ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the medical issues involved in death and dying in Arab countries. Some issues that surround death are very individual and culture-specific; particularly in Arab countries, the diversity of religions, traditions, culture change and the lack of research in this area all contribute to the complexity of the challenges faced by the clinician. The knowledge or threat of impending death can be one of the most stressful events in human experience. Social responses to death in traditional Arab society are well developed and generally effective in mobilizing social and material support for the bereaved. Imminent or actual death triggers a familiar and organized series of rituals and responses from friends and family. To understand the dynamics surrounding the range of individual and family responses to death and dying, it may be useful to explore different cultural narratives that govern society’s views of the meaning of life, illness and death.
