Arab Muslim Research Articles

Migration and Its Discontents: Study of Leila Aboulela’s Bird Summons

Bird Summons by Leila Aboulela has caught the attention of researchers and media people alike, for differing reasons, though there are a few common perspectives too among them. Their most common perspective is looking at the novel as an immigrant bildungsroman where the childlike immigrants come of age and try to assimilate themselves in a culture in which the hosts are generally hostile to their presence in their midst. The present study is a reading of Bird Summons from a postcolonial perspective. The research method employed was close reading of the text, and the objective of the present study was to interpret the selected text in view of the fictional representation of Muslim Arab diaspora, particularly in the UK. The finding of the research is that the plot, theme, and the narrative point of the novel are a veiled representation of migrants’ discontents with their condition in the new land, their loss of identity, and the issues they face in a foreign land, leaving everything behind, some of them even burning the boat, and feeling lost for lack of assimilation in the new society. The culturally shocked and emotionally unsettled immigrants then start looking all over thinking where they had gone wrong in their decision-making that they have to face such hardships, looking for similarities and differences in the two cultural milieus – the home culture and the host culture – and then learning to unlearn their own language. They realize that it is only the death of their birth identity which can redeem them to live a normal life. The significance of the present research lies in its contribution to the understanding of the neo-colonial, hegemonic social structures ever present in an erstwhile colonial centre, and the strategies of adjustment the diaspora population adopts to cope with the ensuing tensions.

Locating al-Qadisiyyah: mapping Iraq's most famous early Islamic conquest site

Abstract The Battle of al-Qadisiyyah (c. AD 637/8) was a crucial victory by the Arab Muslims over the forces of the Sasanian Empire during the early Islamic conquests. Analysis of satellite imagery of south-west Iraq has now revealed the likely location of this important historic battle.

The Female Body in the Arab Muslim World: Historical and Sociological Analysis

The Female Body in the Arab Muslim World: Historical and Sociological Analysis

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Pediatric Patients With ACKR1/DARC-Associated Neutropenia.

ACKR1/DARC-associated neutropenia (ADAN), resulting from homozygosity for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ACKR1/DARC gene (rs2814778), is a common cause of benign neutropenia that primarily affects individuals of African and Jewish Yemenite descent. We aimed to characterize ADAN in pediatric patients in Israel, given its ethnically diverse population. We assessed children with isolated neutropenia treated during 2018-2023 at one pediatric center, for the ACKR1/DARC polymorphism, using Sanger sequencing or targeted next-generation sequencing. Of 115 patients evaluated, 49 (42.6%) were diagnosed with ADAN; of these, 29 (59%) had absolute neutrophil counts in the severe range (0-0.5×109/L) at diagnosis. The allele distribution revealed 37% of Muslim Arab and 61% of Jewish origin. Yemenite, Ethiopian, Mediterranean, Asian, and European ancestry were included; 59% had a family history of neutropenia. The median age at the first neutropenia detection was 1.2years; 91.8% were identified during routine blood counts. The median absolute neutrophil count at diagnosis was 0.5×109/L (interquartile range: 0.3). An increased susceptibility to infections was not found either before or during the median follow-up period of 2.5years (interquartile range: 1.54) after the diagnosis of ADAN. In 34 patients (72.3%), neutrophil counts were in the normal range during febrile illnesses. We identified ADAN in individuals of variable ethnicities, almost half with severe neutropenia. We recommend testing for ADAN in all children with isolated neutropenia without severe infections. Homozygosity for the ACKR1/DARC rs2814778 SNP may obviate the need for further investigation, follow-up, or treatment in specific clinical scenarios.

Islamic work ethics in a complex, conflicted cultural milieu: The case of indigenous Palestinian Arab high school teachers in Israel

This study focuses on Islamic work ethics (IWE) among Indigenous Palestinian Arab high school teachers in Israel. With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, this predominantly Muslim Palestinian Arab minority experienced rapid socioeconomic change, as well as repression of its socio-political and cultural background and values. Despite its incorporation into a Western-oriented country, the core principles of Islam continue to have broad influence on the Palestinian Arab minority in Israel, as well as applications to many areas of life, including work values. The study sample included 1245 high school teachers. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were utilized to establish a reliable model of IWE, resulting in two reliable IWE dimensions: “dedication and social responsibility at work” and “independence, diligence, and achievement at work.” Indigenous Palestinian Arab teachers reported high IWE levels, although this differed by gender and age group. The IWE scale appears to be a valuable measure for describing the work-related values of Indigenous Palestinian Arab high school teachers in Israel.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Key Factors of Burnout Among Tunisian Oncology Nurses

Background Nurses play an essential role in patient care, and nurse-patient relationship are a fundamental aspect of healthcare delivery. Research has indicated that oncology nurses are particularly susceptible to burnout. However, there is limited research on nurse burnout in oncology, particularly in the Arab Muslim world. Objective This study aimed to investigate burnout among oncology nurses and analyze its association with professional and sociodemographic factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with oncology nurses at the Salah Azaiz Institute. We assessed socio-demographic data, work variables, job satisfaction, and burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results Of the nurses surveyed, 78 responded correctly to the questionnaire. The median age of participants was 37 years, with a predominance of females (52.6%). The median duration of oncology work was 11 years. Regarding job satisfaction, 30.8% were somewhat dissatisfied, and 24.4% were not satisfied. The prevalence of burnout was 89.9%, with 73.1% experiencing high levels of emotional exhaustion, 48.7% high levels of depersonalization, and 25.6% a low level of personal accomplishment. Personal medical and psychiatric history, along with job satisfaction, emerged as the strongest predictors of burnout in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion This study highlights the significant prevalence of burnout among nurses in oncology settings. In Tunisia, there is an urgent need to prioritize the psychological well-being of oncology nurses. Preventive strategies should emphasize enhancing working conditions to reduce these risks.

Effects of adverse childhood experiences on observed parenting and children's behavior problems among Jewish and Arab Muslim families in Israel.

Research points to the substantial impact of parents' exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on parents and their children. However, most studies have been conducted in North America, and research on ACEs effects on observed parenting or on intergenerational transmission of ACE effects is limited. We therefore studied families from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds in Israel and examined whether mothers' ACEs hampered maternal sensitivity and the quality of the home environment and whether mothers' psychological distress mediated these links. We also explored whether mothers' ACEs predicted children's behavior problems indirectly through maternal psychological distress and whether maternal sensitivity and the home environment attenuated this mediating path. Participants were 232 mothers (Mchild age = 18.40 months, SD = 1.76; 63.36% non-ultra-Orthodox Jewish, 17.24% ultra-Orthodox Jewish, 19.40% Arab Muslim). Results showed mothers' ACEs were directly associated with decreased maternal sensitivity. Mothers' ACEs were indirectly associated with more behavior problems in children through mothers' higher psychological distress, and maternal sensitivity moderated this indirect link; it was significant only for mothers who showed lower sensitivity. Findings emphasize the significant role ACEs play in early mother-child relationships. The importance of including ACE assessment in research and practice with families of infants and toddlers is discussed.

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN ELDERLY CARE: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MUSLIM AND JEWISH ELDERLY POPULATIONS IN ISRAELI NURSING HOMES

In Israeli society, the perception of nursing homes differs between Arab and Jewish populations. For Arab Muslims, family plays a central role in elderly care, considering it a core value in Arab culture. This study examines the elderly's involvement in deciding to move to a nursing home and utilize formal community services. Findings show that family members in the Arab community struggle with this decision, and the high involvement of the elderly themselves provides legitimacy to the decision. Muslim families take longer to decide regarding transferring to a nursing home than Jewish families, indicating the decision's complexity. Factors contributing to this matter include limited knowledge about nursing homes, lack of adapted institutional services, and difficulty obtaining culturally aligned medical care. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive institutional services and increased knowledge accessibility. These findings can guide policymakers and healthcare providers in developing tailored solutions to address the unique needs of Israel's elderly population across diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

Novel fetal phenotype of TAF8 deficiency.

TAF8 is part of the transcription factor TFIID complex. TFIID is crucial for recruiting the transcription factor complex containing RNA polymerase II. TAF8 deficiency was recently reported as causing a severe neurodevelopmental disorder in eight patients. We have ascertained three Muslim Arab couples with fetal brain malformations. Clinical, imaging, pathological, biochemical, and molecular analyses were performed. Pre-natal ultrasound performed in four pregnancies revealed massive cerebellar atrophy, microcephaly, cerebral and corpus callosum (CC) anomalies. Pre-natal MRI studies of two of the affected fetuses confirmed microcephaly, small vermis, abnormal sulcation pattern with malformation, and shortening of CC. The fetuses were found to carry a novel likely pathogenic homozygous variant (c.45 + 5 G > A) of TAF8, predicted to affect splicing and presenting autosomal recessive inheritance. Post-mortem examinations confirmed the imaging studies in one fetus. Dysmorphic features including hypertelorism, wide nasal bridge, clinodactyly, and hirsutism were present. Western blotting analysis in fibroblasts of an affected fetus demonstrated a significant reduction of TAF8 protein. We determined high expression levels of TAF8 which progressively diminish in fetal brains of WT mice. We report for the first time the fetal presentation of TAF8 deficiency due to a novel genetic variant, and study TAF8 presence during fetal and neonatal periods in mouse brains. Our study may contribute to understanding the role of TAF8 in the developing human brain.

Implementation of Criterion-Referenced Assessment in Arabic Language Education Muslim Cendekia Malang Elementary School

Implementation of Criterion-Referenced Assessment in Arabic Language Education Muslim Cendekia Malang Elementary School

KEMUDI’s Pursuance of Muslim Identity and its Implications to Malaysian Muslims

KEMUDI or Persatuan Kesedaran Melayu dan Islam (The Malay and Islamic Awareness Association) is a Malaysian based non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 2013. The organization aims to embrace and uphold a discreet Malay-Arab Muslim identity believed as being degraded by colonialism that introduces liberal democracy and capitalism to replace Malay monarchy. This qualitative study involves data collection from social media platforms, library research and semi-structured interviews. The descriptive analytical approach is applied within the organizational framework of Objective, Leadership Structure, Membership, Resource, Strategy and Tactic. The aim is to investigate KEMUDI’s origin, strategy and tactic as well as its variant of Muslim identity. It follows that KEMUDI’s pursuit of Muslim identity incorporates upholding a hybrid Arab ancestry (read: prophetic, ahl al-baytness) as the prerogative of Malay Muslim identity using strategical alliances and tactical series of lectures, publications as well as cultural activities. The Malay Arab Muslim identity is being pursued and maintained, symbiotically, as religiously significant and ethnically privileged to serve political, religious and social pursuits. The implication of KEMUDI’s ethno-religious identity to Malaysian Muslims focuses on three sectors of the National Integrity Plan (NIP); politics, civil society organization (CSO) and religion. It is found that the discreet dual Malay Arab Muslim identity adopted by KEMUDI has its share of commendatory and condemnatory implications on Malaysian Muslims.

Navigating ethnic capital and ethnic penalty: Chinese Muslim internal migrants in an international trade hub

ABSTRACT This article investigates how Chinese Hui Muslim internal migrants navigate the complexities of ethnic capital and ethnic penalty in their engagement with China-Arab international trade. On one hand, Hui Muslims leverage Arabic language learning opportunities within their community and benefit from religious affinity with foreign Muslims, enhancing their employment and entrepreneurial prospects. On the other hand, they face discrimination from the Han majority, Arab Muslims, and non-Muslim foreigners. Women, seen as “submissive” and “trustworthy”, find more expanded employment opportunities as interpreters for Arab merchants but face overt discrimination due to their Muslim attire. Notably, the Hui’s ethnic capital in the international trade market has diminished in recent years due to Arab merchants’ globalization efforts, such as adopting English for communication. This study contributes to the understanding of Chinese Muslims’ experiences in upward mobility amidst regional disparities and economic globalization.

A Retrospective Analysis of Breast Cancer Mortality among Jewish and Muslim Arab Women in Israel: The Role of Sociodemographic Factors.

Breast cancer mortality rates vary across ethnic groups in Israel, where protective factors such as high fertility and breastfeeding rates may be moderated by socioeconomic factors and mammography rates. We aim to investigate disparities in breast cancer mortality between Jewish and Muslim Arab women in Israel and examine how sociodemographic variables and number of children are associated with mortality. Our retrospective follow-up study uses data from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics and multivariable Cox regression models, adjusting for age, number of children, country of origin, locality size, and socioeconomic status. Compared to Jewish women, Muslim Arab women exhibited lower breast cancer mortality rates. However, after adjusting for multiple sociodemographic variables, no significant differences persisted between Jewish and Muslim Arab women. Having more than three children was associated with lower mortality among Muslim Arab women but not among Jewish women. European/American origin, larger localities, and medium socioeconomic status were associated with higher mortality. Sociodemographic factors may therefore explain the disparities in breast cancer mortality between Jewish and Muslim Arab women in Israel. Targeted intervention programs that consider the unique characteristics and risk factors of different ethnic groups are needed to reduce disparities and improve outcomes.

The prevalence of existential anxiety and its association with depression, general anxiety, and stress in Saudi university students

BackgroundExistential anxiety (EA) is an expression of loneliness. Although depression, anxiety, and stress have been extensively studied worldwide, research on EA in the sociocultural context of the Arab–Muslim society is scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of EA among undergraduate students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by examining the association between EA and depression, anxiety, and stress.ResultsThis cross-sectional study of 811 undergraduate students at three large Saudi universities was conducted between June and July 2018. Data collection involved demographic information, EA testing (using a validated questionnaire modified for the Saudi Arabian context), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale to test for depression, anxiety, and stress. The average age of the participants was 21 years, and 77.2% were female. The prevalence of EA was 71.1% in all students and was significantly correlated with depression (rp = 0.73, p < 0.001), general anxiety (rp = 0.47, p < 0.001), and stress (rp = 0.54, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThere was a high prevalence of EA among university students in Saudi Arabia, and EA was strongly correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress. This study emphasizes the importance of additional research on the underlying causes of EA among university students.

Brick by brick bias: Arab Muslim experience of intersectionality in housing

ABSTRACT The study presented in this paper examined intersectional discrimination against individuals with multiple minority identities in the housing market, specifically those identifying as Arab Muslims. By sending inquiries from three fictitious applicants – a Swedish Christian, an Arab Christian, and an Arab Muslim – to 1,200 landlords in Sweden, we analyzed differences in landlord responses. Results showed the Swedish Christian received the most positive replies, followed by the Arab Christian, with the Arab Muslim receiving the fewest. The study underscores the compounded discrimination faced by those with multiple minority identities and challenges the conflation of ethnic and religious identities in prior research.

Neo-liberal Narratives or Neo-orientalism: Reflections from Post-9/11 American Novel on Arab Woman

This study argues for an articulation of ‘neo-orientalism’ in order to situate neoliberal agendas (ideology) as an expression of neo-orientalist discourse in a globalized world. Analysis explores these attitudes on the status of Arab Muslim woman by referring to The Dawn by Homa Pourasgari (2009), which extensively elaborates on the dichotomous comparison between the oppressive East and the neoliberal West and how that is reflected in the life of Arab woman. This study on the status of Arab woman in Islam reflects on narrative writers’ attitudes related to neoliberal ideology, religion, and geo-politics and to prove the necessity for an analysis based on conventional selection of subject matter. Focusing on neoliberal thought, the study details how neoliberal ideology operates from above, akin to a form of military intervention, and below, attracting minds and hearts, through a full-blown cultural program to exercise neoliberal influence, while penalizing societies that refuse to participate. Therefore, neo-orientalist discourse is governed by the brutal instrumentalist tools of liberalization, democratization, and modernity. Neo-orientalist discourse implements these terms through the terminology of neoliberal logic; it is a form of convergent rhetoric that holds practices and discourses of both to establish a ground for geo-political and cultural dominance.

#3048 Short and long term follow up of living Tunisian kidney donors

Abstract Background and Aims Over the years, concerns have increased about the harmlessness of kidney donation. This is more relevant in an Arab Muslim developing country like Tunisia, where lack of cadaveric donors is continuously leading to an increase in living donor numbers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of nephrectomy as well as medical and surgical outcomes among LKDs, both short and long terms. Method Longitudinal monocentric study, involving a cohort of 106 LKDs in which nephrectomies were performed between November 2007 and April 2015. Donors that attended their follow-up visits after donation as per the European Renal Best Practice group recommendations by the European Renal Disease Association were included.10 Because of the irregularity of visits, we defined visits as follows: M1=from hospital discharge to the 3rd month, M3=from the 3rd month to 6th month, M6=from the 6th month to the 1st year, Y1=from the 1st year to 2nd year, Y2=from the 2nd year to the 4th year, and Y4=4 years and more. At the time of evaluation, we looked for the presence or history of renal events (i.e., elevation of serum creatinine level or proteinuria). We also detected by periodical check- up the presence or history of other physical or biological affections such as the presence of hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), sugar intolerance, hyperlipidemia, or hyper-uricemia (Table 1). Results 92 donors were included in the follow-up analysis after following exclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of nephrectomy was 42.8 ± 10 years with the sex ratio 0.6. and 27% of our donors were mothers. Twenty-two percent of the donors were obese and 4% were hypertensive. The median initial glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 105 mL/min/1.73 m2. The surgical approach was costal lumbotomy in 96% of cases and laparoscopy for four cases. The kidneys were removed from the left side in 93% of cases. Postoperative mortality was zero and early postoperative morbidity was low. The median duration of hospital stay was nine days. During follow-up, 14% attended all recommended visits. The median follow- up duration was 26 months. After two years post donation, the prevalence of HTN was 28% and obesity was 26%. The prevalence of GFR decline (50–59 mL/min) was 14% using formula by modification of diet in renal disease. None of our donors reached stage 4 or 5 CKD. Twelve had proteinuria and one donor had diabetes, a comparable prevalence of morbidities to the general population Conclusion Our results are strong arguments for harmlessness of renal donation but emphasize the importance of a careful and science-based selection process. Post donation follow-up, seemingly insufficient in our study, is the only guarantor of short- and long-term safety for donors and therefore helps to encourage the act of donating in other potential donors.

Comparing outcomes of psychiatric rehabilitation between ethnic-religious groups in Israel.

Psychiatric rehabilitation for people with severe mental illness (SMI) has many documented benefits, but less is known about cultural related aspects. To date, no comparison of psychiatric rehabilitation outcomes between Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs has been carried out. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to compare the outcome measures of Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews consuming psychiatric rehabilitation services. As part of the Israeli Psychiatric Rehabilitation Reported Outcome Measurement project (PR-ROM), a cross-sectional study comparing different ethnic-religious groups was performed. Data is based on 6,751 pairs of psychiatric rehabilitation consumers and their service providers. The consumers filled questionnaires on quality of life (QoL) and functioning, and their providers completed mirroring instruments. The findings revealed that QoL and functioning ratings were lower among Muslim Arabs compared to Jews on both consumers' and providers' ratings. Among Muslim Arabs, differences in outcomes according to the service's location were indicated. The observed differences between Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews with SMI in the PR-ROM point to the need for culturally adapted rehabilitation services that take into account how cultural differences may affect the benefits of such services.

Silk Road in the aftermath of Arab conquest: Trade routes traversing Azerbaijan

The article summarizes the outcomes of the clash between Khazar Turks and Muslim Arabs in wars for the South Caucasus. More than hundred years of permanent military struggle stabilized the border along Great Caucasus Range and inevitably resulted in a search for partnership options to resume mutually advantageous long-distance trade on Silk Roads. Located on the northern littoral lands of the Caspian the Khazar khaganate occupied important space on the juncture of nomadic Eurasian steppes and lands populated by various northern peoples, Finno-Ugrian and Slavic tribes. Starting from the end of VIII century Scandinavian merchants and warriors emerged in the region claiming for their share in international trade by swords and loads of commercial goods. The article describes the system of trade communications and control established by Khazar khaganate involving various nations to Silk Road trade, as well as analyses magisterial trade routes of the time of Arab-Khazar partnership in trade. Tracking of trade flows and description of trade structure and commodities allow to conclude that magisterial trade routes went traversing the territories of Arran (modern Azerbaijan republic) and the province of Azerbaijan in the north of contemporary Iran. Con­sequently, the gradual economic interconnection, human mobility, rise of local production to serve the interests of long-distance trade and to provide local commodities demanded in the markets of Silk Road geography, generated a start of gradual economic and cultural conve­rgence between two regions of international trade transit of the time considered herein in the publication.

Factors Influencing Referral for Bariatric Surgery by Primary Care Physicians in Northern Israel

PurposeObesity is a chronic metabolic disease with global distribution among adults and children which affects daily functioning and ultimately quality of life. Primary care physicians (PCPs) provide an important role for the treatment of severe obesity. Better understanding of obesity and its treatment options may increase patients’ referral rates to the various treatment modalities, including metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS).Materials and MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional study used a self-reported questionnaire among PCPs of Clalit Health Services (CHS) in Northern Israel. The quantitative questionnaire examined the PCP’s knowledge, opinions, attitude, and approaches to managing severe obesity.ResultsA total of 246 PCPs from Northern Israel filled the questionnaire (42.9%), the majority were Muslim Arabs (54.5%), who gained their medical degree outside of Israel (73.8%) and practicing for over 10 years (58.8%). 64.3% of PCPs had a high workload (over 100 appointments per week), 77.1% did not know the definition of severe obesity, and 69.17% did not attend educational meetings regarding obesity during the previous year. The referral rate for MBS was 50.4% ± 23.3. Two prognostic factors that had a statistically significant effect on the referral rate for bariatric surgery were the total appointments per week, and the number of practice years. Both had a negative association.ConclusionThe knowledge and referral rates for bariatric surgery are higher among PCPs with lower workload and relatively fewer practice years. Workshops and annual training courses may fortify knowledge and awareness for the treatment of obesity, which in turn could increase the referral rate for MBS.