Guidelines on caring for dying Muslim patients in Ireland are outlined in a new booklet.
The face of a comatose or deceased Muslim patient in Ireland should be turned towards Wexford, or "roughly south-east", according to the booklet, which has been published as part of the Irish Hospice Foundation's "Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme".
Entitled Caring for a Muslim Patient, the booklet also points out that in such a context "it is important for Muslims to recite the Qur'an or prayers in front of the patient or in a room close by". The relatives should be invited to pray if they wish.
The booklet was prepared with the co-operation of Ali Selim, general secretary of the Irish Council of Imams. It is available at www.hospicefriendlyhospitals.net
It says that a hospital chapel may also be used for such prayers, "provided no icons are present", and that a family member may also wish to remain with the patient at all times, if appropriate medically.
In the event of death it points out that "the face, and indeed the whole body of the deceased, must be covered by a sheet". As Muslims believe that the soul remains close to the body until burial, the remains must be handled as gently as possible, and only by a person of the same sex.
Postmortem examinations are permissible for sound medical reasons, but the body should only be washed if this is necessary, as "Islamic washing of the body is done before burial". This generally takes place "as soon as possible after death, sometimes on the same day".
The booklet points out that a burial is required in a miscarriage or intra-uterine death occurring more than 120 days after conception, as the foetus by then is seen by Islam as a viable baby. Such foetuses should be given to the parents for proper burial and will be named by them beforehand.
The booklet notes that death is seen in Islam as predestined by God and as the beginning of eternal life. "The more pious families may thus appear inappropriately calm and accepting by western standards," it says.
It advises that "healthcare professionals should adopt a system of 'sensible awareness' with regard to Islamic belief and practice" and it suggests that "strengthening links with the local community and personal familiarity with Islamic culture will enhance the best possible practice".