Mental Health in the Muslim Community

by Abbas Mohamed

 

 

During our first year operating as an art nonprofit, it became evident how art can, and does serve a purpose much higher than simply aesthetics and entertainment. Art can address gaps in communities, help heal shared traumas, and inspire people to work towards a purpose larger than themselves.

Art speaks volumes to social and political movements, as we explored at the #NoMuslimBanEver event. Art can be a spiritual practice that connects the artist to the Divine, and  inspire the viewer to experience that same closeness. Art can provide healing on individual, group, and communal settings.

One topic that we chose to explore more thoroughly through our programs and projects was the topic of Mental Health in the Muslim Community. This is an increasingly relevant and crucial topic to address within the Muslim community, as it can often be forgotten or not given importance. Along with our partner organization Khalil Center, we held a number of programs discussing mental health, of which a few are listed here:

Art Beyond Aesthetics:

At the MSA West conference in Berkeley, CA we hosted a workshop with Khalil Center therapist Heba El Haddad on mindfulness through art practice. By working on Mandalas, we explored how artwork can help bring peace and calmness to the heart, and how art can be utilized as spiritual practice through Zikr, prayer, and remembrance of God during the art process.

Wellness in Action Grant Panel:

Through the financial support of Wellness in Action, we awarded three Muslim artists from immigrant communities a grant fund to create artwork that answered the theme of Mental Health in the Muslim community. The work was presented to the community through an exhibit and a panel discussion which included art therapist Naveen Kassamali as well as mindfulness activities by Khalil Center therapist, Sarah Mohr. Tamara Shoubber explored what mental health meant to her on an individual level, Yasmeen Rasheed addressed mental health in the context of Muslim communities, and Gabril brought the intersectional perspective with his piece about the children detained and separated from their families at the border.

Path to Spirituality:

    Taking a dive into the spiritual side of creative expression, we focused on mindfulness through meditations led by Khalil Center therapist Hira Khanzada, mindful eating with Chef Lisa of Mirchi Café, and a group painting session. This was a meditative event, where participants were invited to dig deep into themselves through mindfulness and use art as an expressive tool. You can find pictures from this event here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/theGAMACollective/photos/?tab=album&album_id=580789515653963

    While 2019 will bring us new focuses and programs, at GAMA we will always consider mental health a crucial topic, and will continue to spread awareness in our communities, as well as equip people with artistic tools and experiences through which they can gather, heal, and express. Thank you to all those who attended our events, and to Khalil Center for being an incredible partner during this journey!