ABSTRACT
Religion and health share a rich and intricate past; their present interrelationship is arguably all the more intriguing. An appreciation of Islam, and its central narrative, then is vital to understanding these peoples and the ways in which they experience and comprehend this sacred interface. Being faced with Muslims who have never recognised such divisions is therefore challenging and complex. In the United States in particular, it now appears that a voxpopuli has begun to make itself heard arguing for more explicit connections between religion and health to be re-established. Some of these health benefits may in part be explained by factors such as differing demographics, health habits and social support among the religiously active. As Europe come to terms with its past, there is a greater willingness from the British establishment to promote dialogue and discussion with Muslims about relationships between Muslims and the West.
