Islam and Social Work: Debating values, transforming practice

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. This is the only book specifically on social work with Muslim communities and describes the basic tenets of Islam and the daily practices and rituals of the faithful Muslim community. It contextualises the historical legacy of Islam, examining the disparity between universal Islamic precepts and traditional practices and focuses specifically on family welfare, health, Islamophobia and crime as primary issues for practice. The book includes case studies which help the reader explore and develop ideas for culturally congruent social work practice.This is 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.

Sara Ashencaen Crabtree, School of health and social care, Bournemouth University, Fatima Husain, Senior Researcher, Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion and Basia Spalek, Institute of Applied Social Sciences, University of Birmingham