Muslim’s Marathon

After he ran two half marathons in Canada, I had the opportunity to communicate with Muslim and ask him a few questions.  Please see our discussion below

Sukaina - Tell me a bit about yourself?

Muslim – Well I’m 30, am African born (probably why I’ve developed a passion for running) but British bred.  I have spent most of my summers as a youth in Canada visiting my grandparents and cousins, who I am very close to. I have grown very fond of Canada and try my best to visit every year; it’s like my home away from home.  To sum up I’m just an average guy trying to help where he can.

Sukaina – Why did you choose Smile?

Muslim – Why not!?… A few people have asked me the same question, but mainly for the reason that Smile is a Canadian-based organization and not a British one!

You hear people say “that charity should start at home” and as I mentioned Canada is my home away from home, so why not!?

This now brings me to answering the question, why did I choose Smile? Well someone introduced me to Smile in a mass e-mail a few years back to which I was party to. This briefly outlined the work of Smile and attached to this was a link to the Smile website. My inquisitive nature took hold and I started to browse the site. It was inspiring to read and see the work that Smile is doing for the community. Not just for children with disabilities but for their families and doing this whilst the organization is still in its infancy. Again inspiring! I wanted to do something to help, whoever at the time I couldn’t see what I could do, especially living so many miles away. Saying this, what always stuck in my head was one of the article on the site, ‘The Journey’. It was very touching and moving to read and I never forgot it.  It wasn’t until I actually had the opportunity to meet Mohammad on a visit to Canada in 2010, though brief, that I started to remember the article and truly became inspired. Mohammad was the reason why I chose Smile

Prior to coming to Canada that summer I had already entered into the 2010 Birmingham Half Marathon with my brothers Shabar & Shabir.  So that summer after meeting Mohammed I had the idea incepted into my head, that I wanted to run and raise money for Smile and their cause. Whoever being that the 2010 Birmingham half-marathon was my 1st ever attempt at running a distance of 13.1 miles, I used this as a platform to ensure I could do the run and didn’t want to let anyone down. History would go on to dictate (:p) that I ran the 2010 Birmingham Half Marathon in 2 hours 11 seconds.

Flashcards!!!

Flash Cards!!

Salam Alaikum!

In this week’s article, let us focus on the importance of reading. Reading is  an important component of learning. A child starts his/her educational  journey  by reading. Reading the alphabets, words, sentences,  paragraphs and then a book.  It all starts with being able to read. There are strategies put in place to help one read and understand what they are reading. Many children have difficultly reading or comprehending due to lack of understanding. In this article and  coming articles, I will discuss various reading strategies that will help a child read and become an avid reader. One of the strategies that helps one read is with “flashcards”.

What are flashcards?  Well I am sure majority of us have either played with it during our young age or have used it for your child. Flashcards are cards that have words, pictures and/or numbers on it  What is the purpose of flashcards?  Flashcards help in improving the visual or the photogenic memory, associating things and comprehension of a child. Flashcards activities are very simple and children love doing them. A child learns things in a fun way through flashcards. You can create flashcards for any subject of your choice and can teach the child. Now the big question here is how does it work? How does it stimulate the brain? Well brain development takes place between the ages of 3 months to 6 years. During this period, a child’s brain is like a sponge, it can absorb incredible amount of information and learn new things at a quick pace.  When the child receives exposure to a wide variety of topics during this age, a content rich library is created, to which the child will have subconscious access for the rest of their life.

Flash cards can be used to help your child read.  You can create or buy flash cards with sight words on them. Sight words are words that a child must know and be able to recognize at a certain grade level. Sight words are also known as Dolch words and it can be looked up on the internet. Expose your child to these sight words continuously using flashcards. This allows the child to retain  the words in his/her brain. When reading the book she/he can recognize the sight words giving him/her the ability to read  sentences fluently.  This is the first step to reading.

A child can be exposed to sight words in many ways however flash cards are more effective as children are visual learners. They enjoy learning in fun filled environment. It is important to remember, children learn more and retain more information if they are enjoying and having fun when being taught. Flashcards are fun and it is up to you to make this an exciting experience for your child.

Fatema Abbas-Smile Editor

Back to school!!!

Salaam Alaikum!

It is that time of the year, where families are preparing for “back to school”. Yes, summer is almost over! It is time for early mornings, packing lunches, ironing uniforms and hearing your child complain about waking up early and going to school. However, the crying and complaining is very short-lived and children end up loving school.   Within a few weeks they get to play with their classmates, excel academically, and engage in various activities.

Soon parents get involved in their child’s school life, and they want to see their child get straight As, take part in extra-curricular activities and demonstrate excellent behaviour.   However, often times in the process of getting children to become an “all star”, more attention is paid on the outcome of achieving higher grades and there is less focus on the methods that aid in enhancing a child’s performance.  These are some fundamental aspects of a child’s life that act as fuel to enhance his or her progress both in and outside of the classroom.   As a teacher, I have seen students struggle with concentration due to the following factors: lack of sleep, and inadequate nutrition and physical activity.  Let us examine these contributors individually and how they affect a child’s ability to perform to their fullest potential.

Sleep

It is scientifically proven that in order for the brain and body to rest and re-energize, one needs to get approximately 8 hours of sleep.  There are 5 stages of sleep and it is important that we go through each stage in order for the brain to rejuvenate for the next day. Lack of sleep can cause a child to feel irritated and tired, and be inattentive, and the child will not be able to take in a lot of information or retain it.  This slowly begins to affect their performance in the classroom. Lack of sleep also reduces their energy level, leave them feeling tired and exhausted during gym time, when playing sport or simply during recess time. Therefore, it is very important that children get proper sleep during school days. Sleep allows the body to recover.  Try to help your child avoid procrastination so that he or she is not up all night scrambling to complete an assignment.

Diet

From my experience as a teacher, I have witnessed first hand many students bringing “treats” to school that are high in sugar for snacks or for lunch. When I ask them why, they often say that they do not like veggies or that their parents did not have time to prepare lunch for them. However, for a child to perform to their fullest potential, it is important that their brain is well nourished. In order to ensure one is meeting their child’s nutritional needs, incorporate foods from all five-food groups. The five food groups are vegetables, fruits, protein, dairy, and grains. Lack of vitamins and minerals, can affect the body and brain causing lack of attention and fatigue. Ask your child what they like and try hiding vegetables that are least liked by your child in their meals by grinding them up or cutting them into tiny pieces.   Reduce the intake of junk food with high sugar and salt levels such as cookies, cakes and chips.  Remember – there is always a healthy available.

Routine

Many a times, especially if your child is in higher grades or needs extra help, we as parents tend to over work our child by tutoring them after school, giving them extra homework besides homework given by the teacher or we drill our children to sit and memorize the content in order to achieve higher grades. We forget that these children are kids and that they need to relax and be kids. We tend to over work their brains just so they can get straight A’s.  A child’s brain only works for a certain period of time and after that anything you force upon them is a waste. In order for your child to progress and use their abilities to their fullest potential, create a routine and make them follow it. This routine should include homework time, reading time, and play time. Just like adults, children need to unwind and rest their body and brain before they can take on more workload. If you create a routine and get your child to follow it, it will allow them to better absorb and retain information and it also gives their body some time to reboot and get back in to work mode. Having a routine gets them used to a pattern and soon a child will know and act according to their routine with less parental reminder or interference. It is all about getting used to a routine.

Exercise

Television, computers, Wii and other electronic gadgets have become a norm in our children’s daily life. Children are rarely seen playing with their friends in the front yard. Children are not very interested in taking up a sport such as soccer, hockey, martial arts and much more. They prefer staying home and playing video games. For a child to be fit, exercising and staying fit is very important in order to the keep the mind and body active. One does not have to take up extra curricular activities to stay fit, but simply gong out for a long walk in your neighborhood on daily basis.  Biking, playing soccer in your back yard,  and jogging are a few examples of staying fit and healthy.

Remember, the above remains true for children attending school or if they are being home schooled. We want the best for our children academically but sometimes we push our children without realizing that other aspects of their daily life impacts their academic performance.   For our children to progress both socially as well as academically, they need to be fit, well rested and well nourished.

I hope these pointers will serve as a reminder for all of us! The beginning of the school year is a great way to implement small changes that can make a big difference!

Fatema Abbas

Smile Editor

Ramadhan Kareem

Ramadhan Kareem

Salam Alaikum!!   I would like to begin by wishing every one Ramadhan Kareem. The blessed month of Holy Ramadhan is here and let us keep all of our brothers and sisters in our prayers. May this month bring us closer and keep us united as a community. Ameen.

This year has been a great year for Smile. Alhamdulillah, we have held three family events at The Olive Grove School.  At these events, we had Reptilia Inc. and a magic show for the kids. Along side, we held workshop for parents on nutrition as well as a session on Isalmic fianance with a particular focus on a savings plan for children living with disabilities.  Integrative events provide a great opportunity for families to socialize and interact with one another. They also give Smile families an opportunity to connect and educate one another about various resources.

On May 27th, 2011 we also had our 3rd  annual Smile fundraising dinner at the Maple Banquet Hall. Alhamdulillah, the dinner was a success! We had a great turn out and everyone had a wonderful time reconnecting and socializing with one another and the Smile families.  This year was a special year as we were fortunate to have Dr. Asheligh Molloy as our guest speaker. Dr. Asheligh Molloy is the president of the Down Syndrome Association of Toronto. His speech was very informative and answered some of the many questions that one as a parent would have as a caregiver for a child living with a disability. He was  also extremely entertaining and as a parent of a child living with Down syndrome, he is an inspiration for us all. At the dinner, we were proud to showcase the artwork of our Smile children.

At the dinner, we were proud to showcase the artwork of our Smile children.  This art was  up for silent auction and it was amazing to see the diverse collection of art work from these children. It is through their art work, these children are able to describe and express their feelings and how they perceive things they see. It was evident that the   children felt proud to see their art work being exhibited and auctioned to support Smile. The Smile dinner is one event, one must attend to experience a fun filled night for families to come together and enjoy with their friends and family.  For those of you who could not make it, we hope to see you next year!

Recently, Smile also participated in the infamous MuslimFest, a two-day festival where the Muslim community gathers to showcase the diversity of Islamic culture and art.  MuslimFest is a great platform to spread the knowledge about Islam in a creative and unique manner.  At MuslimFest Smile set up a booth,  people about Smile, the purpose of the organization and of course what we do.  We sincerely thank all of you who came out this year.

Finally, we would like to inform you that Inshallah, Smile will resume its first Support Group after Ramadhan. Please visit the Smile website at www.smilecan.org for further information. On behalf of Smile, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of you for your continuous support. It has been a great journey and we look forward to many more fun filled events in the future. Inshallah.

Wassalaam,

Fatema Abbas – Smile Editor

Smile REPTILIA Event

On February 6th, 2011 the Smile. team got together to host an integrative learning and activities event for Smile. families at the Olive Grove School. This event was different then many previous events as it featured reptiles.

The event began with several activities, children drew, made personalized t-shirts with their own artistic flair and others worked on their jump shots making good use of the basketball nets and the moderately talented volunteers.

These activities were followed by a captivating presentation by the insightful Reptila representative Nick. Nick captured and held the attention of fourty families and volunteers with interesting facts and stories about the variety of creatures he had brought to share with the Smile. families. Each child had the opportunity to gently touch the creatures that ranged from a quiet turtle, a few slithering snakes, a blue tongue skink and an enormous monitor lizard, which seemed very interested in the sights and sounds of the excited children. Each child patiently waited to touch the reptiles and ask some very intelligent questions. Parents encouraged bravery and captured each moment by snapping photos.

In addition to the lizards, parents had attended an educational workshop led by Certified Nutritional Practitioner Sakina Molu. Sakina shared with the parents the importance of a healthy breakfast. She shared helpful tips, ingredient substitutions and intriguing facts. Sakina also gave tips on the types of foods that can be prepared and be preserved for a few days for the families who have little time for meal preparation. She encouraged to lead healthier lives by making subtle substitutions for example choosing of a natural sweetener such as agave, stevia and organic honey rather then refined sugars, allowing each of us to have their cake and eat it to.

Stay tuned for the next Smile. event!

Advocating for the Rights of People with Disabilities From the Teachings of the Holy Quran & Sweet Sunnah

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

“They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not to the Right Path.” (al-Baqarah, 2:18).

Just because some are known to have disabilities doesn’t mean that the rest of us are excluded from abnormalities. In fact it could be that most of us who have our senses intact are the ones who truly define the label of being impaired yet have too much darkness in our hearts to contemplate the light.

Among the best of Allah’s creations after our Noble Prophets and Messengers, peace & blessings be upon them, are those with special needs. While most people on the face of this Earth are ungrateful, children and adults with disabilities tend to be of those who are most content and satisfied. SubhnaAllah. Some would give them the right to complain, live in tears, and doom themselves in misery, but because of Allah’s support upon their hearts, you will not find most people with handicaps or impairments as such. On the contrary they are most ready to graciously accept the challenges Allah has willed upon them. They are honored servants of Allah with dignity and whom are dignified by Allah and should be dignified by us as well. Prophet Muhammad salAllahu alayhee wasallam taught:

“Show mercy to those on earth, and God will show mercy to you.” (At- Tirmithi and Abu Dawud)

People often look at people with disabilities and pity them. However having sympathy for them is usually not a strong tool in advocating for their rights as humans. Feeling bad for people who live with handicaps is not useful in promoting their rights. A more useful emotion that should be used is empathy because then, the hope for successful outcomes is seen and the whole person is viewed as a unique special addition to humanity. They desire and deserve the support to achieve their goals, and when we empathize, we realize the struggles they face. We then become better equipped to help give them the tools in reaching their potential level of independence, instead of saying “oh haram, miskeen, poor people”. It is the Qadar of Allah that they are as they are, and it is also the Qadar of Allah that we are given the blessed opportunity to advocate for them in any way we can. All Muslims are responsible to this noble cause. Prophet Muhammad salAllahu alayhee wasallam emphasized this when he said:

“Whoever meets the needs of his brother, Allah will meet his needs.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Allah gives and takes from each of us and just because someone seems to be at a loss, doesn’t mean they are a hopeless case without the ability to succeed to his or her potential level of independence, strength, or capability. Allah created each of us in uniqueness

“Oh humanity! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and
made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other, not that you
may despise each other.”(Al-Hujurat, 49:3)

This verse isn’t just about various cultures and societies, but about the differences in people and Allah celebrates the diversity which He created so that we may reflect. People with disabilities are no exception to that beautiful diversity we have in this life.

“And cooperate with one another towards righteousness and piety and do not
cooperate towards sinfulness and aggression.” (Al-Ma’idah, 5:2)

Allah here specifically tells us that we need to cooperate with one another, and this should be realized that as we are able to help people with disabilities, we should also expect that they too can be teachers through their life experiences in giving us a glimpse of what it means to patiently strive for the sake of Allah. As they may be able to benefit from us, we too may be able to benefit from them.

Prophet Muhammad salAllah alayhee wasallam told us: “None of you is a true believer until you wish for your brother what you wish for yourself.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Each of us has an obligation to them. Remember that he also taught is that even a smile is a charity, and that charity is prescribed for every person every day the sun rises. Why not the next time you see a child or adult in a wheelchair, bend down, look at them in the eyes and just say ‘asalaamalaiakum’ with a smile. They may not have the capabilities of hearing you, seeing you, paying attention to you or responding to you.. but they have hearts and certainly they will feel it. Try it for the sake of Allah.

There is more than just a benefit of this donia in reaching out to someone who is facing a difficulty of any kind, as Muslims we know the reality of the Hereafter is to come. So we must keep in mind that a Harsh Day is expected for many who neglect and refrain from assisting others when they are given the chance to; likewise, Allah Promises great rewards who strive to help a person in need.

“If one removes a hardship of a Muslim in this life, Allah will relieve a hardship from him on the Day of Judgment.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Another thing to remember as a caregiver, helper, or as even one with the disability itself is the Promise of Allah that:

“Only the patient will be paid back their reward in full without measure…” (Az-Zumar, 39:10)

Rasullilah salAllahu alayhee wasallam was sent as the Mercy to all of us. He was so compassionate to those without disabilities, that when it came to people with cognitive, social, or physical impairments he became even more sensitive towards their needs. He reached out to them and communicated Truth to them on their levels of understanding. People who had a hard time comprehending Islamic teachings were given graphic organizers drawn out into the sand. He didn’t just utilize spoken words, but visuals, demonstrations, and hands on teachings to get his point and the Points of Allah across to the masses. Never with humiliation, but with honor towards people with all sorts of needs. Allah directly ddresses Prophet Muhammad salAllahu alayhee wasallam as a mercy for all- not just towards those who can apply the physical actions of worship, he spoke to hearts which everyone is capable of using just by feeling, regardless of what medical diagnosis they have or health condition they are challenged by.

Allahumma salli 3leh Nabiyanna Muhammad, our beloved Rasullilah!!

“Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is anxious over you; for the believers he is full of empathy, kindness, and mercy.” (at-Tawba 9:128)

Advocating for the rights of people with special needs through counseling, rehabilitation, and education have been clearly identified in the Holy Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad salAllahu alayhee wasallam. These people are NEVER to be excluded in Islam, so they should always be highlighted as extraordinary individuals of our Ummah. Being ashamed of them or embarrassed in having them as siblings, children or neighbors is ignoring their beautiful attributes which should be distinguished.

A good way to start is to assure the language which we use show that we value these individuals as people and not as the disabilities themselves. People like to be known for who they are, and people with special challenges want and deserve to be recognized for their characters, their beliefs, their goals, their strengths and their talents. However,

it is their limitations, weaknesses, and problems which are usually magnified and result in becoming labeled or worse, even judged by their limitations. As a result, their individuality becomes neglected and they become known as the mental, wheelchair bound, mute person. People with special needs should never be subject to any form of rejection or discrimination. Terms like lame, crippled, retarded, suffering, or afflicted are no longer acceptable in discussing their needs. An indirect way of doing of upsetting people with unique challenges is when we condescendingly call others deaf, blind, or we use the inappropriate term crazy, majnoon or retarded- when those being mocked don’t clinically have any weaknesses in. These words hurt harder than a smack in the face because it
is a form of arrogance, even if they are not present to witness these harsh remarks. We need to fear Allah in the words we say and use in order to take extra precautions in safeguarding the rights of people with special needs. Also, it must be said that people with disabilities might have weaknesses in certain areas, but Allah compensates them by giving them stronger talents in other areas ensuring that Mercy and Compassion of Allah is still a gift upon them, upon their souls.

In conclusion, Allah reminds in the Quran:

By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc., it means here Allah’s Reward, i.e. Paradise), unless you spend (in Allah’s Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well. (ali-Imran 3:93)

Allah judges us according to our piety and righteousness, not according to the skills and abilities He has given us. If we can remember that, then it becomes that much more easier to always keep people with disabilities or handicaps in mind as people. We can all step back and learn from their perseverance and grow with. Next time you see a person with a unique type of challenge make duaa for them, increase in gratitude towards Allah, and lend a hand. It could be those simple deeds which winds you straight into Firdous.

May Allah help us help others and increase us in compassion and mercy for our brothers and sisters, and increase His Mercy and Compassion on all of us!

Sohada Mohamed is a Registered Occupational Therapist and Rehabilitation Manager of Therapy Steps & Program Coordinator for Children with Hearing loss in the blessed city Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah, Saudi Arabia

The Journey

Mohammad Dada, my cousin and little inspiration, was born on November 24, 2002 in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. While he was born healthy, he fell ill with yellow fever just three days after his birth. Unfortunately, he wasn’t treated in time and his health began to take a rapid decline. Over the next few years Muhammad was frequently in and out of hospitals. He lost his sight and his hearing, the doctors were unsure as to what was really happening to him. His parents tirelessly searched for different treatment options for their son, but it became apparent that their homeland did not have enough resources and treatment options for their son to survive. When Mohammed was just three years old, his parents undertook a life altering decision by leaving everything they knew and venturing off to an unfamiliar place, Canada, hoping to give their son a chance at life.

The visits to hospitals continued in their new country. New struggles ensued as Mohammed battled frequent bouts of pneumonia. When he ate, he was unable to digest without having the food enter his lungs and so a feeding tube was put in place. Despite all the challenges, his family was hopeful that things would get better.

It was time to visit to the neurologist. The memory of the incident still stays with me. Muhammad squirmed in my lap, laughing every time my hands ran over his belly. I listened intently, my anger rising as the doctor spoke in his indifferent, monotone voice. It was as if Muhammad wasn’t there, as if he didn’t even exist. The neurologist explained, “He cannot hear or see, he will not be able to talk or walk. He may not even feel emotions – now you have to decide what you are going to do.” His tone still cold, he continued “you may also think about the group homes they have in Oakville, it is going to be hard taking care of him on your own.” He looked at us… I guess not realizing that he insulted everything we stood for.

I couldn’t help but mutter, “He is right here”. The doctor’s heartless attitude left me in disbelief. He was talking about Mohammed as if he wasn’t human. He didn’t know or care to inquire about anything regarding our little Muhammad’s personality. About how he would laugh with excitement, feeling the cool breeze from the open car window; how he cried, tears filling his eyes when he was afraid; and how he grunted, tilting his eyebrows when he grew angry. The doctor’s response was appalling. He knew nothing about Mohammed and how much joy he brought to his family. He spoke as if the tiny bundle of joy, fidgeting in my lap, was a doll: lifeless and just a toy.

Muhammad sporting a tux at my sister (Akila’s) wedding reception

We went home that day with the doctor’s words ringing in our ears. Was he really asking us to decide whether or not Muhammad should live? We were confused. We knew that Muhammad wasn’t always critically ill. Yes, he was struggling with some disabilities, but he wasn’t always sick. He laughed with us, banging on his chair as usual. Why was everyone talking as if he was going to die? Granted, he had been in and out of hospitals many times, too many to count; but he always pulled through and it didn’t take long for him to jump right back to his usual mischievous self. That day, we made a decision to ignore the doctor. We were committed to taking care of Muhammad, allowing him to enjoy life.

Three years later, Muhammad has progressed a long way; physically he is stronger, being able to overcome sickness with less effort, intellectually he is smarter—responding to his environment more accurately. He has learned to grasp a marker and make a mess, and play a tiring game of throwing a ball and someone running to catch it. Above all, he has definitely become much more mischievous than before. Muhammad is his own person – no one tells him how to act or when to laugh. You and I may laugh after being told a joke but for Muhammad, he finds it funny when we twirl him around in his wheelchair or when we slightly tip his seat back so his face is towards the sky. When no one is beside him, Muhammad gets furious, sensing the lack of attention, like any 7-year-old child. In public, we often find ourselves overlooking the ignorant glances that scold us. You and I may frown when it’s time to go to school, but Muhammad on the other hand, frowns on the weekends because he misses it.

He may not communicate the way you and I do but his laughter, his eyes, and his touch speak a thousand words each day. He brings happiness to everyone around him. Muhammad, our little inspiration—without being able to speak, has taught us all so much.

Please stay tuned for Part II: “Meaningful Engagement” – an Occupational Therapist’s perspective…

Sukaina Dada
M.Sc. OT

Islamic School – Guidelines for Students with Disabilities

In order for Muslims to build an inclusive society, it is very important for students with disabilities to be effectively integrated into Islamic school. The following suggestions are general and are only intended to help with minor issues in the classroom. If the child has a diagnosis, you may  consider asking parents for classroom strategies given by a health care professional in order to enhance his/her level of participation and engagement with the class.

Please click here to download the guidelines and suggestions for students with disabilities

Abbas Syed holding an Olympic Torch

On Saturday, December 19, 2009, as the Olympic torch passed through Brampton, Ontario, Abbas Syed was given the honor of representing his city and country by carrying the torch down Bovaird Street.  Abbas held the torch with pride as he walked down the frigid street as family and friends joined in his celebration, cheering on a teenager who is an inspiration to us all.

Although Abbas was born with Down Syndrome, he lives a life that average teenagers are envious of. In addition to going to highschool, completing his daily chores, and keeping up with a busy social life, Abbas is a volunteer at his local Masjid, is on a Special Olympics swim team, and is part of several other community groups and activities.  Additionally, Abbas acted in a principal role for the TV Serial “Twice in a Life Time” and was a model for the Ministry of Social Services.

Through his positivity and independence, Abbas inspires and motivates us to reflect and explore our lives so that we may have a similar impact. His friendly nature and warm heart permeates a cold room, creating bonds with strangers in places as diverse as the mall to community centres.

Abbas’ positive outlook on life has allowed him to break through social barriers and integrate in society and its social norms.  He is well-known in his community and continues to contribute towards improving society one individual at a time through his charisma, outgoing and generous nature, and laughter.
Smile. would like to congratulate Abbas for representing his city and country by holding the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch!

An Islamic Perspective on Suicide

Suicide is a word seldom mentioned in Muslim gatherings; perhaps the political connotations make it a taboo subject. Indeed, in researching Islam and suicide, the topic of suicide bombers and martyrdom is prevalent. However, the concept of killing oneself with the intention to do harm to others in an act of ‘combat’ is beyond my scope. The purpose of this article will be to examine Islam and suicide; and suicide will be defined as an intentional self-inflicted act that leads to one’s own death.

Suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and suicide are attributed to a number of complex factors that interact and create pain and anguish as well as feelings of despair, hopelessness, and self-hatred. Among those interacting factors include mental illness (depression, mood disorders), loss of a loved one, history of trauma or abuse, stress (financial, emotional), isolation, and substance abuse[1]. There are definite suicide trends with respect to gender, age, culture, ethnicity and religion. In Canada, suicide is second to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for adolescents ages 10-24[2]. Teenagers whose communities are marginalized are particularly at risk[3]. For example, besides coping with physical changes and pressure associated with success at school, home and amongst their peers, Muslim youth must cope with being a visible minority and the current trend toward negative media images of Muslims. Therefore, like many young Canadians, Muslim youth are also at risk for suicide. Therefore, it’s important for parents, friends, and teachers to engage in open dialogue and communication about mental health and suicide.

In Islam, suicide is considered to be haraam (i.e., strictly prohibited). Many Quranic (Islam’s holy book) verses and Ah-Hadith (sayings, actions and recommendations of the Prophet Muhammad) strongly discourage Muslims from committing suicide. The Quran mentions “… [do not] kill (or destroy) yourselves, for surely God has been Most Merciful to you” (4:29). The Quran highlights that Muslims should remember God in times of suffering and pain and have faith and hope in God’s mercy and compassion to ease the suffering. No further examples are given here because both the Quran and Ah-Hadith require a contextual analysis in order to explore the depth and nuances of their meanings. Despite the prohibition of suicide, it is widely acknowledged that a person with a mental illness who is not fully capable of making decisions is not held accountable for his/her actions. This suggests that although suicide is prohibited, it should not be viewed as ‘black and white’, with suicidal Muslims being punished for eternity. Most Muslim scholars would attest that it is God alone who will judge the actions of each individual. Without a mental illness present, some scholars view suicide as a betrayal of one’s religion and faith in God. Accordingly, suicide is a crime punishable by the legal system in several countries where Muslims are the majority (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Pakistan)[4]. In addition, there are differences of opinion on praying at the funeral and burying a Muslim who has committed suicide. Although it is reported that the Prophet did not pray at the funeral of a man who killed himself, he did not forbid his companions from praying at the man’s funeral; this indicates a possibility for forgiveness.

In most opinions, Islam’s strong opposition to suicide is considered a deterrent. Islam prevents suicide directly, by prohibiting it and indirectly, by addressing root causes of suicide such as substance abuse, poverty, and mental/emotional well-being[5]. According to a review of the literature, religion acts as a protection against suicidal behaviour[6]. For example, it was found that spiritual communities often have higher levels of emotional well-being and religious faith and participation creates strong networks of support. Therefore, Islam acts as a protective factor against suicide. An article in InFocus News[7] discussed the experience of “Samir”, a Muslim boy diagnosed with a mental illness, who attempted suicide at 11 years old. He noted that his faith in God was paramount to his ability to cope. Samir explained that his paranoia increased without prayer and feelings of peace and tranquility were derived from direct remembrance of God. The young boy remarked that it was his knowledge that suicide is forbidden that prevented him from completing the act. On a global scale, Muslim countries have lower recorded rates of suicide than other countries[8]. However, suicide is not rare in Muslim communities[9].

InFocus News[10] also explored the experience of “Fatima”, a Muslim woman whose husband committed suicide. Fatima noted that she felt isolated and ostracized as she struggled to find someone to perform the funeral prayer for her husband. In addition, the community refused to bury him in a Muslim cemetery. Although Islam protects Muslims from suicide in a number of ways, Muslims are at risk for mental illness, loss, trauma, stress, and isolation. Therefore, it is undeniable that Muslims are at risk for suicide. Muslims in Islamic societies avoid seeking medical and psychological support for suicidal ideation because of social stigma and the concern that suicide is illegal and would therefore be reported to the authorities[11]. Perhaps the lower rates of suicide can be explained by these trends. Suicide cannot be ignored and ‘swept under the rug’ as if it does not exist in our Muslim communities. The Muslim community cannot further isolate and stigmatize individuals touched by suicide or we risk losing members of our faith.

The root cause of suicide is different for every person. The same can be said of how the individual and community deal with suicidal ideation and the aftermath of an attempt. In Samir’s case, he was guided by his understanding of the Islamic prohibitions governing suicide and did not attempt it again. In Fatima’s situation, she faced isolation from the Muslim community following her husband’s suicide. Muslims must encourage suicidal individuals, survivors of suicide attempts and family members to seek support and counselling to address the root cause of suicide and assist people with coping. In Canada, we are fortunate to have mental health and social services and support already in place in most communities. However, it is the moral and religious obligation of the Muslim community (including mosques, imams [religious leaders], local organizations) to provide professional support offering an Islamic perspective on mental well-being. We must address suicide as a legitimate and growing concern in our community.

By Asiya Baksh

For more information on risk factors and warning signs of suicide, go to:

Suicide Prevention, Awareness and Support www.suicide.org

If you or someone you know needs help coping with suicidal feelings, go to:

Canadian Mental Health Association www.cmha.ca

Centre for Suicide Prevention www.suicideinfo.ca

Bibliography

[1] The World Health Organization, Suicide Prevention (SUPRE) (World Health Organization, 2009) http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/suicideprevent/en/.

[2] Canadian Mental Health Association [CMHA], Reflections on Youth Suicide (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2000): http://www.canadiancrc.com/PDFs/CMHA_mh_pamphlet_29.pdf.

[3] CMHA, Reflections on Youth Suicide, http://www.canadiancrc.com/PDFs/CMHA_mh_pamphlet_29.pdf.

[4] Robing E. Gearing and Dena Lizard, “Religion and Suicide,” Journal of Religious Health 48 (2009): 335.

[5] Mohsen Rezaeian, “Islam and Suicide: A Short Personal Communication,” Journal of Death and Dying 58 (2008): 79

[6] Gearing and Lizardi, “Religion and Suicide,” 332.

[7] Yasmin Mogahed, “Suicidal Thoughts: Suicide Rate Among Southern Calif. Muslims Increases,” InFocus News (April 2009): http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=c4fa10969cbb7ffacdab10686c8d0878

[8] quoted in Gearing and Lizardi, “Religion and Suicide,” 332.

[9] Aamer Sarfraz and David Castle, “A Muslim Suicide,” Australasian Psychiatry 10 ( 2002): 49.

[10] Yasmin Mogahed, “Suicidal Thoughts: Suicide Rate Among Southern Calif. Muslims Increases,” http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=c4fa10969cbb7ffacdab10686c8d0878.

[11] Sarfraz and Castle, “A Muslim Suicide,” 49.