Suggestions relating to observing Muslim customs during medical treatment

Diet
Lamb, beef, goat, chicken, rabbit and buck deer, etc are allowed provided these are killed by a Muslim with a religious prayer (Halal food). Pakistanis are particularly strict about eating only Halal meat. Pork meat, all products from pork, carrion and blood are forbidden, also all types of wine and alcohol. In Britain, Muslims buy their meat from a Muslim butcher, which is available according to Islamic injunctions. A Muslim does not eat meat or food generally available in the shops which contains animal fats, fearing it may contain pork fat or fat from animals not ritually slaughtered. Fish and eggs are allowed, but if these are cooked where pork or other meat is cooked then they are not permissible. It is certainly not acceptable simply to remove a slice of pork from a plate and then offer the plate to the patient again. Both Pakistanis and Arabs like their food well seasoned and spiced. Bland hospital food may seem unacceptable, or even make them vomit.

Fasting
During the month of Ramadan a Muslim eats before observing his fast, that is 11/2 hours before sunrise, and is allowed to eat and drink all lawful things after sunset. Fasting is excused during menstruation and after a recent child birth. Those who are sick, on a journey or breastfeeding their babies are not asked to fast, but they should make up for this later. If the doctor feels it is important that the patient should eat and drink more, it is useful to explain that this is in fact part of the 'medicine' to assist recovery.

Ablutions and Toilet
Muslims attach great importance to cleanliness. They need water in toilets (toilet paper is not considered adequate); if a bedpan has to be used a container of clean water should accompany it. Muslims prefer to wash in free flowing water, and cannot accept the idea of sitting in a bath. Ablution before each prayer is necessary. The worshipper washes hands, rinses mouth, cleans nostrils, washes face, arms up to the elbows, wets hands and runs them through the hair (to remove any dust or particles), cleans inside and behind the ears and lastly washes his feet up to the ankles - each of the above three times. After menstruation women are required to wash their whole bodies.

Ideas of modesty
Generally, a Muslim woman is not allowed to be examined or be surrounded by male members of medical staff. It is always preferable that a female member of the medical staff is present. In certain cases a Muslim woman may not agree at all to be examined or treated by a male member of the medical staff. In Islam free mixing of sexes is prohibited and women are required to cover their head and chest to maintain modesty and moral standards. Muslims should be accommodated in mixed wards only in emergency situations. This is an area in which an open-minded and helpful approach by staff could be particularly helpful - for example when a female patient finds it difficult to accept an X-ray gown because of its shortness.

Attitudes towards medical and social work staff and illness
A Muslim believes that whatever takes place, good or bad, can only take place with the consent of Allah and according to his judgement and distinction, as nothing can happen against his Will. In adversity and calamity a Muslim is forbidden to despair and is required to be patient, seeking help through prayers and remembrance of Allah.

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