...do not cast yourselves into destruction with your own hands...
O Allah’s Messenger! Should we seek medical treatment for our illnesses? He replied: ‘Yes, you should seek medical treatment, because Allah, the Exalted, has let no disease exist without providing for its cure.
O my servant, who have transgressed (done wrong) against themselves despair not of the mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins.
These pages were developed in conversation with representatives of different faith traditions in the UK. They are not reflective of all beliefs held by adherents of these faiths. Groupings and denominations within faith traditions are incredibly diverse and varied, and these pages do not comprehensively address the spectrum of views and positions held within each faith community.
These pages are focused on how adherents to different faiths may understand life challenges and access pastoral support structures. Their focus is therefore on public, rather than private, worship practices, and they do not give a comprehensive overview of beliefs or worship practices across different faith traditions.
Snapshot
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, although this is not available everywhere.
Are there dedicated organisations offering faith-informed support?
Supporting Humanity is an award-winning charity providing mental health and bereavement support to those in need.
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.
Inspirited Minds are a grassroots faith-based charity tackling stigma and raising awareness while providing confidential support for all backgrounds.
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.
The Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network (MCAPN) is a directory of Muslim counsellors/psychotherapists and Islamic counselling services in the 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.
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.
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.
Mindworks UK offer psychotherapy, coaching, theatre & therapy, faith-based therapy, and coaching.
Muslim-tailored mental health and wellbeing apps
Afiah
Sukoon
Muslim Moodfit
Wellbeing publications
Five ways to good mental wellbeing and Islam
Bereavement and post-vention
How to respond to a suicide in the Muslim community, by Dr Rania Awaad
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
Additional content
Videos and webinars
Talking about suicide – are you ready to have the conversation?
By British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA)
What every Muslim needs to know about suicide prevention
By Muslim Mental Health Alliance (formerly known as Mental Health COVID Response Group)
Suicide Prevention in the Muslim Community – Learning Circle
By Maristan