Skills and Qualifications necessary to become a Muslim Chaplain

Skills and Qualifications necessary to become a Muslim Chaplain

Muslim chaplaincy is a professional career that requires having certain skills and qualification for one to become a chaplain. Muslim chaplain varies according to sectors that a person is serving and also qualification and skills. A Muslim chaplain serving in the military cannot serve in education sectors. Even though there is no specific entry requirement for the professional, there are certain skills that are required. Lack of standardization for entry into chaplaincy professions has allowed many people with a various degree and training to find themselves serving as a chaplain in various institutions (Kassam-Remtullah, 2010). The lack of standardization has been blamed for making Muslim chaplaincy to lack clear professional standards. Still, at the same time, it has allowed many people with wide experience, expertise and skill to join professions. Most of the Muslims that have become chaplain have a foundation in religious education. Still, there is a need for pursuing advanced education in pastoral care, counselling and psychology as well as Islamic studies. Some institution set standards for Muslim chaplain to join them such as healthcare sectors there some qualification that a person needs for them to become a Muslim chaplain. Therefore, advanced education in various fields will be an essential factor to consider when determining qualification for Muslim chaplaincy (. Kowalski, 2015).

The most educational and expertise requirements for chaplaincy are set by the association of chaplaincy in various country. In the United States of America, Association of Professional Chaplains set standard requirement for Muslim and Christianity chaplains (Holt, 2017). Some of the standard requirement that arrest by these associations includes graduate theological degree, complete training on clinical pastoral education. The chaplaincy association such as Canadian Association of Chaplaincy helps chaplains to integrate “clinical skills with knowledge of self and knowledge of religious, spiritual, philosophical, psychological, and cultural frameworks” (Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, 2016).

Muslim Military Chaplain

The work of a chaplain in the military setting in most cases is to provide ministry to military personnel, working with their families on spiritual matters and also helping the civilians working for the military. In some other instances, they can work with other civilians within the military area of operation. Although in most cases, the term chaplain is seen and understood to have Christian connection and roots, in today’s world, the term has in a big way spread to the Muslim religion. Specifically in the army, the term refers to personnel trained to assist people spiritually regardless to which religion they are affiliated to. The Muslim military chaplains, in most cases, provide pastoral care to the soldiers and supporting their religious rights and also they can be called upon to advise the military executives on matters relating to religion.

Additionally, in some instances, Muslin chaplains, especially in Muslim dominated countries, are used to enhance reconciliation during the times of hostility and war and enhance peace. Military chaplains from the Islam religion act as a faith group but work and help all individuals regardless of their faith. Some of the challenges that the Muslim chaplains face when deployed in military camps are interacting and helping people of a different religion who might not believe in what they say. Also, they may be called to go to the battlefield with the army. To enhance their ability to deal with people from different background and others of different religious affiliations, Muslim chaplains dealing with soldier follow one of the Islamic verse in the Koran: “Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness. And do not assist each other in acts of sinfulness and transgression. And be aware of Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment” (Quran 5:2). Therefore through following this teaching, the Muslim chaplains provide spiritual services to all regardless of their religious affiliation.

Need for Further Research

Muslim chaplaincy has continued to develop in the recent past as well as being incorporated in many institutions. However, there is no enough research that has been conducted in this field to understand more about its development, efficacy and Islamic chaplaincy care services. (Kowalski & Becker, 2015). Most of the studies that are available have concentrated on Muslim history, pastoral services and their theological spiritual care. There are few studies that have tackled the topic of Muslim chaplaincy, Muslim current service and care and the challenges that this field is facing. The lack of enough published studies related to Muslim chaplaincy and pastoral care has created lack of awareness about Muslim chaplaincy concept, role of Muslim chaplain in various institutions and contribution of Muslim chaplain in Muslim and non-Muslim institutions (Kowalski & Becker, 2015). Therefore, there is need for further research that will help to analyze the concept of Muslim chaplaincy and develop efficacy of Islamic chaplaincy care practices. There is also a need to conduct research to determine the Muslim chaplaincy interventions that can be applied by Muslim and non-Muslim care providers. Further research will help people to understand Muslim chaplaincy and its important in building strong community as well as providing a “litmus test for how well individual secular institutions cope with issues of religious and cultural pluralism” (Kowalski & Becker, 2015).

Conclusion

Muslim chaplaincy might be a new concept but it is well founded in Quran and teaching of Prophet Muhammad. Muslim Chaplain main role and responsibility is to care of others through providing spiritual guidance and personal care. Prophet Muhammad taught that the human being has reasonability and duty to take care of each other the same way a shepherd take care of its flock. Prophet Muhammad encourages people to give their best in saving humanity and providing care and services for all people. Muslim chaplaincy is all about taking care of the others in various institution such as military, schools and University as well as prion. Therefore, it is clear that Muslim chaplaincy is rooted in Quran. Muslim chaplaincy is not new because since time immemorial, Muslim leader used to provide essential services and care to poor and disadvantaged in society. The only difference is that it was considered more of pastoral care. Gilliat-Ray, Ali, and Pattison (2013) indicated that, “chaplains provide a framework and an opportunity for the growing inclusion of Muslims in public life and society”. Muslim chaplaincy has continued to develop in most part of the world. In North America, Muslim chaplaincy has continued to grow due to the need of Muslim communities in this are that need spiritual guidance and other personal services. The institution that has embraced Muslim chaplaincy in North America includes healthcare, prisons, education sector and military. Even though Muslim chaplaincy is in development stage, it has showed a unique way in offering faith-based care that integrates insights and principles from Islamic faith and psychological understanding of wellbeing, growth and healing. Muslim chaplain works hand in hand with other professionals such a psychologists to deliver high quality care to Muslim community (Long, 2014)