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Chapter 22 - Contemporary Public Health, Islam, and Positive Health

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2025

By
Hassan Chamsi-Pasha  and
Mohammed Ali Albar
Edited by
Basil H. Aboul-Enein ,
G. Hussein Rassool ,
Nada Benajiba ,
Joshua Bernstein  and
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Basil H. Aboul-Enein
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
G. Hussein Rassool
Affiliation:
Charles Sturt University
Nada Benajiba
Affiliation:
Ibn Tofail University
Joshua Bernstein
Affiliation:
A. T. Still University of Health Sciences
MoezAlIslam E. Faris
Affiliation:
Applied Science Private University
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Summary

This chapter examines the Islamic concepts of positive holistic health and its contribution to contemporary public health programs. The incorporation of Islamic teachings into public health practices has been advocated to maintain health of the society and improve health care. The goal of today’s health care system is to treat the sick and improve quality of life. Positive health’s approach builds on the assets people have to help them increase their chances of living a healthier life. Potential assets include stable family life, positive attitude, optimism, and fitness. The chapter discusses the impact of religious teachings on Muslim behavior and highlights the role of faith, family, and observance of health principles, including salat and fasting, in achieving physical and mental stability along with holistic health. It also focuses on the importance of good social relationships, life satisfaction, and their effects on common diseases such as heart disease.

Keywords

Holistic healthIslamHoly Qur’anpositive health
Type
Chapter
Information
Contemporary Islamic Perspectives in Public Health , pp. 137 - 143
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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