Culture of RespectCulture of Respect

A Muslim PerspectiveA Muslim Perspective

Javeed Akhter MDJaveed Akhter MD

Back to ISPI

22

Objectives.Objectives.

1.1. Discuss multi-culturalism and pluralism.Discuss multi-culturalism and pluralism.

2.2. Point out the differences between tolerance Point out the differences between tolerance and pluralism.and pluralism.

3.3. Review the Muslim attitude toward pluralism.Review the Muslim attitude toward pluralism.

4.4. Outline some common challenges facing a Outline some common challenges facing a Muslim patient.Muslim patient.

5.5. Suggest ways of creating a culture of respect Suggest ways of creating a culture of respect for care receivers.for care receivers.

33

Multi-culturalismMulti-culturalism

• In the first “Parliament of World Religions” held a In the first “Parliament of World Religions” held a little over a hundred years ago in Chicago little over a hundred years ago in Chicago almost all delegates were Christians and Jews.almost all delegates were Christians and Jews.

• There was only one Muslim delegate “Alexander There was only one Muslim delegate “Alexander Russel Webb” Russel Webb”

• • and one Hindu delegate “Swami Vivekanandaand one Hindu delegate “Swami Vivekananda• The most recent parliament had scores of “faiths The most recent parliament had scores of “faiths

and traditions” representedand traditions” represented

44

Multi-culturalismMulti-culturalism

• Multi-culturalism is a historically new Multi-culturalism is a historically new phenomenon in the US.phenomenon in the US.

• ““The Harvard Pluralism Project” run by The Harvard Pluralism Project” run by Diana Eck well known scholar Diana Eck well known scholar

lists many of new religions thriving in this lists many of new religions thriving in this nation of ours. nation of ours.

55

Plurality of FaithsPlurality of Faiths

Pluralism essential for civil society. JPluralism essential for civil society. Javeed Akhter.TAM2003.aveed Akhter.TAM2003.

66

PluralismPluralism

• Multiplicity of cultures, faiths and traditions Multiplicity of cultures, faiths and traditions in the same public space makes in the same public space makes understanding pluralism essential.understanding pluralism essential.

Pluralism essential for civil society. JPluralism essential for civil society. Javeed Akhter.TAM2003.aveed Akhter.TAM2003.

77

PluralismPluralism

• ““This realization of shared desires and This realization of shared desires and needs is clear and apparent to those who needs is clear and apparent to those who live in multi-religious societies and to those live in multi-religious societies and to those that participate in interfaith dialogue that participate in interfaith dialogue

• The acceptance of the idea that there is The acceptance of the idea that there is much truth in many faiths and traditions much truth in many faiths and traditions and one’s own personal faith is not the and one’s own personal faith is not the exclusive abode of all truth is pluralism.”exclusive abode of all truth is pluralism.”

88

PluralismPluralism

• Pluralism may be inter-religious as well as Pluralism may be inter-religious as well as intra-religious.intra-religious.

• Other than the Hajj pilgrimage, famous for its Other than the Hajj pilgrimage, famous for its multi-racial multi-ethnic character, Muslim multi-racial multi-ethnic character, Muslim communities in the US are the most diverse.communities in the US are the most diverse.

99

The Challenges of PluralismThe Challenges of Pluralism

• Need to learn to respect values of others that may be Need to learn to respect values of others that may be incompatible or even in conflict with your own values.incompatible or even in conflict with your own values.

• Sometimes the values of the other group may be Sometimes the values of the other group may be incompatible with the broad understanding of “global incompatible with the broad understanding of “global ethics”.ethics”.

• The state may contain religious and cultural minorities The state may contain religious and cultural minorities whose members may hold values incompatible with whose members may hold values incompatible with majority views and sometimes state laws.majority views and sometimes state laws.

• Even though you may value pluralism the other person Even though you may value pluralism the other person may not.may not.

1010

Pluralism Versus TolerancePluralism Versus Tolerance

• Tolerance presupposes that the followers Tolerance presupposes that the followers of other traditions are largely if not entirely of other traditions are largely if not entirely mislead and deserve compassion.mislead and deserve compassion.

• Tolerance privileges one’s own view over Tolerance privileges one’s own view over those of others.those of others.

1111

Pluralism Versus TolerancePluralism Versus Tolerance

• Tolerance is inherently arrogant.Tolerance is inherently arrogant.

• Pluralism is born out of humility and Pluralism is born out of humility and aversion to being judgmental.aversion to being judgmental.

• Tolerance does not regard diversity as Tolerance does not regard diversity as something positive.something positive.

Islam And Pluralism.Islam And Pluralism.

www.ISPI-USA.orgwww.ISPI-USA.org

1313

Islam And PluralismIslam And Pluralism

• Pluralism in the life of Prophet Muhammad: The Constitution (Covenant) of Madinah.

• This Constitution set out many of the principles essential to the peaceful functioning of a pluralistic society.

1414

Islam and PluralismIslam and Pluralism

• It gave equality to all its citizens and accepted the coexistence of different religions in the community.

• All religious, ethnic and tribal groups had equal protection, rights and dignity.

• These groups (Three Jewish and two Arab tribes) would live by their own beliefs and judge themselves by their own laws.

1515

Islam and PluralismIslam and Pluralism

• Prophet Muhammad's inspiration for this pluralistic model was the Qur'an (Koran), which makes it incumbent upon Muslims to accept and respect all of the previous messengers without distinction and honor their communities.

1616

The Koran (Qur’an) And The Koran (Qur’an) And Pluralism. Pluralism.

“The Apostle believeth in what had been revealed to him from his Lord,

As do men of faith.

Each one of them believeth in Allah (God),

His angels, His books and His Apostles.

We make no distinction between any of the Apostles.” (Qur’an 2.285)

1717

The Qur’an Celebrates The Qur’an Celebrates Diversity.Diversity.

• ““O humankind Allah (God)O humankind Allah (God) has created has created you male and female you male and female

• And made you into diverse nations and And made you into diverse nations and tribes so that you may come to know each tribes so that you may come to know each other. other.

• Verily the most honored among you is he Verily the most honored among you is he who is the most righteous.” (who is the most righteous.” (Qur’an 49.13) 49.13)

1818

The Qur’an Appears To Imply The Qur’an Appears To Imply Diversity Is Part Of The Divine Diversity Is Part Of The Divine Design.Design.

• ““To each of you (religions) God (Allah) has To each of you (religions) God (Allah) has prescribed a law (shiratun) and a way (minhaj).prescribed a law (shiratun) and a way (minhaj).

• If God (Allah) had willed he would have made If God (Allah) had willed he would have made you a single people.you a single people.

• But God’s purpose is to test you in what he has But God’s purpose is to test you in what he has given each of you.given each of you.

• So strive in the pursuit of virtue. (Qur’an 5.48)So strive in the pursuit of virtue. (Qur’an 5.48)

Creating a Culture Of Creating a Culture Of Respect.Respect.

2020

What would Be Your Response To What would Be Your Response To This Woman If She Walked Into This Woman If She Walked Into Your Clinic?Your Clinic?

1.1. What in the name is that?What in the name is that?

2.2. Another oppressed Muslim woman. Another oppressed Muslim woman.

3.3. She must be hot in there.She must be hot in there.

4.4. Different strokes for different folks. Different strokes for different folks.

5.5. That is cool! I am going to go out there That is cool! I am going to go out there and get myself a and get myself a Hijab, Jilbab Hijab, Jilbab andand Niqab. Niqab.

2121

The Correct Response.The Correct Response.

• What can I do to make sure she feels What can I do to make sure she feels comfortable and has her dignity.comfortable and has her dignity.

2222

Our Client. Our Client.

• She refuses to shake the resident’s hand She refuses to shake the resident’s hand and makes little eye contact. and makes little eye contact.

• Her English is better than your Arabic but Her English is better than your Arabic but only marginally.only marginally.

• She hasn’t filled out the intake form.She hasn’t filled out the intake form.• You figure out one of the children has a You figure out one of the children has a

fever and two other need immunizations.fever and two other need immunizations.• She has no primary MD for the children.She has no primary MD for the children.

Common Challenges Common Challenges & &

Dilemmas Facing Dilemmas Facing Muslim PatientsMuslim Patients

2424

Some Areas that Caregivers Need Some Areas that Caregivers Need To Pay Attention To When Caring To Pay Attention To When Caring For A Muslim PatientsFor A Muslim Patients

1.1. Stereotyping.Stereotyping.

2.2. Modesty/Gender issues.Modesty/Gender issues.

3.3. Language and customs.Language and customs.

2525

StereotypingStereotyping

The top three stereotypes of Muslims in the The top three stereotypes of Muslims in the US areUS are

1.1. Terrorists.Terrorists.

2.2. Male Chauvinists.Male Chauvinists.

3.3. Arabs.Arabs.

4.4. Black Activists.Black Activists.

5.5. Unkempt and smelly.Unkempt and smelly.

Stereotyping.Stereotyping.Modesty/Gender Modesty/Gender

issues.issues.Language and Language and

customs.customs.

2626

Stereotyping.Stereotyping.

The top three stereotypes of Muslims in the The top three stereotypes of Muslims in the US areUS are

1.1. TerroristsTerrorists

2.2. Male ChauvinistsMale Chauvinists

3.3. ArabsArabs

• Black ActivistsBlack Activists

• Unkempt and smellyUnkempt and smelly

2727

Modesty.Modesty.

• Modesty in clothing is prescribed for both genders, so Modesty in clothing is prescribed for both genders, so that the interaction between them is spiritual.that the interaction between them is spiritual.

• Diversity in interpretation of what is modest clothing.Diversity in interpretation of what is modest clothing.• The former Taleban regime and Saudi Arabia impose The former Taleban regime and Saudi Arabia impose

it.it.• Turkey, Morocco and now France prohibit it in many Turkey, Morocco and now France prohibit it in many

institutions. institutions. • Isn’t Jacques Chirac a Mullah Omar with a French Isn’t Jacques Chirac a Mullah Omar with a French

accent?accent?• Most Muslim countries allow personal choice.Most Muslim countries allow personal choice.

Stereotyping.Stereotyping.Modesty/Gender Modesty/Gender issues.issues.Language and Language and customs.customs.

2828

Gender issuesGender issues

• Hand shake.Hand shake.

• Female physicians and attendants.Female physicians and attendants.

• Eye contact.Eye contact.

Stereotyping.Stereotyping.Modesty/Gender issues.Modesty/Gender issues.Language and customs.Language and customs.

2929

Language And Language And Customs.Customs.

• Use of phrases like “God willing” Use of phrases like “God willing” (Insha-(Insha-Allah)Allah)

• Easy to create misunderstandings Easy to create misunderstandings because of lack of language. because of lack of language.

• Reluctance to say no outright because it Reluctance to say no outright because it would be considered rudewould be considered rude

Stereotyping.Stereotyping.Modesty/Gender Modesty/Gender issues.issues.Language and Language and customs.customs.

3030

Lack Of Knowledge Of The Lack Of Knowledge Of The SystemSystem

• Forms intimidating to fill out.Forms intimidating to fill out.

• Most immigrants underutilize the system.Most immigrants underutilize the system.

• Concept of PCP and preventive care might Concept of PCP and preventive care might be novel to her.be novel to her.

Stereotyping.Stereotyping.Modesty/Gender issues.Modesty/Gender issues.Language and customs.Language and customs.

3131

Your Challenges With This Your Challenges With This Client.Client.

• She is following her religion the best she She is following her religion the best she understands.understands.

• In countries with large numbers of Muslims her In countries with large numbers of Muslims her appearance would be a common site albeit at appearance would be a common site albeit at the conservative end of the spectrum.the conservative end of the spectrum.

• Her behavior would not raise any eye brows.Her behavior would not raise any eye brows.

• A female physician would probable take care of A female physician would probable take care of her family.her family.

Creating A Culture Of Creating A Culture Of Respect.Respect.

UNESCO Document On UNESCO Document On

Cultural DiversityCultural Diversity

3333

The UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

• Adopted by the 31st Session of the General Conference of UNESCO Paris, 2 NOVEMBER 2001

• http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001271/127160m.pdf Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General

3434

The UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

• States to reaffirm their conviction that “intercultural dialogue” is the best guarantee of peace and to reject outright the theory of the inevitable “clash of cultures and civilizations”.

• Consider cultural diversity as “the common heritage of humanity”, which is “as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature”.

3535

The UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

1.Cultural diversity is the common heritage of humanity.

2.Cultural diversity should lead to cultural pluralism

3.Cultural diversity is an important factor in human growth.

4.The right to practice your own culture should be considered a basic human right.

3636

The UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

5. Create an enabling environment for cultural diversity.

6. Strive towards access for all to cultural diversity.

7. Cultural heritage as the wellspring of creativity8. Cultural goods and services: commodities of a

unique kind

3737

Conspectus.Conspectus.

• Creating culture of respect is essential to Creating culture of respect is essential to healing.healing.

• The first step is to make sure care seekers The first step is to make sure care seekers are not disrespected.are not disrespected.

• Work on creating a pluralistic non-Work on creating a pluralistic non-judgmental mind-set in the work place. judgmental mind-set in the work place.

3838

Conspectus.Conspectus.

• Increasing knowledge of the customs, faith and Increasing knowledge of the customs, faith and traditions of the other is the best antidote to traditions of the other is the best antidote to stereotyping. stereotyping.

• Guidelines for Health Care Providers Interacting Guidelines for Health Care Providers Interacting with Muslim Patients and their Families , with Muslim Patients and their Families , developed by The Metropolitan Chicago developed by The Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council. (www.ISPI-USA.org and Healthcare Council. (www.ISPI-USA.org and Advocate web page)Advocate web page)

• Medical Ethics in Islam by Javeed Akhter Medical Ethics in Islam by Javeed Akhter (www.ISPI-USA.org)(www.ISPI-USA.org)

3939

Conspectus.Conspectus.

• Taking a pledge of respect.Taking a pledge of respect.

• Lectures, videos and workshops.Lectures, videos and workshops.

• Sensitivity training and role playing.Sensitivity training and role playing.

• Anonymous feed-back from care Anonymous feed-back from care receivers. receivers.

• Rewards and penalties for behavior.Rewards and penalties for behavior.

4040

Conspectus.Conspectus.

• Medical institutions are doing a good job Medical institutions are doing a good job and can set a trend for other work place and can set a trend for other work place environments.environments.

• Are you in touch with your own pluralistic Are you in touch with your own pluralistic self?self?