Muslim Culture Grief

What is Grief? Merriam-Webster ‘s online dictionary defines grief as, “deep sadness caused by someone’s death; a deep sadness; and/or a trouble or annoyance”(n.d.). This term may have a different way of impacting one’s life depending on geographical location; culture plays an important role in how those that experiences a loss or hardship, cope with grief. After further research, a closer look will be taken at the five stages associated with grief and loss, how Hindu and Islamic Muslim culture deal with death, and how cultural differences may impact the stages of grief.

There are five stages that are associated with grief and loss. A medical doctor known as Elizabeth Kubler-Ross gave an in-depth explanation of the five stages in her book, “On

The way one grieves during the loss of a loved one may differentiate based on culture, but sadness is usually the one common denominator that exists universally. How one expresses their emotions, or handles death, may depend on religious and cultural influences. Gupta (2011) writes, “In India, Hindu family members are expected to cry and wail loudly as it is considered healthy to have an outburst of strong emotions” (p. 255). The manner in which Islamic Muslim culture is expected to respond to death is much different. In relation to how emotions are supposed to be expressed by Islamic Muslims when grieving, Appel and Papaikonomou (2013) write, “The emotions of crying and sadness clearly evident had to be performed in a very controlled manner, hence no screaming, shouting or wailing” (p. 455). Where crying and outbursts are acceptable in Hindu culture, Islamic Muslim culture only accepts a more controlled approach to grieving. Both cultures experience a need to demonstrate sadness when grieving, but how and where emotions are expressed, is altered based on cultural beliefs and influences. Differences in culture may also impact the five stages of grieving as explained by Dr. Kubler-Ross

The way one culture responds to the anger phase of grief for example; may not be the same way another culture responds. Research has shown that culture plays a role in the grieving process associated with death. When multiple cultures were tested to determine individual impact on the grieving process, Caitlin (1993) states, “In conclusion, the present study supports the decision that bereavement is significantly shaped by cultural context” (p. 183). The five stages of grief may be experienced by various cultures; Kuehn (2013) speaks of how some cultures use the five stages of grief as a structural guideline to help with the bereavement process by stating, “This was identified as a positive cultural coping mechanism in some instances because it gives the bereaved child or adult some stability and control during a time where they may feel very vulnerable and lost” (p. 37). As there are cultures that experience and impact each stage of grief individually, there are also cultures that may not experience a particular stage when grieving. A Tibetan monk for example, may not experience anger or allow for community depression to ensue after death. According to Workman-Newkirk (n.d.), “The reason for that is that as a monk one is single, a bachelor, and not allowed to marry. This is different from other cultures where family and friends are expected to participate in the grieving process. As seen, culture impacts whether or