Understanding Muslim Chaplaincy

Muslim chaplains in a range of British public institutions are performing vital roles as problem-solvers, mediators and role models, a new book reveals. Understanding Muslim Chaplaincy examines the work of Muslim chaplains in universities and colleges, prisons, the armed forces, hospitals, airports, shopping malls and in the community, throughout England and Wales. The research by Professor Sophie Gilliat-Ray and Maulana Dr Mansur Ali of the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK at Cardiff University, and Professor Stephen Pattison of the University of Birmingham, is the first study of its kind to examine the work of the 450 full-time, part-time, and volunteer Muslim chaplains in the UK. "We found that Muslim chaplains are tremendously important carriers of knowledge about how to live and work in a multi-faith society," said Professor Gilliat-Ray, director of the Centre. "They are able to work within the sometimes complex bureaucracy of the institution, while also engaging with diverse Muslim communities. This puts them in a unique position and able to foresee and avoid problems or conflicts before they arise." The book reports many examples of negotiation or compromise: A hospital chaplain recounts how he dealt with the prospect of large numbers of family wanting to attend a recently-deceased relative, and managed to prevent disruption to other patients and staff. Female chaplains, who normally wear the full veil (or niqab), explain why they are willing to compromise their beliefs and opt not to wear it at work.