fundamental religious beliefs that impact their perception of illness. During the time of illness, Muslims are expected to seek God’s help with both patience and prayer (International Strategy and Policy Institute, 2013). It is important to understand that with this culture, illness is not considered to be a punishment from God. When illness becomes severe, Muslim’s have a special outlook on the dying process. Unlike most cultures, Muslims view death as a part of living and an entrance to their next life (International Strategy and Policy Institute, 2013).

Spirituality is a factor when it comes to health and illness. Jesus Christ is the ultimate healer. If a relative does not live a religious life with the Lord, they are looked at as spiritually weak or ill. It is said if one does not believe or attempt a relationship with God, trials and tribulations will be coming there way. Religion is a key factor when it comes to health and illnesses. Prayers to the Lord will work in a way heal the problem that day or 15 years down the road. Patience is a key when talking to the Lord, also. Things he might do at that moment of the day may not be in your favor, but in the end, you will be rewarded.

“Surely God is my Lord and your Lord; so serve him. This is a straight path” (Sura 3:38-64, pg.107, Reader), as said promoted a sense of togetherness within the Islamic community. Muslims are faithful believer by being the one who submits him/herself to the will of God. “There is no god but God, and assuredly God is the All-mighty, the All- wise”(Sura 3:38-64, pg.108, Reader), explains that god is the only one worthy for worship. The purpose for their existence as a Muslim attains to be their search for peace and space during their lifetime, and achievement of eternal salvation in their afterlife. “But as for the believers, who do deeds of righteousness, He will pay them in full their wages”(Sura 3:38-64, pg.108, Reader), promise of salvation for followers.

There are many religions that have different beliefs about dying. Buddhist?s do not believe in life after death meaning heaven. Buddhist?s believe that when one dies he is reborn again and this continues until the person reaches Nirvana. Nirvana is