Advocacy
For my advocacy plan, I will continue to learn more about Islam, its history, and the different ways that it is practiced. Having more knowledge of the religion and its practices will better enable me to speak clearly against ignorance directed towards Muslim Americans. By continuing to listen to the experiences of Muslim individuals in my own community, I will be able to act as a more informed advocate when talking to friends and acquaintances who are not aware of the fundamental beliefs around peace and love or the community’s need for education of the public and personal safety. By increasing my own knowledge, I will be better able to make decisions about how I can support this community not only socially, but also politically. In the future, I will try to remain aware of political policies that are proposed and rhetoric that is used in regard to the Muslim community and will be guided by this information when voting and reaching out to public officials.
Reference
Features, R. (Photographer). (2016, July 6). New Wave of Hate Crimes Makes Muslim Americans Fear for the Future[digital image]. Retrieved from https://theintercept.com/2016/07/06/new-wave-of-hate-crimes-makes-muslim-americans-fear-for-the-future/
Servant Leadership
In researching the strengths-based needs of Muslim Americans, I found that this issue of misunderstanding of beliefs came up repeatedly. Individuals interviewed noted that most students at Ohio State were not aware of the differences between different sects, and that the larger culture in the U.S. often is not aware of the peaceful and loving nature of this religion. At this time, I believe education of students on Ohio State’s campus is of the utmost importance, as this can impact the atmosphere on our campus and beyond, as students at OSU often graduate and become leaders in their communities. For my servant leadership plan, I would like to develop a one or more talks that are available to Ohio State students where experts on the beliefs and tenants of Islam can share these with students, and current students who practice the Islamic faith who may be interested in speaking could share their experiences on campus and well as struggles that they might have experienced related to the lack of understanding of their religion in the U.S. I believe this would give members of the community the opportunity to share their needs with the student body so that more students at Ohio State could act as advocates for this community.
Reference
Reading vs Understanding [Online image]. Retrieved November 17, 2019 from https://www.mrssam.com.sg/reading-vs-understanding/
Strengths-Based Needs
In the United States, many individuals consider Muslim Americans to be a single group of shared practices and ideology. In addition, some individuals believe that the Islamic faith as a whole advocate for violence and Anti-Americanism. As Ilir, Cavendish, and King (2011) note, these untrue but commonly held beliefs regularly result in misunderstanding and aggression towards Muslim Americans. For this reason, a need that exists for Muslim Americans is increased awareness of and education about the variety of different Islamic sects, as well as the different interpretations of the religion and ways of carrying out these beliefs. Individuals should also be educated on the religion’s fundamental commitment to peace, love, and service to others. In addition, a current reality of regular aggression towards Muslim Americans results in the need for additional resources such as security, self-defense lessons or readily available police officers or security to remain safe in schools, workplaces, universities, and places of worship.
References
Ilir, D., Cavendish, J. C., & King, R. D. (2011). Historical events and spaces of hate: Hate crimes against Arabs and Muslims in post-9/11 America. Social Problems, 58(1), 21-46.
Rahman, A. (Photographer). (January, 2018). How it Feels to be a Muslim in Trump’s America [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/religion/2018/01/how-it-feels-be-muslim-trump-s-america
Systemic Challenges
There are a number of systematic challenges that Americans who identify as Muslim face in current society. One challenge is that few Americans recognize and understand distinctions between different Muslim sects and ideologies. One individual who I spoke with stated that he identified as an Ahmadiyya Muslim, and his sect was persecuted by other Muslims in Islamic countries, including Pakistan, where he was born. However, in current American culture many individuals believe that Muslims are a single group with a single set of beliefs and ideologies, and often associate Muslim Americans with a small group of violent individuals who identify as Muslim. Ibrahim and Dykeman (2011) discuss the importance of assessing individual cultural identity and worldview, spirituality, and level of acculturation and commitment to values with every Muslim American in a counseling setting before making assumptions about values and beliefs. The above picture represents some of the ways that Muslim Women may dress. Even in a cartoon, the differences within this group are immediately clear. In addition to stereotyping, many Muslim Americans face verbal or physical violence as a part of their everyday lives. Ilir, Cavendish, and King (2011) expand on the discrimination that many Muslim Americans face and discuss the increase of hate crimes towards Muslim Americans following 9/11. Multiple interviewees mentioned concern about being harmed because of their faith, and one individual noted that his congregation was no longer able to leave their mosque unlocked during the day and had to maintain constant surveillance of the building when individuals were present.
References
Ibrahim, F. A., & Dykeman, C. (2011). Counseling Muslim Americans: Cultural and spiritual assessments. Journal of Counseling and Development, 89, 387-396.
Ilir, D., Cavendish, J. C., & King, R. D. (2011). Historical events and spaces of hate: Hate crimes against Arabs and Muslims in post-9/11 America. Social Problems, 58(1), 21-46.
Annotated Bibliography
Cook-Masaud, C., & Wiggins, M. I. (2011). Counseling Muslim women: Navigating cultural and religious challenges. Counseling and Values, 55, 247-256.
In this article, the authors look at different potential strategies for counseling Muslim women. The study is primarily a position paper but includes case studies to support claims. Current literature in not particularly recent (about 20 years old) but suggests that many Muslims are more likely to seek physical help rather than emotional help and may avoid sharing personal details about their lives. Mental and emotional concerns may be viewed through a religious lens and so some individuals might focus on devotion to God to resolve these issues (p. 250). The authors of this article discuss the importance of developing rapport with Muslim clients by exploring their views of their religion, relationships and mental health, as well as incorporating their faith into the counseling process when appropriate. The authors also advocate for taking a strengths-based approach, which may include strong support from community members. The author concludes that if counselors are culturally competent, and are able to address the aforementioned needs and act as advocates for their clients, they will be more able to address the counseling needs of the growing Muslim population in the U.S. This research gives preliminary suggestions about how to build cultural competency when working with Muslim-Americans. One limitation of this study is its lack of inclusion of male individuals. Examples of cultural competencies focused primarily on the effectiveness of counseling women of this identity.
Ibrahim, F. A., & Dykeman, C. (2011). Counseling Muslim Americans: Cultural and spiritual assessments. Journal of Counseling and Development, 89, 387-396.
This article is a position paper which outlines important assessments that counselors need to conduct when they begin working with Muslim Americans. As the author points out, previous research has indicated the variety of beliefs held my Muslim individuals in the U.S., but also notes difficulties caused by prejudice against Muslims as a group in American society (p.387). The authors outline assessments that should take place during the interview stage of counseling that help counselors to better understand the religious and counseling needs of their client. This includes an assessment of cultural identity and worldview, spiritual assessment, and level of acculturation and commitment to values. The author conclude that it is important for counselors to ask questions that help them develop a better understanding of the ways in which these factors impact the mental health needs of the client, as well as areas of concern that counselors should be sensitive to this article is relevant to my research because it offers counselors suggestions to better understand Muslim clients by asking questions that aim to identify individuals beliefs and needs, This article focuses on teaching counselors to ask appropriate questions rather than generalizing about the entire Muslim population and their needs in counseling.
Rassool, G. H. (2015). Cultural competence in counseling the Muslim patient: Implications for mental health. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 29, 321-325.
This article outlines research (most recent) about the way that many Muslims interpret mental health problems. The article also provides implications for ways in which mental health professionals can respond to religious and ideological concerns. Much of the article outlines previous research regarding Muslims’ perceptions of mental health. Many Muslims attribute good mental health to a strong belief in god, while difficulties might be attributed to possession or the evil within the individual (p.322). The article covers the model of questions proposed by Kleinman, Isenberg and Goode (1978) to determine the client’s understanding of their own issues and needs, as well as their expectations for treatment. Authors also argue that gender considerations mat be necessary, as may individuals of Islamic faith prefer to been seen by individuals of their same gender (p. 323). The author concludes that mental health professionals should remain aware of clients’ beliefs and should avoid contradicting their religious beliefs when possible to reach the best outcomes for the patient. This article provides important considerations when addressing mental health needs in the Muslim population. Limitations include lack of data presented, as well as generalization about Muslim’s views of mental health without discussion of differing beliefs within this population.
Hamjah, S. H., Mat Akhir, N. S., Ismail Z., Ismail, A., Arib, N. M. (2017). The application of Ibadah (worship) in counseling: Is importance and implications to Muslim clients. Journal of Religion and Health, 56, 1302-1310.
This article outlines a study conducted via questionnaire to determine the importance and application of Ibadah, or obedience to Allah in a counseling setting. The authors summarize literature that outlines the change in understanding of application of religious values in counseling. Several studies have shown that discussing religious or spiritual topics is often beneficial in a counseling setting, particularly when counselors have a strong awareness of this are (p.1304). Researchers administered a questionnaire to 30 counselors in the Klang Valley and asked them about the importance of applying the concept of Ibadah in counseling. The authors conclude that nearly all counselors affirm the importance of incorporating this belief into counseling practices, and notes that this practice helps clients to increase their own peace and regulative abilities. This article brings up possible benefits of Muslim clients working with counselors who are able to share and affirm their faith. In some situations, it may be appropriate for non-Muslim counselors to help clients find a counselor who shares their beliefs if they believe this could help the client reach their highest potential. Limitations of this study include a sample only in the Klang Valley. This population may not generalize to other areas, particularly the U.S.
Zaidi, D. (2015). On strengthening compassionate Care for Muslim patients. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling. 69-3, 173-176.
This article addresses current barriers that may be faced when providing counseling services to Muslim clients and offers potential solutions to several of these issues. This article is a position paper, which advocates for considerations of specific beliefs of clients during the counseling process. Because this article outlines considerations for providing more compassionate care, little previous research is cited. Some citations are used throughout the article to note writings about certain beliefs or practices. The author discusses potential issues with interpretation, including variations of dialect. Additionally, the author discusses the expectations of those with mental illness who may not be expected to observe all religious guidelines, depending of their condition. The author also notes dietary restrictions, as well as restrictions and guidelines of burial. Finally, the author notes the expectation of family visitors in the Muslim faith. Ultimately, this article aims to help health care providers provide more compassionate care by understanding the beliefs of Muslim patients and families in a hospital setting. This article is useful to consider for counselors working a in a hospital setting, or with Muslim patients who have serious medical problems or have family members with serious medical problems. This article is limited in its scope, however, as it mainly applies to counselors working in a hospital setting.