Faith, food, and healing: a global cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Islamic complementary and alternative foods and remedies

Abstract The increasing interest in alternative and complementary treatments—particularly those referenced in Islamic sources, such as the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah (HQPS) — has led to their growing use as alternatives or adjuncts to modern evidence-based medicine. This global cross-sectional study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of adult Muslims regarding the foods and remedies mentioned in the HQPS, along with their associated factors and determinants. An electronic questionnaire comprising twenty-seven questions was developed and verified for clarity. The study included 2,292 participants with a mean age of 38.7 ± 12.7 years, comprising 60.7% females, from 32 countries. The study results indicated adequate knowledge (80.8%; 4.8/6.0), positive attitudes (94.7%; 3.75/4.0), and adherence to Islamic practices regarding the foods and remedies mentioned in the HQPS. The knowledge score was negatively correlated with age ( r = -0.066, p = 0.001) and the practice score ( r = -0.133, p < 0.001), whereas it was positively correlated with the attitude score ( r = 0.042, p = 0.043). Females ( p < 0.001), employees ( p = 0.041), and those having a bachelor’s degree ( p < 0.001) demonstrated better knowledge. The Structural Equation Modeling test revealed that religious commitment, introduced as a moderator, has a significant positive impact on practices, thereby bridging the gap between attitude and practice. Most participants reported frequently adhering to Islamic practices. The study recommends formalizing the therapies outlined in the HQPS and deepening sound scientific knowledge that integrates Islamic principles for preserving the body with modern evidence-based medical practices.