Comprehensive Assignment – Submission of your Final Research Proposal

Dr. Mixon

PSYC-401

21 October 2022

Comprehensive Assignment

My chosen research topic is the practices of the Islamic faith related to illness, suffering, death, dying, grief, mourning rituals, and burial or cremation. I chose this topic because Islam is the second largest religion in the world, and I am interested in how this religion deals with death and dying. This topic is significant because death is a universal experience and understanding how different cultures and religions deal with death can help us to understand the human experience. This research will be of interest to scholars and students of religion and culture. Finally, this research will be of interest to anyone who is interested in understanding the Islamic faith and its practices related to death and dying. Additionally, this research can help to inform the practices of healthcare providers who work with Muslim patients (Eyetsemitan, 2021).

Islam has a rich tradition of practices related to death and dying. Muslims believe that death is a natural part of life, and they have developed practices to help them cope with death. For example, when a Muslim is dying, they are typically surrounded by their family and friends, who recite prayers and verses from the Quran. After death, the body is washed and shrouded in a white cloth, and the funeral is held as soon as possible. Grief is a natural part of the mourning process, and Muslims often express their grief through prayer, reading the Quran, and spending time with family and friends. These practices are significant because they provide a way for Muslims to cope with death and dying. They also help to create a sense of community and support for those who are grieving. Additionally, these practices can help to inform the practices of healthcare providers who work with Muslim patients (Bahadur, 2020).

Another way the Islamic faith relates to death, dying, grief, mourning rituals, and burial or cremation is through the concept of martyrdom. Muslims believe that those who die while defending their faith or while performing good deeds are martyrs, and they are rewarded with a special place in paradise. This belief provides comfort to Muslims who are grieving the loss of a loved one, and it also helps to motivate Muslims to do good deeds. Finally, the concept of martyrdom can help to inform the practices of healthcare providers who work with Muslim patients (Bahadur, 2020).

References

Eyetsemitan, F. E. (2021). Death, dying, and bereavement around the world: Theories, varied views and customs. Charles C Thomas Publisher.

Bahadur, P. (2020). Rituals and beliefs surrounding death in Islam. Journal of Adventist Mission Studies, 16(1), 173-192.