As mention in the previous slide these three concepts can be said to be the basis for an “Islamic Health Theory” (See figure 1 previous slide). The guiding principles for these concepts are found in both the Quran and ahadith. In his last sermon the prophet Mohammed is reported to have said “…Verily I have left amongst you that which will never lead you astray, the BOOK OF ALLAH, which if you hold fast you shall never go astray. And beware of transgressing the limits set in the matters of religion, for it is transgression of religion, that brought destruction to (many people) before you…”. In another version he is reported to have said “…I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray…” (Jan, 1996; Submission, 2001). Both versions and most of other versions show clearly the importance of the Quran, the emphasis on following it and its importance as a source of direction for Muslims and therefore the basis for which, behavioral intention or behavior towards health is derived. The link towards health can be found on two main levels, directly and indirectly. In looking at the links, these are seen mostly in the Islamic prescriptive nature towards mans behavior (Quran 2:63, 67-71, 143, 187, 208, 229, 285; 5:6 etc) and towards environmental factors. For instance in looking at the direct prescriptive nature the Quran (5:6) states “O ye who believe! When ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body…” and towards the environment “He has made the sea subject to you (45:12) He has made the rivers subject to you (14:32), He has made what the earth contains subject to you. (15:65) He has made the sun and the moon subject to you. (16:12) And “He has made all that the skies and earth contain subject to you. (45:13) and for both cases the Quran states “He has enforced the balance. That you exceed not the bounds; but observe the balance strictly; and fall not short thereof (55:7–9)”. Indirectly the link towards health is found in the principles that underlie both contemporary health promotion notions and Islamic concepts, which can be the basis for sound communication between Muslims and health promoters. However, the linkage is not confined from one (indirect) or the other (direct) but rather the influence to the determinants of health behavior can be said to be in a continuum from indirect link to direct link.

References:

Jan, H. P. (1996). The Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/muhm-sermon.html

Sabini, J. (1992). Social Psychology. 500 fifth avenue, New York, N.Y 10110. W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Submission. (16^th June 2002). Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon http://www.submission.org/sermon.html