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Ahmed N. Hassan, Heba Ragheb, Arfeen Malick, Zainib Abdullah, Yusra Ahmad, Nadiya Sunderji, Farah Islam
ABSTRACT
Abstract The stigma of addiction in Muslim communities is a significant barrier to accessing mental health services. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a newly developed spiritually-adapted addictions psychoeducational program with adult Muslims in the mosque setting. Ninety-three individuals were recruited from nine different mosques within Toronto, Canada. Ninety-minute seminars were presented. This study used a convergent mixed method design. There was a significant increase in the participants’ self-reported knowledge (t = 3.6; p < 0.001), a more positive attitude on two scales (t = 3.7; p < 0.001 and t = 2.9; p = 0.005) and an increase in willingness to seek help from a medical doctor and mental health professional (t = 4.4; p < 0.001 and t = 2.2; p = 0.03, respectively) post-seminar as compared to baseline. Qualitative data confirmed these changes. Evidence-informed spiritually-adapted outreach program in the mosque setting can help reduce addiction related stigma in Muslim communities.
Abu Amina Elias (Justin Parrott)
Mindfulness (al-muraqabah) in Islam is a spiritual state in which a believer is conscious of the awareness of Allah Almighty over his inward states and outward actions. It is when the heart and mind are occupied with the remembrance of Allah and are before Him in the present moment, in contrast to when the heart and mind are in a state of wandering, negligence, or forgetfulness.
The basis of mindfulness is the knowledge that Allah Almighty is watching over us at every moment, seeing our deeds, knowing our feelings, and hearing our innermost thoughts. It is the believer’s realization of Allah’s beautiful name ‘the Watchful’ (Al-Raqib).
Abu Amina Elias (Justin Parrott)
How can we have more control over our thoughts in this time of information overload and anxiety? Exercising mindfulness, or muraqabah, can help discipline our minds in order to handle the current situation and focus on our connection with Allah.
Areej Ahmad and Namarig Ahmad
A collection of COVID-19 reflections.
COVID-19 has changed lived in ways we could never have imagined. What COVID-19 Can't Take from Us, is an e-book compilation of stories from twenty inspiring leaders. The contributors' stories paint the reality of their lives, locally and globally, and explain how they are coping in these unprecedented times. It gives us hope and strength, that our humanity is strong and effective when we stand together.