The Muslim culture is what we researched this week for our transcultural nursing class.  I have to admit I had some premature misconceptions of the Muslim culture and faith based off of extremist actions in the news and in popular conversation.  It is easy to form assumptions and beliefs about another culture or faith because you do not understand it.  That was the case for me before I actually looked into what Muslims believe.  I had expected to learn more of what I had heard in the news and heard in conversing with others.  I didn't.

What I actually learned was that, while there are radicals that end up in the news for doing horrible things, most Muslims live in peace and try to follow their faith and teachings from God just like most of us do.  There are radicals in every culture and faith.  I learned that Muslims actually do believe in God (I had not realized this before) and hold many beliefs I do as a Christian.  They have many of the same scriptures and commandments.  While they do have different gender roles and customs according to dress than I do, I learned that it is not to shame women or degrade them.  They hold their guidelines out of respect and a desire to protect women.  

Another thing I learned about was how Muslims feel about death.  It is a natural part of life for them and is not taboo or feared.  They respect their dead just as their living and want them to have a proper burial soon after death.  They believe that the dead can perceive pain.  They do not want their dead to feel pain, and, because of this and the delay it can cause in burial, they usually forgo an autopsy.  I learned the guidelines for placement of a deceased Muslim and the care that is given to each person who has passed on.

I am glad that I was able to learn about the muslim belief in the sanctity of life and their concept of death.  I will make sure that if I am ever in the position to provide care for a Muslim, I will ensure they know how much I want to protect that life and keep them well.  I will also follow the instructions given to Muslims about preparing their dead for burial if I am ever in that situation.  I believe that is how every person who has died should be treated.  

I still have some misgivings about the inequality for Muslim girls in education and other areas in some Islamic countries, but many of the assumptions I held I know are wrong.  I cannot base my attitude toward someone based off secondhand reports from another country or by the behavior of a small group of extremists.  It would be easy to be lazy and hate someone who does something wrong in the name of a much larger group, but I do not want to do that.  I will take the opportunity to get to know each individual Muslim who I cross paths with or have the possibility to care for for who they are and not by the actions of someone else who did something out of hate.  I am excited for the occasion!