Although predominantly Muslim communities
may share similar Islamic beliefs, local cultures
and conditions may lead to the people practicing
their beliefs via different and unique perspectives.
In regard to prevention and care for HIV/AIDS,
issues such as stigma, discrimination, misinformation
about diseases, poverty, the presence of refugees
and economic instability remain strong and may
interfere with successful efforts toward tackling
HIV/AIDS.4 Prevention modalities, such as condom
use, sterile needle programs and methadone
substitution therapy, which have been implemented
successfully in many non-Muslim communities,
continue to be debated and often rejected by some
Muslim leaders. Thus, it is not surprising that
cultural practices and religious beliefs have been
noted to be contributing factors in the way people
engage in risky behavior.