Section I - Middle Eastern cultures, Afghani and other cultures that share Muslim beliefs and practices

Intersection of culture and religion

There is enormous diversity amongst Muslims, ethnically and linguistically. They represent the majority in all 22 Arab countries (apart from Lebanon), Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and 40% in Africa with most of the Muslim population living around mid to Northern Africa (Hasnain et al, 2008).

Whilst Muslims are unified in the reliable aspects of Islamic practice and belief, many practices are significantly shaped by the cultures from which people originate, and these differences are borne out in health practices.

Whilst religion and culture are separate entities, and one cannot be assumed based on the other, they are often inextricable. In some countries Islamic practice and beliefs are so interwoven with long-standing cultural practices and beliefs that it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. Adherence to these can vary considerably, not only across cultures, but also from one individual or family to another, within any culture.

"We do not eat beef - it is not our religion but because in Kashmir where we grew up, there was (sic) no cows - Hindus do not eat beef, now we do not eat beef."(An interviewee Muslim from Kashmir)

It is important to note that not all Arabic speakers are Muslim (e.g. many Syrians speak Arabic but are Christian Orthodox), and that not all Muslims speak Arabic (e.g. most Pakistani and Bangladeshis are Muslim but don't necessarily speak Arabic etc.). Check with your client first.