Muslim Students' Association @ University of Toronto
21 Sussex Avenue, Suite 505 M5S 1J6 Toronto, ON, Canada

According to the World Health Organization, positive mental health allows one to realize their own abilities, cope with stress, work productively, and contribut...e to their society. Mental health can affect the way one thinks, feels, and acts. During unprecedented times like now, it’s important to advocate for mental health issues within our Muslim communities. The heavy stigmatization of mental health issues within the Muslim community continues to affect many individuals’ psychological well-being. Islam teaches its followers to care for and help one another during distressing times and we should work to apply those teachings. Muslims facing mental health issues are often dismissed when they voice their struggles and are met with blind advice to go pray and make dua. Responses like these perpetuate that lack of faith is to blame for their sufferings. This idea is a common misconception within the Muslim community that must be addressed and corrected, in order to implement sustainable solutions to mental health crises. In Islam, we are taught to take the first step towards change if we wish to see results. In Surah, Ar-Ra’d, Allah (SWT) states, Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves [13:11]. It is not within Islamic practices to dismiss one’s suffering when there are resources and means of help available that can ease their pain. Considering the times we are in, it is normal to feel anxious, stressed, sad, unmotivated, or any other negative emotion. When these emotions become overpowering and start to take a toll on your mental health, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. If you notice changes in your mental health and find yourself in need of help, please reach out. Resources for Help: https://khalilcenter.com/about/ https://naseeha.org https://good2talk.ca https://www.awhl.org https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/department/health-wellness/ https://www.svpscentre.utoronto.ca/contact/ https://www.whatsupwalkin.ca https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-support

Salaam, please see our attached statement regarding suspending Jumu'ah prayers on campus until it is safe to re-host them. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach us at [email protected].

Check out the first Orphan Sponsorship Awareness Panel hosted by our very own OSP! Taking place this Friday November 20th! https://fb.me/e/47RLt0H3Z