Cultural impact of Islam on the future directions of nurse education

In this paper the cultural impact of Islam on the future directions of nurs e education is considered. In so doing, Islam is demonstrated as a living a nd growing religion, transcending almost all races and cultures in many par ts of the globe. The historical review of Islam suggests its pervasive impa ct on almost all aspects of life: affecting both the East and West. In spit e of an unjustified negative portrayal of Islam, it continues to grow at wh at is sometimes perceived as an unprecedented rate, having, it is estimated , one-billion followers, i.e one-fifth of the world's population. This sign als the need for nurse education to take on board curriculum measures to in corporate spiritual and cultural dimensions in the care of Muslim patients. Therefore, curriculum strategies are identified for putting into action ed ucational programmes that address the needs of Muslims. (C) 2000 Harcourt P ublishers Ltd.