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The positive Muslims’ approach to stigma, HIV, AIDS and PLWH : a theology of compassion translated into non-judgmental support for HIV-positive Muslims in South Africa


Document type: article
Download file(s): 120683 (83 KB)
Abstract: The South African organization Positive Muslims was founded by Faghmeda Miller, after she had discovered her HIV-positive status. In the absence of a Muslim support group Faghmeda had first joined a Christian one. Faghmeda then initiated a support group committed to addressing HIV and AIDS in a Muslim context. The organization was formally founded in 2000. Stigma surrounds infected and affected persons in Muslim communities. Since HIV is associated with pre- and extramarital sex and drug usage, the widespread conception is that ‘good Muslims’ are above it. A survey on Asian Muslims’ opinions on HIV and AIDS found that about half of the respondents viewed AIDS as God’s vengeance on immorality. An almost similar percentage considered AIDS a ‘disease of sinners’ and almost as many regarded people living with HIV (PLWH) as ‘devoid of morality’. Although Positive Muslims is a ‘faith-based organization’, it does not advocate solely for a ‘return-to-faith’ solution to the AIDS epidemic. Instead, it aims for a more comprehensive approach incorporating both personal transformation and socio-economic justice.
Authors: Westh, J. , Noordien, F.
Country: South Africa
Category: General
End Page: 9
Serial number: 2
ISSN: 1871-7551
Journal: Exchange on HIV/AIDS, sexuality and gender
Keywords: HIV and AIDS , religion
Language: eng
Organization: KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Year: 2008
Region: Africa South of Sahara , Southern Africa
Right: © 2008 KIT
Subject: Health and Nutrition
Start Page: 7
Title: The positive Muslims’ approach to stigma, HIV, AIDS and PLWH : a theology of compassion translated into non-judgmental support for HIV-positive Muslims in South Africa