Page 4 - Prevention Leaflet v2
P. 4

Understanding Faiths & Belief Backgrounds



         In the 2011 census the following were the most commonly recorded religions across Tees:
         Christianity                           68%

         (Islam) Muslim                         2.72%
         Hinduism                               0.26%

         Sikhism                                0.23%
         Buddhism                               0.20%

         Judaism                                0.03%
         22% of the population also recorded themselves as having no religion, and as such it is

         important to recognise and respect non-belief. Within many of the major world religions there
         are also other denominations inside the wider faith, and it is important not to stereotype religion

         linked to culture and identity, for example there are Asian Pakistani Christians.

         Christianity

         There are not any specific customs to be aware of, except for generally being respectful.


         Islam (Muslim)

         Observant  Muslims  pray  five  times  a  day  and  are  required  to  cover  the  body,  and  therefore

         dress modestly. You may also choose to dress accordingly when you visit a Muslim’s home to
         respect these values. In most Muslim homes people will remove their shoes before entering,

         which is a cultural and religious issue linked to the need for cleanliness. In many households
         unmarried men and women will not congregate in the same room and private conversation may

         be frowned upon, and although these conventions may not strictly apply to non-Muslim visitor’s,
         professionals should be sensitive to them.


         Hinduism

         It is respectful to remove  your shoes before entering a person’s home. Worship in the home is
         an important ritual and many homes contain a room with a shrine, so do not enter this room or

         touch the shrine without permission. You may offer to cover your head and dress modestly.



         Sikhism
         Before entering a Sikh person’s home it is respectful to offer to remove your shoes and cover

         your head. The family may keep a copy of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, in a
         special room in the house. Never enter this room without an invitation.


         Buddhism

         It is again respectful to remove your shoes before entering a Buddhist person’s home and many

         homes contain a room with a shrine for meditation. Do not enter this room or touch the shrine
         without permission from your hosts, and once in the room, do not turn your back to the shrine.

         Many Buddhists also dress modestly so it is good practice to respect this and refrain from
         wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.


         Judaism

         You  should  ask  whether  the  family  would  prefer  that  you  cover  your  head  before  entering  a

         person’s home, and some observant Jews may not welcome visitors on the Sabbath (Friday

         sundown through Saturday sundown). If you’re planning a visit at that time, check ahead.




         More detailed information for professionals on religion is available here:

         http://smp.eelga.gov.uk/documents/access/cultral%20diversity%20report%20sept%202014%20website.pdf
         https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/religion-or-belief-discrimination
         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_United_Kingdom
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