Muslim father from Somalia (Based on the presentation of Osman Mire)
History and culture. Somalia is on the east coast and the horn of Africa, bordered by both the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The country has a population of 9.5 million. Unlike many other countries, Somalia is largely composed of a single ethnic group that shares a common language, religion (Sunni Muslim), and culture. From 1991 through 1994, there was civil war in the country. Even today, the government is largely ineffective.
During the civil war, Somalis fled to neighboring African countries, such as Ethiopia, Yemen, and Kenya. Resettlement programs also made it possible for Somalis to emi- grate to Germany, Switzerland, Finland, England, and the United States. In fact, so many people have left the country the median age is now only 17.5 years. An estimated 20,000 Somali refugees reside in Minnesota. Today, the Twin Cities have one of the largest populations of Somalis in North America. Other areas in the United States where many Somalis have settled include New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, San Diego, and Seattle.
General bereavement customs. There are some Somali beliefs and traditions that are important to understand. Most Somalis have a strong belief in the after-life. Muslims believe that people aged 15 years or younger are innocent and are not capable of com- mitting any sins, so they automatically go to heaven. Also, there is the belief that illness and death are parts of God’s plan for everyone and the faithful have no control. It says in the Qur’an, “To Allah we belong and to Him we return” (the term “Allah” means God). So Somalis view dying in its religious context; it is considered to be a salvation and part of the cycle of life. When an adult Somali is terminally ill, the healthcare pro- vider should tell the dying person because this is considered caring. For the terminally ill child, the provider tells the parents and the parent tells the child. When a death is imminent, there is a special portion of the Qur’an that is read or recited to the dying person. This is done for both adults and children. It is an important and necessary tradi- tion. After death, the ritual washing of the body is done by the family, the funeral home, or both. When the deceased is a child, either men or women can wash the body. When the deceased is an adult, however, only another woman can wash a woman’s body and only a man can wash a man’s body. This is done out of consideration for the privacy of the dead person.
Sometimes, Muslim religious rules may conflict with local customs or regulations. ’’Burial should be done the same day, and there is no viewing of the child’s body in a coffin. Somalis usually seek support from relatives, friends, and religious leaders. The religious leader can provide comfort and explain religious traditions. Friends and families also are important sources of support and assistance. They will try to provide any comfort possible. For instance, friends may cook for the grieving family and other family members care for their other children. They don’t want the grief-stricken parents to have any other burdens.
VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY: CROSS CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS OF GRIEF AT THE LOSS OF AN INFANT
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