The Muslim Minority. Angela Betts & Beth Simpson Ms. Purnell SOCW 333

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1 The Muslim Minority Angela Betts & Beth Simpson Ms. Purnell SOCW 333

2 Facts About Muslims Muslims make-up approx. 22% of the world s population About 85% of all Muslims belong to the Sunni sect The United States has an estimated 5.7 million Muslims living within its borders (this is roughly equal to America s Jewish population) 2

3 Muslims in America Largest Muslim populations are in the cities of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Houston Approx % of Muslims in America are African-American Excluding African-Americans, it is estimated that 75% of Muslims are foreign-born 3

4 Five Pillars of Islam Profession of Faith Participate in Prayer 5 Times Each Day Fast During Ramadan Give Alms (Charity) Make Pilgrimage to Mecca 4

5 Basic Values Community Equality Justice Empathy Benevolence Family Husband & Wife are equal, but have complementary roles within the household Sovereignty of God 5

6 Values Comparison Islam Western Secular Liberalism Community Individualism Connectedness Separateness Consensus Self-determination Interdependence Independence Community actualization Self-actualization Group achievement and success Personal achievement and success Respect for Community Rights Respect for Individual Rights Community Reliance Self-reliance Self-Control Self-Expression 6

7 Values Comparison Islam Western Secular Liberalism Sensitivity to Group Oppression Sensitivity to Self Oppression Identity Rooted in Culture & God Identity Rooted in Sexuality & Work Complementary Gender Roles Egalitarian Gender Roles Pro-Life Pro-Choice Sexuality Expressed in Marriage Sexuality Expressed Based on Individual Choice Implicit Communication that Safeguards Others Explicit Communication that Safeguards Others Spirituality & Morality Derived From Shari a Spirituality & Morality Individually Constructed Spiritual/Eternal Orientation Material Orientation 7

8 American Attitudes Towards Muslims Americans' personal discomfort with Muslims is reflected in survey questions dealing with their reaction to being near Muslims in different situations. Nearly one quarter of Americans, 22%, say they would not like to have a Muslim as a neighbor. Slightly fewer, 18%, say they would feel nervous if they noticed a Muslim woman flying on the same airplane as themselves, while significantly more -- 31% -- say they would feel nervous if they noticed a Muslim man on their flight. Gallup Poll (2006) 8

9 American Attitudes Towards Muslims 9

10 Media Quotes About Islam & Muslims This is a virus. Islam is a virus. It is a deadly virus that is spreading throughout Europe and the Western world, and it is going to completely and totally change the way we live our lives in this country. Neil Boortz, Host of Nationally Syndicated Radio Show So all of those things have combined. It's not a civil war as NBC News wants you to think. It has nothing to do with that. It has to do with a lot of bad guys going into an area and seizing the opportunity to create death and mayhem. And they're all Muslims, and they're doing what they do. They're killing each other. And they're killing Americans. Bill O Reilly, Newspaper Columnist, Radio & TV Show Host Only a devastating military blow against the hearts of Islamic terror coupled with an outright ban on Muslim immigration, laws making the dissemination of enemy propaganda illegal, and the uncoupling of the liberal ACLU can save the United States. I would also make the construction of mosques illegal in America and the speaking of English only in the streets of the United States the law. - Michael Savage, Host of a Nationally Syndicated Radio Show 10

11 Media Quotes about Islam & Muslims If I see someone [who] comes in that s got a diaper on his head and a fan belt wrapped around the diaper on his head, that guy needs to be pulled over. - Congressman Cooksey, from Louisiana, who sits on the International Relations Subcommittee for the Middle East and South Asia The God of Islam is not the same God. He s not the son of God of the Christian or Judeo-Christian Faith. It s a different God, and I believe it is a very evil and wicked religion. - Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, said during an NBC Evening News newscast 11

12 Recent Headlines Concerning Islam & Muslims Pentagon Advisor: U.S. Military Academy Should Weigh Muslim Applicants Carefully Muslim Beating: Five Orthodox Teens Charged in Bias Attack Baptist Convention told: Muslims 'are here to take over our country Lubbock Mosque Vandalized Three Times in One Month 12

13 Considerations for Working with Muslim Clients Ask questions. If you are unsure about a Muslim client s belief, just ask. Inquiring about a client s belief system and traditions sends a message of respect. Bear in mind that individual Muslims may differ in regards to their traditions and beliefs. There are different sects of Islam, and with each sect, there can be different traditions and beliefs. Because followers of Islam generally take their faith very seriously, it is a good idea to incorporate Muslim clients spirituality into the healing process. Because Islam places a strong emphasis on modesty, Muslim women may not be comfortable sharing intimate thoughts with a man (and visa versa). Be cautious when using open and direct communication patterns, as they are often associated with selfishness and unconcern about group harmony. 13

14 More Considerations According to the Islamic faith, things like alcohol, abortion, and homosexuality are considered wrong. It is important to realize the negative implications of an abortion, drinking, or being homosexual to a Muslim client. Alternatively, don t assume that all Muslims share these viewpoints, or adhere to traditional Muslim values. Keep in mind the five pillars of Islam, especially those that may affect your work with your client. For example, the fasting during Ramadan and the requirement of charitable giving can sometimes pose hardships on a client, but may be a very important aspect of the client faith. Islam is often portrayed through the lens of the Western Liberal society. In essence, think critically when reading literature about Muslims and when working with Muslim clients. Get the family involved. Muslims place a big emphasis on family and community, thus working with the entire family unit can be a benefit to the helping process. 14

15 Things to Avoid When Working With Muslims Don t dress immodestly (low necklines, short skirts, etc.). This is considered a sign of disrespect. Be sensitive to Muslim prayer times; do not schedule meetings or appointments during times of prayer. Avoid shaking hands, picking-up a Qur'an, or eating with your left hand. The left hand is considered unclean. Avoid shaking hands with the opposite gender. Don t keep your shoes on when entering a Muslim client s home. 15

16 More Things to Avoid 1. Don t offer Muslim clients food or candy, unless you are sure it is halal (lawful, permitted). 2. Don t talk to children and wives first, when greeting a family of Muslims. It is respectful to speak to the father before the rest of the family. 16

17 Suggested Books & Articles Social Work and the House of Islam: Orienting Practitioners to the Beliefs and Values of Muslims in the United States, Hodge, D. R. Islam in America: Separate but Equal, G. Abdo. Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving? Anthropological Reflections on Cultural Relativism and its Others, Abu-Lughod, L. Islam and the Muslim community, Denny, F.M. Culturally sensitive care of the Muslim patient, Lawrence, P. & Rozmus, C. Standing Alone in Mecca by Nomani, A. Q. Becoming Muslim: The Development of a Religious Identity, Peek, L. 17

18 Islam in the Movies Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Many Muslims have praised the positive portrayal of Morgan Freeman's Muslim character, a friend of Robin Hood. The 13th Warrior - Set in A.D. 922, an Arab courtier (Banderas) has to help Vikings defeat a foe. The civilized Islamic character finds himself appalled by the Vikings' primitive ways. Malcolm X - Spike Lee's biopic of the AfricanAmerican leader chronicles his conversion to the Nation of Islam and then, later, to Sunni Islam after a pilgrimage to Mecca. 18

19 Suggested Films & Documentaries Inside Islam The Clay Bird Nazrah: A Muslim Woman's Perspective Islam: Empire of Faith The History of Islam in Europe 19

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Conflicts within the Muslim community. Angela Betts. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

1 Running head: MUSLIM CONFLICTS Conflicts within the Muslim community Angela Betts University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 2 Conflicts within the Muslim community Introduction In 2001, the western world