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Cleanliness is important because a clean body implies a pure soul. Prior to prayer, each person must perform a ritual ablution or cleansing of certain parts of the body. The body and clothing must be free from urine or stool. The nurse can assist the client with bathing or changing of clothes if necessary. However, if the nurse assists with cleansing of the genitals after voiding or defecation, water should be used. .
The nurse should assess the Muslim clients wishes regarding prayer. When it is time for prayer, if the client can provide self-care, the nurse should provide a basin of water and a quiet place as an appropriate nursing intervention. .
When trying to understand Muslim thought regarding dietary practices, it is important to understand the meaning of the words halal and haram. Halal is something that is permissible under Islamic law and haram is considered unlawful. Muslims follow a dietary regimen that is considered halal. This diet requires meats to be slaughtered in a certain way. It allows the eating of beef, lamb, fish and other types of meat, but forbids the consumption of pork, pork products, blood of dead animals and all intoxicants such as alcohol (Lawrence & Rozmus, 2001). If the hospital does not provide halal meals, the nurse can offer the patient a kosher or vegetarian diet if it is not contraindicated. The family should also be allowed to bring appropriate food items in from home if they desire. .
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar celebrates the month when the Koran was sent down as guidance. Abstinence from food and drink is required from dawn to dusk. Women who are menstruating or lactating as well as sick individuals are exempt from fasting. Pregnancy is not considered an illness and the Koran does not mention an exemption from fasting for these women. During Ramadan, the nurse can offer to have food brought to the room after sunset and before sunrise each day.
