1. Nor Asma Othman Kimberly K. Asner-Self Southern Illinois University ASGW biennial convention, New Orleans, LA February 19, 2010

2.  Islam is a religion and a way of life  Muslims are not panethnic  Culture affects the way people practice Islam  Islam and culture are important when working with female Muslim international students in groups

3. Shahadah (declaration of faith) Salat (prayer) Zakat (alms giving) Sawm (fasting) Hajj (pilgrimage)

4.  To believe that “there is no God except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”  Believe that only Allah has the supreme power

5.  Pray 5 times a day 1.Fajr prayer (dawn) 2.Zuhur (midday) 3.Asr’ (afternoon) 4. Maghrib (after sunset) 5.Isya’ (at night)  Means “connection” in Arabic. The purpose of salat is to connect the Muslim with the Lord (Allah).

6.  Fasting during the month of Ramadhan in the Islamic calendar  From dawn until dusk (sunset)  No food, drink, sensual pleasure particularly sexual intercourse.  Prescribed only for the healthy adult Muslim depending on condition ◦ Pregnant/lactating women, the very young and very old, laborers ◦ Diabetes, Hypertension, etc.  Primary emphasis is on the spiritual self-discipline and reflection.

7.  Allocates some portion of own income from salary or business to the poor  Serves as a “purification” of what salary and riches remain  Helps the rich show their compassion and at the same time rids the poor of ill feeling against those who are well off.

8.  Pilgrimage to the scared monuments in Mecca  Takes place during the month of Zulhijjah in the Islamic calendar  Once in a lifetime  For those who are physically and financially able

9. 1. Al-Quran - The holy book of Islam 2. Hadith - Sayings of the prophet Muhammad 3. Sunnah - Behavior of the prophet Muhammad 4.Ijtihad - Religious leaders come together to discuss current issues to be used throughout the Islamic world (ie. Internet) These sources of knowledge can be interpreted differently by culture and country. It depends on the school of thought, as well.

10. 1. Hanafi -The oldest of all four schools of thought -Followed particularly in India, Pakistan, and parts of the Arabic world 2. Maliki -Started in Madina, Saudi Arabia -Followed mainly in northern Africa and other African countries 3. Shafie - Followed mainly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Syria 4. Hambali - Followed mainly in Saudi Arabia Counselors need to determine the group members’ understanding.

11.  Islamic law (fiqh) covers two main areas, rules in relation to actions and rules in relation to circumstances surrounding actions.  Rules in relation to actions ('amaliyya— عملية ) comprise: ◦ Obligation (fardh) ◦ Recommendation (Mostahab) ◦ Permissibility (mubah) ◦ Disrecommendation (makrooh) ◦ Prohibition (haram)

12. ◦ Obligation (fardh) ◦ Recommendation (Mostahab) ◦ Permissibility (mubah) ◦ Disrecommendation (makrooh) ◦ Prohibition (haram) Examples: 1.A wife in group is having trouble with the husband b/c of the mother-in-law. 2.Want to raise money for the poor (this is good) a.Set up a concert to raise money.

13.  The main role of Muslim women is to be responsible for the husband and the family (to take care of the physical, educational, and spiritual needs of the children.)  Women have to cover their body (except the face and both hands) so as not to physically attract men THIS MAY DIFFER FOR OTHER CULTURES, COUNTRIES, AND SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT.

14.  Women have equal rights and similar responsibilities as men do after they reach puberty. ◦ Religious – responsible for fulfilling the basic duties as a Muslim ◦ Intellectual - to pursue education as far as possible ◦ Freedom of expression – can express opinion freely. Can argue and participate in discussions ◦ Economy – can be involved in business and possess property independently ◦ Public life – can actively participate in public especially during an emergency Women’s Role In Islam (continued)

15.  Marriage – rights and obligations ◦ Husbands are responsible for maintaining the financial needs of the family ◦ Wives are responsible for the home and the family ◦ Wives should avoid all deeds and actions that might attract sexual attention ◦ Divorce is the last resort in Islam  Role as mother- a mother can expect care and consideration from her children when she reaches old age Women’s Role In Islam (continued)

16.  Women are exempted from religious duty when they are menstruating (e.g. fasting and praying, cannot read or touch the Qur’an).  No sexual intercourse with husband  As a mother, a woman is honored and receives special treatment from the son as expected by God

17.  Islamic culture is a form of collectivism - women tend to emphasize the group rather than the individual – women may avoid confrontation because it will cause anxiety to themselves and worry of causing shame to other group members (worry of committing sin).  Our experience suggests this may be cultural: ◦ If they are Asian, they are likely to conform rather than to influence others in group ◦ If they are of Middle Eastern descent, they are likely to confront more directly

18.  Types of group – homogeneous (gender) is preferred, because women are not encouraged to have eye contact or physical contact with men  Too much discussion of the facilitators’ credentials can be assumed to be “arrogance/show off-y” by some Muslim women (“bragging” is not an acceptable trait in Islam). Implications for Group Work (continued)

19.  Touch is frowned upon between genders and is culture bound  Group leaders have to be cautious: ◦ When encouraging members to disclose personal feelings ◦ When introducing techniques (empty chair – strong emotions can be interpreted as sinful) ◦ Safety and trust mean understanding the culture and the intertwining of sin, emotion, and intention. (SA)

20.  Islam is a religion and a way of life  Muslims are not panethnic  Culture affects the way people practice Islam  Islam and culture are important when working with female Muslim international students in groups