Islamic cultures: Health-care beliefs and practices

This article provides an overview of Islam and Islamic health-care beliefs and practices, as well as health-related social and spiritual issues. Major topics discussed are fundamental beliefs and themes in Islam; health-care beliefs and practices common among Muslims; and health-affecting social roles among Muslims, including relations between sexes and family structure. Cultural, religious, and social barriers to health care ape discussed, as are means of reducing the barriers and providing care. Pertinent quotes from the Koran are used throughout the article to substantiate and illustrate important points.