Islam and Social Work: Debating Values, Transforming Practice

Product Description
Traditionally, equality and diversity issues have been addressed through the lens of race/ethnicity, and the faith identities of minority ethnic communities have been largely bypassed. But, particularly post 9/11, there is a need for policies and services that are sensitive to faith in general, and Islam in particular. Encouraging greater cultural competence, this unique book enables social work practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of how Islamic principles inform and influence the lives of Muslim populations and illustrates how this can be translated into professional practice. Features: · only book specifically on social work with Muslim communities · describes the basic tenets of Islam and the daily practices and rituals of the faithful Muslim community · contextualises the historical legacy of Islam, examining the disparity between universal Islamic precepts and traditional practices · focuses specifically on family welfare, health, Islamophobia and crime as primary areas for practice. · includes case studies which help the reader explore and develop ideas for culturally congruent social work practice. This text provides a key text for all social workers interested in professional intervention with faith communities. As such, it is as equally relevant for social work students, as it is for experienced practitioners and educators.
Review

With the emergence of Muslim communities in Western societies, and in the context of Islamohobia, multiculturalism vs. social cohesion and secularism vs. religious identities, this book makes an important contribution to our understanding of culturally competent approaches in social work practice. Ravinder Barn, Professor of Social Policy and Social Work, Royal Holloway, University of London




This book will be an invaluable resource for social workers wishing to come to grips with the complexity and range of different Islamic beliefs and to gain a critical understanding of how they affect practice. Robert Adams, Professor of Social Work, University of Teesside




'Islam and social work' is certainly an interesting and informative read, whether for the social worker or a broader range of practitioners. Professional Social Work

About the Author
Sara Ashencaen Crabtree is a senior lecturer in Health and Social Work at Bournemouth University. Her previous academic posts were in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Fatima Husain's background is in family-based research and she is currently a senior researcher at The Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion, London. Basia Spalek is a senior lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Birmingham.