Core Religious Practices for Muslims

In this step, Dr Ali explains the core religious practices of Muslims, he explains what these practices are and why they are important to Muslims, describing Islam as “a religion of doing” and not just believing.

These practices are Shahadah (declaration of faith); Salah (five daily prayers); Ramadan (annual month of fasting, based on the lunar calendar); Zakat (charity); Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca, once in lifetime).

Dr Ali describes the importance for Muslims of maintaining their relationships with God, other people (family and neighbours), and the environment, as an Islamic practice and one of the ways in which Muslims embody and enact their faith. Islam is a communitarian religion.

Practitioners will find it helpful to know about these religious practices and their importance in the daily lives of Muslims. In very practical ways they may affect the ways in which Muslims can engage with support services, for example, attending appointments during Ramadan may be more difficult than at other times. Dr Ali then draws out some of the distinctive ways in which Muslims might understand mental health that might be noted by practitioners.

We return to some of the religious practices and beliefs in Week 2, to examine in more detail how they can impact directly on the mental health of Muslims. You may find it useful to refer back to this activity, to remind yourself of what these practices are, and their significance to Muslims, as you work through the course.

In the next step, Dr Ali explains in an article what is meant the ‘Muslim worldview.’

Over to you

Based on your experience, can you share an example of how a religious practice has meant that a Muslim person might engage with mental health support services differently to others?

If you have not yet come across this in your practice, can you consider what you might do if the situation arose?

If you share an experience with another learner, or can give some advice on any issues they have come across, reply to their comment to let them know.