Religion and Disparities: Considering the Influences of Islam on the Health of American Muslims

Abstract

Both theory and data suggest that religions shape the way individuals interpret and seek help for their illnesses. Yet, health disparities research has rarely examined the influence of a shared religion on the health of individuals from distinct minority communities. In this paper, we focus on Islam and American Muslims to outline the ways in which a shared religion may impact the health of a racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse minority community. We use Kleinman's "cultural construction of clinical reality" as a theoretical framework to interpret the extant literature on American Muslim health. We then propose a research agenda that would extend current disparities research to include measures of religiosity, particularly among populations that share a minority religious affiliation. The research we propose would provide a fuller understanding of the relationships between religion and health among Muslim Americans and other minority communities and would thereby undergird efforts to reduce unwarranted health disparities.

Why Cancer Patients Seek Islamic Healing

“…This finding is consistent with a study on American Muslims who reported that they believed that God heals indirectly through the actions of healers that use religious sources such as the Quran and supplications from Muhammad (Padela and Curlin 2012). The Quran contains verses that are beneficial as a means of healing (Elkadi 1993).…”

“…According to Kleinman's work on the ''cultural construction of clinical reality,'' religion can influence a patient's health and health-seeking behaviors (Padela and Curlin 2012). In the context of American Muslim, a God-centered Islamic framework leads them to believe that illness is caused by God or by part of God's will which leads them back to Islam in a way to find healing (Padela and Curlin 2012).…”

Religious Practices and Self-Care in Iranian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

“…Islam provides a God-centered framework for interpreting health and illness and an ethico-legal framework for clinical decision-making (Padela and Curlin 2013). Islamic teachings encourage Muslims to seek treatment when they fall sick (Al-shahri and AlKhenaizan 2005).…”

“…Muslims may believe that health results from following the teachings and practices of Islam. Accordingly, Muslim patients may turn to religious practices in order to restore their health and thereby achieve health benefits from religious social support (Padela and Curlin 2013). The Holy Quran says: ''Howa al-shafi,'' which means the curer is God (Iranian Institute for Science and Research Expansion 1992) or ''Call on me; I will answer your prayer'' (Translation of Quran 2015).…”

Religion as a Social Determinant of Maternal Health Care Service Utilisation in Nigeria

“…This is link to the belief that health problems are caused by the influence of bad diet, natural phenomenon, wrath of God as a punishment for sin, demon possession, life style and malicious spiritual manipulations by enemies (Olanisebe, 2002;Ikorok, 2003). Moslems also believe in the spiritual causes of health problems and often distinguish between illness that may be treated medically and those that may be related to the will of God (Padela & Curlin, 2012). Spiritualising health situation in the process of determining when to seek medical help or when to apply formal medicine shaped utilisation of health care by adherents of different religions.…”