products are prohibited . If no substitutes • Sterilization – individual decision based Handy are available, anything is permissible on medical necessity. “… We (Allah) send down in the including a porcine valve for the heart. • Artificial insemination – permitted only if that which is a healing and mercy to • Faith healing with Du`a (supplication) is from husband to wife. Information for those who believe …” acceptable and encouraged. Medical • Abortion – prohibited unless mother’s life

(Quran 17:82) treatment is essential & should be is in danger. It is also allowed before 120 Hospital Staff undertaken for pathological and days of pregnancy if the doctors have “Make use of the medical treatment, for psychological disturbances. confirmed severe abnormalities in the fetus.

Allah has not made a disease without • Doctors give medicine, but healing comes • As far as possible, same gender staff & appointing a remedy for it, with the from Allah (God). should be assigned for helping in bathing && exception of one namely old age.” • To the new born baby, Azan (prayer call) the patients.

Prophet is called in his/her right ear, and Iqama is • Circumcision – Yes, for male babies as (Peace be upon him – PBUH ) chanted in the left ear. early as possible. Nursing Homes • Blood transfusion , vaccines, medications • Clothing : Men and women have dress

“O Allah! Lord of the people, take away biopsies, amputations and transplants are codes to follow under normal conditions. the disease. Cure (me/him), for surely permitted. Ladies wear headscarf ( Hijab ), long gowns Regarding You are the Healer. There is no cure but • Organ donations or acceptance are not with long sleeves. Most minimum coverage Yours. Grant a cure that leaves no restricted. However, leave this matter to the for men is from navel to knees. Pajamas are disease.” discretion of the patient’s living will or very appropriate.

A prayers taught by Prophet Muhammad – family. Normally, Islamic law dictates to • Surrogate mothering is against Islamic write the last will in the first instant. Muslim Patients PBUH. Ref. Bukhari etiquette and is prohibited. Besides possible can/should also write a living will. legalities and mental sufferings. &&& • CPR : No restrictions • Muslims practice Tahara ; i.e., wash after Part 1 • Genetic engineering to cure a disease is relieving (urinating and/or passing stools). acceptable, but there is a negative attitude Full bath is compulsory after intercourse, • Under emergency and life threatening for cloning by the Muslim scholars. seminal discharge, and after menstrual situations , there are no restrictions of any • Maintaining a terminal patient on period. kind [Q (Quran ), 5: 3 & 6:145(6) ] for the artificial life support for a prolonged period • Ablution ( ); Obligatory washing of purposes of medication, treatment, Islamic Society of North America, Canada, in a vegetative state is not encouraged. The hands, face (including mouth, nostrils & preventative measures, etc. HQ Mississauga time to be born and time to die is ears) wiping of head and neck and washing • As far as possible, the same gender considered predestined. (wiping) of feet is part of the five daily medical staff should handle and assist # 2200 South Sheridan Way • Euthanasia is forbidden. Best solution is prayers. If certain patient cannot use water, Muslim patients for their privacy needs. Mississauga ON, L5J 2M4 to administer maximum but safe dosage of ablution is done symbolically without Even the dead should be handled the same Tel. 905-403-8406 Ex. 206 pain killers. Since service to the sick is very water. way. Muslims do not shake hands with the virtuous, we should do the best to alleviate • Five daily prayers of just a few minutes opposite gender unless they are Mahrim www.isnacanada.com pains. each are spread over 24 hours. A patient (close blood relatives like the family • Birth control – generally acceptable on who cannot stand for prayers may sit on members). Print Jan. ‘13 health reasons; husband and wife have to chair or lie down in the bed to perform it. • Under normal conditions, mind-altering agree on methods. drugs (intoxicants ), alcohol, pig or its Note : Please inform the patients about Spiritual & If possible , same gender staff or the family of Muhammad (Peace be upon him - The five Tenets of Islam: Religious Care Dept. and the Meditation room in the members should attend the dead. Turn the PBUH ), the Last Prophet to mankind 1. - Attest and recite the creed, hospital for the use of their visitors. Patients may also like to know the direction of North in their bed face of the patient towards Macca, Saudi (570 – 632 Christian era). “There is no god but Allah (The God). Arabia (North-East in Ontario and most Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” room for the purpose of facing during prayers. • A Muslim is follower of the monotheistic Some General Teachings of Islam. parts of Canada). 2. Salaah – 5 daily prayers, spread over faith Islam. Islam means peace, submission 24 hrs., a few minutes each time after ritual Dietary Laws: After death, to the will of Allah; revealed Holy Book is wash - Wudu . Patients, who are unable to Quran; Allah is The Lord, The Creator, The • No pork or its bi-products (pepsin, 1.Close eyes and mouth. Mouth can be set stand for prayers, can perform it sitting on a Most Loving, The Most Merciful, The gelatin, or lard as ingredients in food). closed by tying gauze around the head chair or lying on bed. Sovereign, The Healer and has many more • No alcohol in food or drinks. No including the jaws. 3. Siyaam - Fasting in the lunar month of attributes. The word Allah has no gender or intoxicants or recreational drugs except for 2.Straighten arms and set aside; not Ramadan. This is abstinence from food and number. There is non like Him. medical treatment. crossed on chest unless the family insists. drink, smoking and other sensual pleasures, • ‘Allah’ is the proper name mentioned for • Acceptable meats: beef, lamb, chicken Straighten legs (Toes may be tightened starting from just before the break of dawn, ‘God’ in Quran so also in Christian’s and turkey (Must be slaughtered under together to keep legs straight). to sun set. Sick folks, pregnant women, Bible. Muhammad (Peace be upon Islamic tradition, i.e., Halaal ). 3.Before releasing the body, kindly remove feeding mothers and travelers are excused. him), son of Abdullah is The Last Prophet Kosher food is acceptable (no alcohol or all tubes and needles as much as possible to They have to make good for the missed and Messenger of God. ( Q 33:40 ) wine) if Halaal meat is not available. facilitate the family members who would days when they are back to normal. The • Revelations were given to Prophets ( Q • All dairy products, eggs, seafood (any wash the body for the . infirm and terminally ill can compensate by 3:84 ) David, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad fish), all vegetables, cereals, millets and 4. Release the body ASAP , since Muslims feeding the poor. (Peace be upon them all). The Quran is the pulses are permitted. want to bury the dead without any 4. Zakaah - A compulsory portion of unavoidable delay. final revelation given to Muhammad charity, a minimum of 2 ½% of the extra Death and : (PBUH ). Quran is the source of guidance 5.Respect the dead and never leave it naked wealth saved for over one full lunar year. When there are signs of imminent death, at any time. and knowledge for the whole of mankind 5. – Those who can afford, should inform the family. Family and friends may 6. Autopsy: may be done only if essential until the Last Day. It has been preserved perform pilgrimage to Ka`ba in Macca like to recite Shahada and Sura Yaseen for legal investigations. If there is a untainted all over the world which is a (Saudi Arabia), the first Mosque on earth from the Quran near patient’s bedside at the Coroner’s exam , kindly finish it ASAP . living miracle by itself. built by Abraham. This journey is time of death. Privacy for the family is Remove any urinary / IV bags &/or other Articles of faith: compulsory only once in a lifetime. appreciated. attachments before releasing the body. 7.Disposal of the body : After the traditional Muslims believe in Allah, His angles, His Socio Religious System: Attendance of an Imam or A`lim (Muslim wash, shroud and funeral prayer in the scriptures, His Messengers and the Day of clergy) is not a must. It is OK if available. • After the Quran , the second main source Mosque or elsewhere, the body is buried in Judgment. Allah is the Master of our Muslims believe in the life Hereafter. A of guidance in Islam is the the nearby Muslim , without too destiny and there is resurrection after death person’s physical body dies and his/her (Traditions of Prophet Muhammad much delay. No embalming may be done for accountability. soul is ‘transferred’ to Hereafter for the (PBUH ) Q 59:7 . The Shariah refers to the unless the body has to be flown overseas. Accountability. Man is given the power of discretion in life laws based on the above two. This is strongly discouraged. • Islam is the ‘natural way of life’ and Steps to be taken by the hospital staff at 8. is prohibited. affairs his actions will be judged in the the time of death : Hereafter on the basis of Quran and the every child that is born, inherits the laws Consult the family if available and proceed Part 2 traditions of Muhammad ( PBUH ). We of nature which is ‘Islam’ and hence a believe in Heaven & Hell. Muslim. Subsequently, it is the parents with the following guidelines: Islamic Teachings & Concepts as and environs which brings up the child described in Quran, and the Traditions the way he/she believes. • Taking Medical treatment is a must for • No recreational intoxicants like alcohol & hair and the underarms is to be done at least Creator, Care taker, Provider, The Healer, the disease but trust in Allah for Cure. drugs. Gambling, (usury), and once in 40 days; The Kindest, The Most Benevolent, The • Lawful & the Prohibited ( Halaal & suicide, are sinful and strictly prohibited. • Use of fragrance is encouraged. Just and with many more such attributes. Haraam ) are very important & well (Q 2:219, 4:28 ) • Compulsory bath after nocturnal ‘Death’ is only going back to our loving defined in terms of food, actions, life • means to strive, self restraint to discharge, intercourse or at the end of Lord; hence a Muslim is not afraid of style & concepts. ( Q 5:1, 3 etc.) practice peace & piety. Recently, ‘ Jihad ’ has menstrual cycle, and after child birth. death. Married social life is Islamic. • We came from Allah and we will return become synonymous in the media to mean • Bath after funeral preparation; that is, Celibacy is prohibited. to Him. ( Q 2:156 ) ‘Holy War’. There is no such a word ‘Holy washing the dead. At least perform • The dead have to be buried ASAP . • No priesthood. The most learned Muslim War’ in Quran or in the traditions of ablution. is only three days. Except for the Muhammad ( PBUH ) and is unknown to Islam. in the congregation leads the prayers. He • Bath before Friday weekly widow which is for 4 months and ten days. Arms struggle could become a necessity if is called Imam or A`alim . congregational prayer. • Men and women are equal in status ( Q attacked, or to remove aggression or rd Cultural & Social Customs: • We are supposed to eat 1/3 belly full, 33:35 ) and have rights and responsibilities oppression. Rules of war that are universally rd rd drink 1/3 and keep the belly 1/3 empty. Some communities have less tolerance to towards each other. Both have the right to just are specified and defined in Islam. Drink in sitting position, not gulping. pain and at a time of calamity, they may own property, business, and rights for • True Islam is indeed a practical and • All vegetables, cereals, millets, eggs and burst into tears and cry openly. divorce. However, divorce is considered successful way of life, good for all and for all sea food is allowed. Lamb, beef and to be the worst in the sight of Allah.( Q all ages and environments. chicken have to be killed in Islamic If possible seriousness of the decease and 2:228-232 ) tradition i.e., Halaal . Blood and dead life expectancy is better discussed with the Hygiene in Islam: • There is no barrier or hierarchy regarding animal meat except fish, is unlawful. Pork head of the family or next to kin. The race, nationality, color, language or patient might appoint some one as his/her • Full bath was recommended (1400 ago in and its byproducts are strictly prohibited. family status or wealth. Muslims stand spokes person for any medical procedure. shoulder to shoulder in prayers. In the the desert country) at least once in a week. • Any intoxicant, alcohol of any small quantity and recreational drugs including sight of Allah, the best among the peoples • Wudu (Ablution) before five daily At the time of delivery, the expectant might tobacco are prohibited. prefer her mother or any woman to be with are those who are pious. ( Q 2:177 ) prayers: this includes a thorough hand her; not necessarily her husband. • The diversity in Allah’s creation is washing, in-between fingers, wash face • Gambling is prohibited which could lead including blowing nose and rinsing to mental, family and social problem. considered a means to understand one Some times, women might even shy away another and appreciate the creation of nostrils, cleaning teeth & tongue, ears – • Fasting is prescribed from before dawn to even to go a female doctor to talk about inside and outside the ear lobe, back of the Allah, rather than to divide (Q 49:13 ). dusk for one lunar month ( Ramadan ). No gynecological problems. They may be shy • A Muslim is not necessarily an Arab or a neck, wipe head, wash arms up to elbows food or drink of any kind or quantity is or even avoid a lady breast examiner. They South Asian. He could be black, brown and finally wash (wipe) feet up to ankles. allowed. No sexual activity during fasting need further education. white or yellow. They could be Chinese, • Wash after urinating or passing stools. If time. Russian, Italian or German etc. He could water is not available or cannot be used, • Fasting during Ramadan is exempted for Most Muslims are serious about their dress be Mr. Banister or Mr. Muhammad or then at least wipe (using wet paper tissue). the older folks and the chronically ill code. Mr. Lee or Mr. Green or Mr. Patel • Circumcision for boys is done. Female patients but they have to feed the poor as • Family and social life is essential. circumcision is not Islamic. It is only a compensation. The sick , feeding mothers One unusual note to the physicians of Celibacy is discouraged. Adultery, custom in certain countries. and the travelers can postpone fasting till Canada is that people coming from hot fornication & acts of homosexuality are • Clipping nails is a must. Keep hair on they are in a position to fast. countries feel cold in a room even at 21 deemed sinful. scalp trim and groomed; Shaving of pubic • Mental health is enhanced through degrees centigrade. Please help them. believing in The Almighty Allah the

Holidays: Amjad R. M. Syed, Published by ISNA Some Mosques of Greater Toronto: Author: ‘Islamic Perspectives on Prayers & Coping Canada, Mississauga ( 905-403-8406 Ex. 218 ) with Sickness’ Published by ISNA Canada Islamic Centre of Canada (ISNA), # 2200 South Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycle. Sheridan Way, Mississauga L5J 2M4. Tel. Author: ‘Islamic ’ (Under publication) Hence there is always a difference of 11 ‘What Everyone Needs to Know About 905-403-8406 Ext. 206. (Islamic Book store , Author of Brochures for Muslim patients. days (short each year) between lunar and Islam' . By John L. Esposito, Oxford Muslim Patient Visitation Service , & Funeral the solar dates. University Press. service ). Every Friday afternoon, congregational Islamic books are available at: Alfalah Masjid (ICNA), # 391 Burnhamthorpe Road Your Notes: prayers are conducted in the Mosque which [email protected] East. Oakville ON, L6J 4Z2. is a must for healthy men. Women may Tel. # 905-257-5782 (Islamic Books store ). Call 905-403-8406 Ex. 218 pray at home, Mosque or in hospital bed. Jamia Masjid Mississauga, Ramadan , is the month of fasting and Islamic Propagation Centre of Mississauga Brochures in ISNA; practicing strict piety. # 5761 Coopers Ave. Mississauga. • ‘Coping with Sickness’ Tel. # 905-507-3323

• ‘RU 4 Surgery?’ Jamia Islamia Canada, Mississauga, Major Feasts: Tel. # 905-279-3040; • ‘Welcome New Baby!’ 1) Eid-ul-Fitr , 1 st day after the month of • Smile, The Best Medicine Jame Masjid Brampton, # 8450, Torbram Road Ramadan. 905-458-8778 (Funeral Service available). • Attending the Dying

th Jami Mosque, Bousted Ave. Toronto, 2) Eid-ul-Adha , 10 day of the month of • ‘Islamic Funeral Services Information’ Tel. # 416-769-1192 (Funeral service & Book Zul-Hajj, the day after the annual Hajj store ). • Islamic Funeral Information for the pilgrimage in Macca. Madinah Mosque, Danforth Ave. Toronto, Guests attending the Funeral [Note: Islamic calendar is lunar; hence there will Tel. #416-465-7833. (Funeral service available ). Service be 11 days difference – short each year] Islamic Foundation, Nugget Ave. Scarborough • Palliative Care: Islamic Tel. # 416-321-0909; 416-321-9275. (Hospital Further Ref. Books : Perspectives patient’s visitation program; Funeral service, Books • ‘Islam … at a glance’ Store ) 1. Quran , English translation by Yusuf Ali, (or Pickthal, or Asad, or M. F. Malik): Taric Mosque, Beverly Hills Dr., Weston. Interesting Web Sites about Islam: Tel. # 416-245-5675 2. ‘Index of Quranic Topics’ by Asfaque U Syed, by Amana www.imana.org Shea community - Jafary Islamic Centre Markham, [Especially for the Islamic Medical Ethics; Consult ON ( Funeral service: Book; Tel. # 905-881-1763) : Publication, Washington DC . IMANA ‘The Islamic Medical Association of the Ismaili Community: Tel. # 905-278-5626 U.S.A and Canada’] 3. ‘The Life of Muhammad’ www.isnacanada.com by M.H.Haykal; and www.islamicinstitute.ca

www.tanzil.info Compiled by: Amjad R.M. Syed, 4. ‘Islam in Focus’ by Hammudah, B. Sc., R.T ( Canadian Society of Medical Abdalati; both books by American Trust www.Quranexplorer.com www.tafsir.com Technologists ). Publications: Coordinator, Patients Visiting Program , and www.islamicfinder.com 5. ‘Islamic Perspectives on Prayers & Chair , Funeral Committee at ISNA Canada. For Mosques and Services in your area, Coping with Sickness .’ Book, by please check in Telephone Directory Hospital Patients Visitor and Member of The Spiritual & Religious Care Advisory Committees in under Islamic Centres or Mosques. hospitals.