This open access book addresses, for the first time, Islamic social work as an emerging concept at the interface of Islamic thought and social sciences. Applying a multidisciplinary approach it explores, on the one hand, the discourse that provides religious legitimisation to social work activities and, on the other hand, case studies of practical fields of Islamic social work including educational programmes, family counselling, and resettlement of prisoners. Although in many cases, these activities are oriented towards Muslim clients, more often than not they go beyond the boundaries of Muslim communities to benefit society as a whole. Muslim actors are also starting to professionalise their services and to negotiate the ways in which they can become fully recognised service-providers within the welfare state. At a more general level, the volume also shows that in contrast to the widespread processes of secularisation of social work and its separation from religious communities, new types of activities are now emerging, which bring back to the public arena both an increased sensitivity to the religious identities of the beneficiaries and the religious motivations of the benefactors. The edited volume will be of interest to researchers in Islamic Studies, Social and Political Sciences, Social Work, and Religious Studies. This is an open access book.

Exploring Islam is a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the foundations of the Islamic faith, including its history, theology, and spiritual practice. The book also deals with issues such as jihad, the status of women, and the various sectarian divisions in Islam. Most distinctive about this work is its analysis of the lived experience of Muslims in modern American life. The book explores questions such as: - What are the foundations of Islam? - How do Muslims relate to and interpret the Qur'an? - Who is the Prophet Muhammad? - What does Shari'a law really mean? - What are the major themes of Islamic theology? - What are the theological and political issues that led to divisions among Muslims? - Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same God? - How do Muslims practice Islam in America? - What are the challenges and opportunities for American Muslims? In addressing these questions, Sayilgan offers readers a perspective that is scholarly, judicious, and engaging.

This unique textbook enables social work practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of how Islamic principles inform and influence the lives of Muslim populations. Designed to support work with families and faith communities, this completely revised and updated edition examines religious precepts, cosmologies, philosophies and daily practices, while acknowledging cultural variants and population heterogeneity. It includes a comprehensive update of the research literature, international case studies, and new sections on religious extremism and ageing and end-of-life. This is the only book specifically on social work with Muslim communities and provides an essential toolkit for culturally sensitive social work 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.

Document from the year 2023 in the subject Theology - Miscellaneous, grade: 18, , language: English, abstract: This book aims to address this gap by delving into the epistemological dimensions of Christian social work. It seeks to understand how the integration of faith and knowledge influences social work theory, practice, and research within a Christian context. By exploring the intersection of faith, knowledge, and practice, we can gain insights into the uniqueness of Christian social work and identify potential areas for further development. Christian social work is an interdisciplinary field that integrates the principles of Christianity with social work practice. It seeks to address the holistic needs of individuals, families, communities, and societies, guided by faith-based values and ethical frameworks. The epistemological foundations of Christian social work explore the intersection of faith, knowledge, and practice. Understanding how these dimensions intertwine is crucial in developing effective approaches to social work within a Christian context. Social work, as a profession, is rooted in the values of social justice, dignity, and the well-being of all individuals. The integration of faith into social work practice has a long history, with faith-based organizations and individuals playing significant roles in providing compassionate care and advocating for marginalized populations. However, the specific epistemological foundations, or ways of knowing, that underpin Christian social work have not been extensively explored.

Radicalisation, Extremism and Social Work Practice is the first book to explore cultural identity, acculturation and perceived discrimination of Muslim youth across Western countries in relation to social work, as well as the radicalisation and extremist views and actions of a small number of Muslim youth. It draws on relevant theoretical frameworks and research to examine the different approaches taken in social work practice. Some countries consider multi-agency approaches, particularly how public health practice can inform interventions and strategies. Others take a public health approach, looking for risk factors and seeking protective factors to develop suitable interventions within the communities through public engagement and partnership. As well as examining and discussing the above approaches, this book critically examines government and community-based approaches to radicalisation and extremism, and strategies for combating these. This volume will be a valuable resource for social work students, including other disciplines such as psychology, public health, psychiatry, sociology, political science and community development. It will also be of interest to policy makers, practitioners and researchers.

Volume 33 of Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion brings together an open section and two special sections that illuminate new vistas in the study of religious and non-religious belief. Special section 1 examines the historical roots of religious practice emerging from Greater Khurāsān – a historical ‘cross-road’ for many world religions. Special section 2 initiates a paradigm shift in study of religious and non-religious belief in relation to children, insisting upon foregrounding children’s narratives. Both special sections explore under-researched areas, underlining the significance of historical and contextual approaches. At an intrinsic level the volume interrogates the power dynamics that determine why particular voices and approaches are prioritised in the study of religious and non-religious belief, and why others remain under- or mis-heard.