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Beliefs About Health, Healing, and Healthcare

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Health and Well-Being in Islamic Societies

Abstract

Here we examine what the Qur’an and Hadith say about health and healing, how Muslims view the physical body, attitudes about the meaning and purpose of sickness, the obligation to visit the sick, and the powerful role that the sick person plays in the healing of others. We discuss what the word “healing” means, how Muslims understand spiritual healing, and what they believe is the source of all healing. We also examine how Muslims have traditionally viewed healthcare, whether Islamic beliefs support the seeking of medical services, and the actions of the Prophet Muhammad when he was sick. We discuss supernatural beliefs related to health and healing that are common among Muslims, including beliefs about miracles, angels, and demons (jinn). We also examine the views of Muslims on ethical issues in medicine, such as suicide and assisted-suicide, abortion, and contraception. Other health practices and behaviors important to Muslims are also addressed, including circumcision, oral care, sleep, exercise, alcohol and drug use, and spending habits. This chapter also explores relationships with family and friends and how such relationship may impact health and the seeking of healthcare.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Citations to Sahih Bukhari are based on a 2009 translation M. Muhain Khan (2009). We list the reference by volume, book, and number (vol/book/no). See http://d1.islamhouse.com/data/en/ih_books/single/en_Sahih_Al-Bukhari.pdf (last accessed April 22, 2014).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    Harold G. Koenig

  2. King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Harold G. Koenig & Saad Al Shohaib

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  1. Harold G. Koenig
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  2. Saad Al Shohaib
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Koenig, H.G., Shohaib, S.A. (2014). Beliefs About Health, Healing, and Healthcare. In: Health and Well-Being in Islamic Societies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05873-3_3

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