Islamic Chaplaincy at Stanford Hospital
Northern California is home to an abundance of Islamic institutions and learning centers, with a large number of Islamic organizations and religiousleaders residing in the area. For many years, despite this large population, there was a lack of Muslim spiritual services at Bay Area hospitals
In 2001, the Spiritual Care Service program at Stanford Hospital & Clinics established a Muslim volunteer group. Today, thanks to the guidance of our diverse local Muslim community, the group has become a valued resource for hospital patients and their families.
Over the years, the Stanford Muslim Spiritual Care Program has developed strategies to strengthen and improve its services, and now shares its expertise through networking and training outreach. The group advises other area hospitals that are expanding or launching a similar program and trains volunteers from medical centers alongside Stanford trainees or through a month-long on-site program.
Stanford’s initial group consisted of 12 individuals, including Rahinah Ibrahim from Malaysia and Doha Hamza and her husband Ahmad Sultan from Egypt. Under their leadership, the Muslim volunteer group grew in number and activities.
The team developed the program’s resources and services, including a pamphlet of supplications and prayers, an article about end-of-life issues, burial rituals and services available in the Bay Area, and lists of cemeteries with Muslim sections and grounds. The group also established relations with imams (spiritual leaders) and scholars for ethical, moral, and religious consultation.
At the hospital, they created a workshop on cultural diversity and sensitivity for social workers, case managers, and nurses. Contacts were made with the Food Service Department to explore the possibility of adding Halal prepared food to the patients’ menu. Halal food is a religious requirement for practicing Muslims, who do not consume pork or its byproducts.
Members of the community and former patients donated praying beads, copies of certain chapters of the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book), recordings of recitations, and the holy book in Arabic, as well as translations in English, Spanish, French, and other languages. Visiting patients is considered a beneficial religious duty from the Islamic perspective and encompasses a way of life for Muslims. The visiting process was meticulously documented by Doha, and her tireless work led to the Muslim Training Manual for Spiritual Care Service, the first manual of its kind in the United States. The guidebook was printed in 2007 and inspired the creation of a training manual for all Spiritual Care volunteers.
The Muslim Chaplaincy at Stanford Hospital annually organizes two religious events for the benefit of patients, visitors, and staff. The Eid Al-Fitr celebration that coincides with the holy month of Ramadan—the period of fasting; and Eid Al-Adha celebration to commemorate the Hajj—the pilgrimage season. With the assistance of the Muslim volunteers and support from the Spiritual Care team, these events have been observed for the past six years.
The Islamic Chaplaincy at Stanford Hospital is currently coordinated by Chaplain Taqwa Surapati and Dr. Sherifa Ibrahim.