Factors Influencing the Barriers to Performing Five Daily Prayers among Muslim Inpatients at RSUP Dr. Kariadi

Background: Prayer is a fundamental obligation for Muslims, performed five times daily. For hospitalized Muslim patients, maintaining regular prayer routines can be challenging due to physical limitations, hospital infrastructure barriers, lack of religious knowledge, and insufficient support from healthcare providers. Objective: This study aims to identify the barriers Muslim inpatients face in performing prayers and to propose recommendations for improving spiritual accommodations in hospital settings.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at RSUP Dr. Kariadi using in-depth interviews and participatory observation. Thirty Muslim inpatients, along with family members and medical personnel, were involved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and direct observations, then analyzed using thematic analysis to identify major influencing factors.Results: Physical limitations such as pain (40%), difficulty standing (50%), and movement restrictions from medical devices (33.3%) were key barriers. Facility-related issues, including inaccessible prayer rooms (70%) and lack of prayer aids (55%), significantly impacted patients' ability to pray. Religious knowledge gaps were notable, with 60% of patients unaware of permissible prayer adjustments (rukhsah). Furthermore, 80% reported no assistance from healthcare staff in facilitating prayer. Psychological factors such as stress (30%) and fatigue (25%) also affected patients' motivation, while encouragement from family and staff (50%) positively influenced prayer practices. Conclusion: Muslim inpatients encounter multiple barriers to performing prayers during hospitalization. Structured interventions, including improving hospital facilities, providing religious education, and training healthcare providers in spiritual care, are essential to support the spiritual well-being of Muslim patients.