Please note that within each religion, there is a wide spectrum of beliefs and preferences. This site is to serve as a guide rather than an absolute template for each religion.

Holy Text: Qur’an and the Hadith

Iconic Symbol: Crescent moon and star

God: monotheistic, infinite, personal, transcendent, immanent, omniscient, sovereign, and good.

Key Figure: Muhammad

Religious Leader: Imam (Sunni- leader of prayer and/or community, Shia- moral guide)

Spiritual Practices Regarding the Ill:

  • Daily Prayer

  • Scripture Reading

  • Wudu (purification)

Holidays:

  • Ramadan (including Layl’at al-Qadr)

  • Eid Al-Fitr

  • Eid al-Adha (marks the Hajj)

  • Mawlid al-Nabi

Illness:

  • Atonement for sins

Treatment:

  • Prefer assistance from member of the same sex

  • Cleanliness is important, especially prior to ritual prayer

  • Older generations may refuse pain medication as pain can be perceived as part of Allah’s will

  • Life support may be seen as interference with Allah’s will

After Life:

  • Transition from one state of being to another

  • Deeds follow an individual to the afterlife

  • Rewarded for good deeds


No one besides Allah can rescue a soul from hardship.
— Qur'an 53: 58