Caring is a fundamental concept in nursing, a profession that has long been associated with the act of nurturing and supporting individuals through health challenges. Yet, the essence of caring extends far beyond the clinical setting, resonating deeply in our everyday lives, particularly when we find ourselves in the role of caregivers to medically challenged loved ones. As nursing has evolved as a discipline, it has become increasingly clear that caring is not a one-size-fits-all proposition; instead, it is a concept rich with cultural and community-specific nuances.
Theorists like Jean Watson and Rosemarie Parse have offered significant contributions to our understanding of caring within the nursing profession. Watson's theory, for instance, incorporates a spiritual dimension, urging nurses to engage with patients on a deeper, more existential level. This approach draws heavily on phenomenological anthropology and existentialism, emphasizing the spiritual, interpersonal, and transpersonal elements embedded in the caring process.
On the other hand, Rosemarie Parse's theory, influenced by the works of Martha Rogers and existential-phenomenological thinkers, challenges the traditional medical model, advocating for a human science approach to nursing that honors the individual's health and life experiences.
While these theories offer profound insights into the role and practice of nursing, they are largely rooted in Western thought, which may not align perfectly with the principles of other cultures, such as those guided by Islamic philosophy. Islam, for example, sees the ultimate purpose of human existence as gaining God's satisfaction, and thus, the concept of caring involves bringing individuals closer to the divine.
In this post, we'll explore the concept of caring in Islam and compare it with existing caring theories, shedding light on the philosophical variances that shape cultural understandings of what it means to care.
The Concept of Caring in Islam
Islamic teachings outline four primary types of caring: God's care for humanity, self-care, humans caring for one another, and the universe caring for humans. Each of these forms of care is interconnected, with God's care influencing the other three. Human beings are urged to take proactive steps in self-care as part of their divine duty, which in turn fosters self-awareness and empowerment.
When self-care is insufficient, due to illness or incapacity, other types of care come into play, informed by the individual's connection to God and the broader universe. Nurses in this context are seen as facilitators, making the care of the universe accessible to patients.
Caring in Islam is holistic, grounded in the understanding of human beings as complex entities with physical, spiritual, and psychological dimensions. It is derived from divine commands and religious duties, emphasizing the nurturing of the soul as paramount.
Comparing Care in Islam with Watson and Parse's Theories
The key questions driving Watson's and Parse's theories revolve around the redefinition of nursing as a human science and the pursuit of holistic, human-oriented care. Both theorists felt constrained by the traditional medical focus on curing diseases and sought to provide a more comprehensive view of nursing that addresses the entirety of human experience.
However, when placed alongside Islamic perspectives, the Western theories reveal distinct philosophical origins. Existentialism, a central theme in both Watson's and Parse's work, places human beings and their experiences at the core of understanding. In contrast, Islamic caring is theocentric, with human actions revolving around divine will and guidance.
The definitions of caring within the three frameworks also differ. Watson and Parse view caring as an outcome of human experiences and interactions, while Islamic caring is based on human nature and adherence to divine commands. The idea that care should lead to the realization of human potential is shared across all three perspectives, but the pathways to that realization differ significantly.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are some commonalities in how caring is defined and practiced across cultures, the underlying philosophies can be vastly different. The caring theories developed by Watson and Parse are informed by phenomenology and the importance of human experience. In contrast, the Islamic perspective places a greater emphasis on divine guidance and the holistic nature of human beings.
For nurses and caregivers operating within diverse cultural contexts, it is crucial to understand these differences. Recognizing the cultural dimensions of caring enables healthcare professionals to provide care that is not only effective but also culturally sensitive and respectful of the patient's beliefs and values.
As we continue to explore and integrate various caring theories into practice, the ultimate goal remains the same: to support the health and well-being of individuals in a manner that honors their entire being – body, mind, and spirit. Whether guided by the principles of Western nursing theories or the holistic teachings of Islam, the heart of caring remains a universal commitment to nurturing human life in all its complexity.
Reference: Sadat-Hoseini, Akram-Sadat, and Abdoul-Hosein Khosropanah. “Comparing the Concept of Caring in Islamic Perspective with Watson and Parse's Nursing Theories.” Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research vol. 22,2 (2017): 83-90.
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