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