Islamic theology and prayer - Relevance for social work practice

This article examines aspects of knowledge that are important to social wor k practice with Muslim clients: Islamic theology, prayers and the pillars o f Islam (the shahada, or profession of faith; the salat, or practice of pra yer five times daily; the zakat, or alms-giving; the slam, or fasting durin g the holy month of Ramadan; and the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). Major a spects include natural forms of social support, familial and marital mediat ion, conflict resolution, group cohesion and support, individual catharsis and psychological relief, and self-actualization.