Contemporary Islamic Perspectives in Public Health

Dr. Basil H. Aboul-Enein is an assistant teaching professor at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and a distance-learning tutor of public health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in the UK. Dr. Aboul-Enein has previously worked in several academic institutions and previously served as a medical intelligence officer in the United States Air Force. His more than 95 publications focus on topics covering global health issues, public health historiography, public health nutrition, cultural competency in health education, medical humanities, and international health (with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa). Dr. G. Hussein Rassool is the Professor of Islamic psychology at the Centre for Islamic Studies & Civilisations at Charles Sturt University in Australia. He is a leading academic in the areas of Islamic psychology and psychotherapy. He has published over twenty-two books and over 120 papers and reviews in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Nada Benajiba is currently an associate researcher and independent consultant in the field of nutrition. Based at the Regional Designated Center of Nutrition AFRA/IAEA at Ibn Tofaïl University – CNESTEN in Morocco, she is involved in nutrition and public health with an emphasis on cultural components in Arab countries. She is also actively involved in promoting research and leadership capacity-building in nutrition across Africa. Dr. Joshua Bernstein is an associate professor in the Doctor of Education in Health Professions Program at the College of Graduate Health Studies at A. T. Still University in Missouri, USA. He has a Ph.D. in health education and an MA in education, is a certified health education specialist, and is a certified wellness specialist. Dr. MoezAlIslam E. Faris is Professor in the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan. He is one of the top authors of Ramadan fasting research. He has previously authored Foods of the Holy Qur'an: A Modern Scientific Perspective, the first scientific book that amalgamates the sacred Holy Qur'anic texts on food and nutrition with contemporary scientific knowledge.

• 1. Introduction to Islam Dheen Mohamed M. Meerasahibu; 2. The Qur'an and prophetic guidance: an overview in the context of new public health G. Hussein Rassool and Janine Owens; 3. Islamic applications towards public health policies: a brief perspective Amal I. Khalil, Neama Hantira and Houida Fouly; 4. Islamic prayer (salat) and health Janine Owens; 5. Perceptions of health behaviours and illness in Muslims G. Hussein Rassool; 6. Social justice, human rights, and equality: an Islamic perspective Huny Mohamed Amin Bakry and Eman Hassan Waly; 7. Public health hygiene and Islam Howeida Hassan Abusalih and Husameldin Elsawi Khalafalla; 8. Foods of the Qur'anic garden: an Islamic perspective Elizabeth Dodge; 9. Recommended eating and dietary practices in Islam Nada Benajiba, MoezAlIslam E. Faris, Lana Faiz Mahrous, Hasnae Benkirane, Amina Bouziani, Yasmine Guennoun and Basil H. Aboul-Enein; 10. Islamic food law and dietary restrictions Elizabeth Dodge; 11. Ramadan intermittent fasting: a contemporary health perspective Meghit Boumediene Khaled, Mustapha Diaf, Maha H. Alhussain and MoezAlIslam E. Faris; 12. Promoting oral health: influences of Hadith and Sunnah Janine Owens and Sawsan Mustafa AbdallaSuliman; 13. Coping and mental health: Islamic practices and beliefs G. Hussein Rassool and Janine Owens; 14. Maternal and child health: an Islamic perspective Fatmah Almoayad; 15. Immunization and Islamic guidance Janine Owens; 16. Sexual and reproductive health: an Islamic perspective Noura Alomair, Nour Horanieh and Samah Alageel; 17. Zakat and Waqf: towards achieving sustainability, health, and well-being Mohammad Abdullah; 18. Earth and the environment: Islam and stewardship Khaled Obaideen and Ied Shukur Alnidawi; 19. Sleep and health: an Islamic perspective Ahmed S. BaHammam; 20. Addictive behaviours and public health G. Hussein Rassool; 21. Highlighting the concepts, principles, and values of communication: a brief Islamic perspective Amal I. Khalil; 22. Contemporary public health, Islam, and positive health Hassan Chamsi-Pasha and Mohammed Ali Albar; 23. Cultural competence in public health: a brief Islamic perspective Noura Mostafa Mohammad, Fatmah Almoayad and Nada Benajiba; 24. Muslims and non-Muslims: perspectives on immigrant and minority health Elizabeth Dodge; 25. Challenges and solutions in public health: an Islamic perspective Joshua Bernstein; Index.

'This book is an essential resource for healthcare professionals and academics seeking to deepen their understanding of the cultural nuances that shape the health and well-being of Muslim communities. With its thorough exploration of Islamic beliefs and practices related to healthcare, the authors provide invaluable insights into culturally competent care to equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to promote positive health outcomes. It is a must-read for anyone involved in public health, medicine, social work, or policymaking, offering practical strategies and interventions that bridge cultural divides and enhance patient care in Muslim contexts.' Zuleyha Keskin, Associate Head of School, Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, Charles Sturt University, Australia