Bradley MSA presents a guest lecturer covering mental health concerns
On Thursday, The Bradley Muslim Association welcomed a guest speaker to talk with students about the mental health effects on Muslims along with instances referencing Sahabah.
The Bradley Muslim Association welcomed guest speaker, Imam Mazhar to connect with students about the mental health impacts and hardships that have been brought onto the community of Muslims and the differentiating aspects of their cultural experiences. Students participated in discussions where they were able to express their feelings on the topic and ask different questions.
Imam Mazhar is actively working as the Islamic Foundation of Peoria's director of religious affairs. He is also a writer for the prominent Matanah Institute in Toronto and is seeking a Ph.D. in Islamic law as well as certification in cupping treatment.
Why is this important?
Mazhar began his talk with an Arabic prayer before reminding the audience that he intended to educate them on how to examine various perspectives and instances of mental health issues in order to assist the Muslim community in combating environmental melancholy.
The understanding of Muslims, according to Mazhar, derives from the many cultural experiences they have encountered throughout their life. This was a crucial part of the dialogue that helped people grasp how one example might affect two different people differently, especially in a diverse society containing people from many backgrounds.
How does this help the Muslim Community?
Mazhar was able to demonstrate how the growing effects of countless examples lead to an infinite gap in mental health. Despite this, he inspired them to understand that we, as humans, determine our happiness and that, as Muslims, they had the chance to be joyful via their faith. Mazhar urged the students to be authentic, particularly by being modest.
“At times we have it all and we don’t see that. Life will throw things at you, but you are in control of handling those situations” (Mazhar).
After the meeting, a student who attended the event, Huzefa Khan, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, commented on how the guest speaker made an impact on the students who attended the meeting,
“I was really able to talk about some situations that I have experienced in regard to my mental health, and Mazhar was able to guide me through them by allowing us to have a safe space to share these experiences” (Khan).