The significance of Islam for coping with loss and bereavement: Palestinian children killed in Israel

Nader Shhadi, Muhammad M. Haj-Yahia*, Zvi Bekerman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper, we characterize the significance of the Moslem religion for coping with loss and bereavement, with an in-depth, semi-structured interview study conducted among twelve Palestinian families in Israel after the deaths of their sons, killed during the October 2000 events. Results revealed five religious coping patterns that assisted the families to cope with the death of their sons, who are perceived by them, based on Islamic beliefs, as Shahids (martyrs). These are: The religious meaning of Shahid; Attributing death to an external power; The Koran as a reservoir; The victim as living Shahid; and The concept of God the merciful. Implications of the results for intervention as well as for future research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch in the Social Scientific Study of Religion
EditorsRalph L. Piedmont, Andrew Village
PublisherEntomological Society of Canada
Pages239-265
Number of pages27
ISBN (Electronic)9789004175624
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Publication series

NameResearch in the Social Scientific Study of Religion
Volume20
ISSN (Print)1046-8064

Keywords

  • Islam and coping
  • Loss and bereavement
  • Moslem
  • October 2000
  • Palestinian families
  • State victims
  • Trauma and politics

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