An islamic perspective for strengths-based social work with muslim clients

Abstract

This paper examines the Islamic concept of fiṭra or ‘original purity’ in relation to the strengths perspective in social work as a basis to guide religious and culturally appropriate services to Muslim clients. Both fiṭra and the strengths perspective presuppose a positive view of humankind; people are viewed as resilient and capable of growth and development, albeit in respective Islamic and secular systems, these outcomes are towards different ends. In Islam, growth and development links to the self but, ultimately, also to one's relationship with God. In secular social work systems, individual effort and the ability to overcome adversity and become whole are key and need not necessarily be linked to a God. This paper assesses the concept of fiṭra in relation to the strengths perspective to determine a religious and culturally appropriate equivalent for working with Muslim clients within the broader context of multicultural practice.

Keywords::

• Islamic social work
• multicultural practice
• strengths perspective
• Muslim clients

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Somaya Abdullah

Somaya Abdullah is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work in the Department of Social Work and Social Development at the University of Fort Hare. Address: Department of Social Work and Social Development, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa. [email: [email protected]]