Solace – Islamic Mental Health Services (Part 2)

Please read previous part 1

“We live in an age of disconnection. Healing comes from connecting with others compassionately. Don’t pity them, be with them!” Dr. Rania Awad

Rania Awad ended her talk with this beautiful quote. Here are the remaining speakers and their valuable input.

Usman Mughni

According to Usman Mughni, one virus changed so much! Subhan Allah! We feel we are in control and suddenly Allah brought this pandemic and everything is out of control. Allah is testing us. He keeps testing us with loss of life, food, wealth and fear. So don’t get too comfortable in this world.

“Allah is Al Wakeel; there is comfort in knowing that Allah is in control.”

The pandemic had its positive side also:

• We prayed in solitude
• We started appreciating things we couldn’t do e.g. not being able to go to the Mosque
• Quality of Ibadah improved
• A private, intimate connection with Allah was established
• We focused on our dua

Children were on devices for longer hours. We cannot limit their use but we can teach them to use it wisely and responsibly. Hence, we all became more conscious of the usage of devices.

Spouses spending too much time at home resulted in arguments and fights. But on the positive end, they could see how hard the other person is working. Hence, there was more appreciation in some cases.

You can check Usman Mughni’s profile here: Usman Mughni – Международный Открытый Университет (iou-russia.com)

Dr. Maryam Alowayesh

Maryam talks about the Names of Allah and their practical implications in our daily lives. Only when we understand their true meaning and essence, we can lead a meaningful life.

“Allah is Al-Jabbar; The Restorer. When we are hurt, broken down due to life challenges and/or failures, we feel at ease when we remind ourselves that Allah is Al-Jabbar. We know that we will get through difficult times with Allah’s help and mercy.”

Covid has been a harsh experience. Loneliness has been tough for everyone. But if our Aql (mind) and Qalb (heart) are strong, we will stay calm and be at peace.

“Knowing that Allah is Al Waijid i.e. The Finder, it reduces our depression. This name provides richness of the heart. Allah has 99 names and one who learns them will go to paradise.”

You can read about Dr. Maryam here: Biography | Maryam Alowayesh (wordpress.com)

Bela

Bela defines depression from a holistic perspective, “Conquer it before it conquers you!”

It is crucial to have a proper diagnosis i.e. consider physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspect. Instead of a teacher client approach, use therapeutic collaboration and a customized approach. Some wonderful tips that Bela shared:

• Pull yourself out of the problem and look at the bigger picture.
• Me-time; reflect on life, what makes me content, what do I have to offer, what am I passionate about, what am I here for?
• Stay connected to positive friends
• Keeping grudges against someone is like drinking poison and hoping that the other person will die!
• Engage in conversation with Allah

She gave an enlightening lecture on how to watch your diet, do exercise, stay hydrated, suggested religious tools to combat depression and much more. About Bela: Bela Khan | International Open University (edu.gm)

The conference was a delight to attend. Check the facebook page of Solace and look out for similar seminars and webinars. They provide an international perspective and a holistic approach to our fast-paced life. We are all here for a purpose i.e. to serve Allah. In our quest to do well in the world, we often get distracted. There is no harm in satisfying your worldly desires but keep them within limits and always remember Allah. The more you move away from this Dunyia, the closer you will be to Allah.

Stay blessed and keep your faith strong!