Ethical dilemmas and the dying Muslim patient.

All health care providers may be confronted by a Muslim patient, but many health care professionals are lacking basic knowledge on the Muslim faith and medical ethics based on Islamic law (Shariah). One must endeavour to differentiate between ethnic customs and Islamic tradition. It is important for staff to have a general understanding of the principles of Islamic beliefs and actions to attain better cultural competency and improved patient care. Terminally ill cancer patients are vulnerable and require sensitive care of their physical, psycho-social, cultural and spiritual aspects and needs. Muslims believe that the purpose of life is a test from God with the objective of full obedience, the outcome being purification of the soul and the resultant judgment after life to be directed to heaven or hell. The Muslim goal is to live and die in accordance with God's will, as revealed in the Qur'an and practiced by the Prophet.