In this series of articles, we offer resources from a number of religions in dealing with suicide along with resources for prevention and meeting challenges. In this issue, we look to the support Islam provides for prevention and meeting challenges
Why are faith-informed conversations needed?
Disparities in mental health outcomes for people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and the high proportion of people from such backgrounds professing a faith, means that referrals and signposting through faith communities is one way of addressing health inequalities and enabling people to gain timely access to the support they need.
Trigger points
Many people turn to their faith, or access a faith community, at times of transition, difficulty or change – like bereavement, retirement, changes in relationships, living somewhere new, or having a baby. These moments can also be trigger points for poor mental health and suicidal ideation, so a well-placed intervention, or referral to the right support, can make a big difference.
Personalised care
Good care is personalised and built upon what matters to people. You might argue that few things are more personal than where we place our faith. Any truly personalised approach to suicide prevention must take faith into account.
Benefits
People want their faith to be included in their care, and they benefit when it is. Religious or spiritual beliefs and practices are important to many people, and can be a major influence on their attitudes and behaviours. Over half of people who use mental health services find their beliefs helpful in managing their mental health issues, but often find it difficult to speak about them with health professionals.
Studies have shown that culture and faith-informed practice can improve communication and lead to better outcomes.
There are people that do seek professional help, but they still want to understand: what is happening to them? Is it based on karma? They’ve got so many questions that they want answering based from their faith… -Leader of a faith-based mental health charity
Assets
Faith communities have assets for prevention, including:
- Prominent buildings in accessible locations
- An ethos of care and compassion, including to the most marginalised
- Motivated volunteers (meaning investment goes a long way)
- Social capital and expertise through their networks
- Trust and community knowledge
Assets are the physical and non-physical resources or characteristics which help faith groups serve their communities. Such as: buildings and spaces, volunteer power, an ethos of care and service, and trust.
Islam
Muslims believe in one God, Allah, who has many characteristics. Muhammad was the final prophet of Islam, to whom God revealed the Qur’an. There are two main branches of Islam, called Sunni and Shi’a.
Islam means “submission to God”. Muslims believe in one God, Allah, and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, Allah’s messenger. Muhammad received the Qur’an, the Islamic holy book, from Allah.
Within Islam, there are compulsory duties that Muslims must try to carry out. All Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam. For Sunni Muslims, the Five Pillars are the core duties of Islam. Shi’a Muslims follow the Five Pillars plus five additional duties, and together these are called the Ten Obligatory Acts.
The following content is intended to offer information on when, where and how Muslims might access community-based support. It should not be treated as guidance on how to engage with the Islamic community.
How is life, suffering, and death understood within the Muslim faith?
Life…
- is appointed by Allah and a sacred gift.
- is temporary and a preparation for the afterlife.
- is to be preserved and protected.
Suffering…
- is a natural part of life in this temporary world.
- may be met with increased reward in the afterlife.
- may be viewed as preparation, a test or retribution leading to spiritual growth, and not as a punishment from Allah.
Death…
- is seen as a new beginning or a gateway to the afterlife.
- happens at Allah’s appointed time.
- will lead to reward or punishment in accordance with how we live.
Support
When do Muslims gather / connect?
Most commonly during Friday congregational prayer (Jumu’ah), which takes place at roughly midday in the mosque. Following prayer, worshippers may greet each other and catch up.
Most mosques are open daily during the five prayer times (morning, noon, afternoon, early evening, evening), and Muslims may attend mosque at any of these times. Exact prayer times vary daily according to passage of the sun. Some mosques remain open all day for worship.
Mosques commonly host a variety of other activities and events throughout the week, including Quranic teaching classes, coffee mornings, youth clubs and charitable activities like community outreach and homeless shelters.
Where do Muslims gather / connect?
Larger mosques are often prominent and purpose-built structures, however mosques are also located within existing buildings, including on high streets or converted houses.
Some mosques are part of larger Islamic cultural and community centres. These may house a variety of meeting spaces, as well as libraries and offices.
Muslims may choose to worship at a particular mosque for a variety of reasons. Proximity to home or workplace may be a deciding factor, since prayers take place throughout the day. There may also be linguistic or cultural factors that may encourage someone to choose one mosque over another.
If a Muslim wanted to access faith-based wellbeing support, how and where might they do this?
Imams may be a port of call for people seeking advice on mental wellbeing. It should be noted that whilst some Imams may have training in pastoral care, not all will be formally trained in this area. Other members of the mosque community may be trained in providing advice and support for those in distress.
Some mosques offer professional counselling services, dedicated wellbeing support groups or peer support.
Muslims may also seek faith-based therapy based on Islamic principles.
Some sectors, such as healthcare and justice, may offer chaplaincy services for Muslims, and faith-adapted psychological therapies. Services such as these are now becoming available in many nations where Muslims have migrated to.
Are there dedicated organisations offering faith-informed support?
Lifeline is a multifaith support body. . Excellent explanatory (Easyread) material from Lifeline about Myths and Misconceptions on Suicide is found here:
https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/topics/suicide/suicide-stigmas-myths-and-misconceptions
Supporting Humanity is an award-winning charity providing mental health and bereavement support to those in need.
https://supportinghumanity.org/
Eclectic House offers a range of services but specialises in holistic/Islamic therapy which incorporates western counselling and the philosophy of the human mind, body, heart, and soul.
https://www.eclectichouse.org/
The Muslim Community Helpline are a national organisation for women, men, young people, and children, providing a listening and emotional support service for members of the Muslim community in the United Kingdom.
https://muslimcommunityhelpline.org.uk/
The Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network (MCAPN) is a directory of Muslim counsellors/psychotherapists and Islamic counselling services in the UK.
https://www.mcapn.co.uk/
Sakoon Islamic Counselling Services are a team of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists with access to legal and Islamic advisors, offering services in mental health, individual, couples and family counselling.
https://www.sakoon.co.uk/
Muslim Women Network UK (MWNUK) operate a national specialist faith and culturally-sensitive helpline that is confidential and non-judgmental, offering information, support, guidance and referrals for those who are suffering from or at risk of abuse or facing problems on a range of issues.
https://www.mwnhelpline.co.uk/
Muslim Youth Helpline provides faith and culturally-sensitive support at the point of crisis for those that need emotional support and signposting. Targeted for young people but open to all ages.
https://myh.org.uk/
Mindworks UK offer psychotherapy, coaching, theatre & therapy, faith-based therapy, and coaching.
https://www.mindworksuk.co.uk/
Muslim-tailored mental health and wellbeing apps
Afiah
https://afiah.app/
Sukoon
https://sukoonawakening.com/
Muslim Moodfit
https://muslimmoodfit.com/
Wellbeing publications
Five ways to good mental wellbeing and Islam
https://www.good-thinking.uk/faith-and-belief-communities/islam
Bereavement and post-vention
How to respond to a suicide in the Muslim community, by Dr Rania Awaad
https://muslimmatters.org/2021/04/08/how-to-respond-to-suicide-in-muslim-communities/
Islam and bereavement
Document in Islam and Bereavement
Muslim Bereavement Support Service facilitates a confidential multilingual environment to support the bereavement process in line with the Qur’an and Hadith. They also work with the NHS, hospices and other organisations to give a spiritual context to the bereavement support services they offer
https://www.mindworksuk.co.uk/faith-based-therapy
Videos and Webinars
Talking about suicide – are you ready to have the conversation?
By British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA)
Watch on YouTube
What every Muslim needs to know about suicide prevention
By Muslim Mental Health Alliance (formerly known as Mental Health COVID Response Group)
Watch on YouTube
Suicide Prevention in the Muslim Community – Learning Circle
By Maristan
Watch on YouTube
World Suicide Prevention Day – Tuesday 10th September 2024
Changing the Narrative
