Cultural Competency - Dying and Deceased Muslim Patients:
A Brief Guide
For a Muslim, death is a reality that bears immense religious significance, even for families who do not otherwise consider themselves to be particularly devout. It marks a transitional moment in existence, as the soul passes from the present life into the next. Generally speaking, the Muslim attitude towards death is captured by the words of condolence that Muslims are encouraged to speak: "We belong to God, and to Him is our return." A central Islamic teaching is that Judgment awaits every dying soul. In this light we can understand a Muslim's preoccupation with prayer, supplication, and Qur'anic recitation when death approaches, as he/she seeks forgiveness and prepares to meet God. An important aspect of Muslim practice is the final enunciation of the Declaration of Faith "There is nothing worthy of worship except God," for its sincere pronouncement ultimately earns a believer an everlasting place in Heaven.
Another important principle is prompt washing and burial of a Muslim, ideally achieved within a day of passing. Upon death, the proper care of a Muslim's body is a duty to which members of the Muslim community are entrusted (no need for staff to attend to this); therefore, much deference to their wishes would be appropriate.
Basic Steps:
The following is a list of basic steps that hospital staff can take to care best for a Muslim who is thought to be near death, or who has passed away:
When death is thought to be near:
- A dying Muslim may wish to be accompanied by family members and close friends. Not only will they be there to comfort the patient, but they may also be there to pray and recite from the Qur'an.
- When death is imminent, as part of a religious instruction, another Muslim may prompt the patient to declare in Arabic the Declaration of Faith. Physicians and nurses should accommodate this to the degree possible.
When death befalls the Muslim patient:
- Remove all tubes, lines, IVs, bandages, etc. from the body.
- Close the deceased patient's eyes and mouth, if possible.
- Clean the body's exterior from major impurities (bodily fluids, substances, etc.), as per usual.
- Straighten out the limbs, with the arms to the side of the body.
- Slightly elevate the body at the head and cover the body with a piece of cloth (a bed sheet will suffice).
- If possible, direct the bed so that the feet point towards Mecca (northeast in Ann Arbor).
- Most Muslims will refuse autopsies.
- If the family wishes to contact the Muslim Community Association (MCA) of Ann Arbor for immediate assistance with washing and burial, please contact:
MCA President, 2004-December 2005
Telephone: (734) 665-6772
Email: president@mca-aa.org
