I woke up this Sunday morning, read some NY times articles, and am now overwhelmed with the Muslim experience. This happens every so often when I read enough articles on foreign policy or watch some CNN special on Muslims. It's kinda is like a feeling of impending doom mixed with racing thoughts and anger.

I think of how this country is the greatest in the world, where resources and opportunities are abound, but then get caught in thinking about a Muslim glass celling of sorts and the fact that my people will never be looked at the same in this country since 9/11. Any press is good press they say, but I can only take so much negative exposure. When thinking of how many friends and acquaintances have turned themselves away from Islam, or how many do not incorporate their religion beyond the home, you have to wonder how much of a effect secular media and influences outside of the religion itself are having on Muslims and their psyche. Maybe this is all obvious, but if you think of the big picture and where we are heading, it becomes extremely confusing and overbearing...at least for me.

I try to think of solutions, to avoid this quasi panic attack. 1) accept that there isn't much I can accomplish by reading about this and to avoid the topic as much as possible, putting my faith in God that goodness and humanity will prevail. 2) do something about it by writing into papers, talking to people, taking a more active stance. 3) write about it in my blog and hope that's enough. 4) Sunday NFL football.

For now, I'm going for a combo of 3 & 4.

addendum:
scary article
hope article

Is there a better option to Alcoholics Anonymous?

I went to my second AA meeting today. It's an interesting experience - hearing the stories of despair, of people surrendering to God, and the excess consumption of coffee and cigarettes. It is a very spiritual and religious organization. It is not simply show and tell as many movies make this out to be. The meetings start off with a reading of the 12 steps and the 12 traditions (read these before going on), which is then followed by a reading from the "big book". A prayer may be added to the mix. Depending on the type of meeting, people might share their stories, discuss business, possible volunteer opportunities, with the introductory "Hello my name is ______ and I'm an alcoholic" preceding all statements. The end of both meetings I attended conclude with a passing of a basket for donations and then the group holding hands in a circle, reciting the Lord's Prayer. This is a far step from what I had imagined for some reason, but I guess I was totally naive to the subject being someone who had never drank alcohol and existing within a somewhat sheltered existence in eastern North Carolina. It's interesting to think of a disease, alcoholism, with the best cure to offer being a spiritual group. No medications, psychiatrist, support group has been as effective in getting people over the disease as Alcoholics Anonymous (proven in various studies). Following this experience, I have many thoughts and comments, mainly scattered but hopefully worth discussing.

Growing up in a scientific household, being exposed to study after study of medications and physiological processes, it puzzles me to think of the solution to a disease being a simple group. But when you stop to think about it, it makes perfect sense. With alcoholism, a person gets into a spiraling habit that effects the brain's function and makes it extremely difficult to reduce the urge and reward mechanism of drinking. Some genes are also implicated in the disease, as well as environmental factors. To get over something that encompasses every aspect of your life, you have to counter it with something that is life changing, and in this instance, God and spirituality serves that purpose.

My initial reaction, as an insecure Muslim in America, was that this isn't fair. How can this be the best solution? To have this Christian doctrine, with the Church preying on the weak is wrong I thought. But it works. If the patient is happy and "cured", how can I argue with that?

One point of view that I've heard from various people (none of whom are alcoholics) is that they'd never join AA because of its huge religious slant. Though AA claims it is open to all religions and agnostics, it does not practically seem to operate in this manner (at least in eastern North Carolina...which is slightly biased).

I know there have been attempts to come up with a more secular approach but none have been as effective so far. I just wonder if there is another method.

In this month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast, giving up all temptations during the day including cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, sex (in addition to the food/water, of course). I've known a couple of Muslims that have abused drugs and cigarettes, but during this month, they seem to be able to give that up. So the higher power method works as far as I know. But I see this different from the AA method because it is more enabling. AA requires one to admit that they are "powerless over alcohol" and ask God to "remove all these defects of character". The qur'an states, "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint". I wonder if I am too naive to think that learning self restraint is enough to give up something like alcohol, but either way, I think it is a different approach to the disease.

There are many similarities between the AA/Christian approach and the Muslim approach. We both acknowledge that alcohol cannot be used responsibly and socially - it should be avoided all together. We both agree on the submission to God and using God's help and guidance during the overcoming of a hardship. There is also huge social aspect to AA, where people can share similar experiences and become friends, have a sponsor to look over them, essentially leaving a lonely existence which both approaches value. But I see the AA approach almost insulting the ability and drive of man which God has given us and the will power and ability to overcome different hardships. If Muslims during a fast can take "control" of certain habits, maybe this can translate into an effective method to end substance abuse. When one fasts, it is a very spiritual connection and this propels one into resisting temptation out of their own accord. God told us to fast so that we may gain consciousness of Him and this can guide our behavior and actions. Maybe a joint method, both enabling and humbling would work, I'm not sure. I just feel that there are not enough options out there for those who suffer from substance abuse/dependence. Though AA works, it might not be the best fit for everyone. I think a more enabling approach using God or a spiritual power as a guide may be just as effective.

On a side note, I think the Muslims across the world have to address the issue of substance abuse. By banning it in a religion, does not mean it does not exist, and to simply shun and belittle those that do abuse substances does not help anyone and is even unislamic in my opinion. Muslims abuse haram substances whether it's allowed or not, and to have a dialogue and meetings dealing with the issue will be a great progressive way to handle this issue. Having anonymous non-masjid affiliated groups led by a former substance abuser might be a good start. Point being, we have to openly discuss the issues and how to deal with this debilitating habit.

These thoughts are from a spark of passion that I gathered today, so I apologize if they were extremely naive, narrow minded, and ignorant. I am open to criticism, and hope that dialogue will help.

use ramadan to kick the habit
even more evidence?

Instant Karma

There are many ways to help those in Darfur. Here's an album put together by Amnesty International featuring tons of great artists. Buy it and support the cause!

www.instantkarma.org

Zakaria/Stewart '08

Do the recent debates and political climate make you feel like you're taking craaazy pills? Well, they're making me feel that way. There are a million different things to get frustrated about and argue over, but one clear voice with an objective and rational view on issues is Fareed Zakaria. I came across his cover article in Newsweek today, "How to Restore America's Place in the World". It is a must read for those frustrated on how the candidates are discussing foreign policy. Here are some excerpts...

"In a global survey released last week, most countries polled believed that China would act more responsibly in the world than the United States."

"In 2005 Romney said, "How about people who are in settings—mosques, for instance—that may be teaching doctrines of hate and terror? Are we monitoring that? Are we wiretapping?" This proposal is mild compared with what Rep. Tom Tancredo suggested the same year. When asked about a possible nuclear strike by Islamic radicals on the United States, he suggested that the U.S. military threaten to "take out" Mecca."

"The crucial advantage that the United States has in this regard is that we do not have a radicalized domestic population. American Muslims are generally middle class, moderate and well assimilated. They believe in America and the American Dream."

"At the end of the day, openness is America's greatest strength.... But America has succeeded not because of the ingenuity of its government programs. It has thrived because it has kept itself open to the world—to goods and services, ideas and inventions, people and cultures."

If only Zakaria and/or Jon Stewart would run for office....

King James

I'm not one for writing about sports on a blog, especially since it might make me seem like a prepubescent teenager , however what I saw last night was simply amazing. It was one of those games where you'll tell your kids, "I was here when blah blah blah". Lebron led his team to victory in a crucial game 5 by scoring 48 points, including 29 of his team's last 30 in a double OT victory. I mean, you can't get any better than that. He was taking shots all over the court and simply controlling the game at will. It made me feel like I was 13 years old all over again. I've seen some legendary basketball in my day (namely Jordan, Johnson, Bird and in recent times, Kobe) but last night ranks up there with the greats. I never really thought that Lebron was thaaat talented but last night proved me wrong and made me appreciate his greatness. Here's to the King!

Islam and Mental Health (part I)

The minutes pass by as hours, the hours take days. I am lying alone, my mind racing, trying to make sense of my life experiences, but it just won’t let me be content. I try forcing my mind to think of other matters, to think of God, but as I recite verses or do dhikr, my mind wanders back to the dilemmas of this world. I sleep jaggedly, wake up early, and find it tough to start the day. As the day moves on, I can’t seem to find interest in the things which usually get me going. I pray, I call family, I call friends. I run, I listen to music, I put myself in social settings, but my mind won’t let me be. I search for answers and for reasons, moving from solution to solution but they aren’t solving the problem. What’s wrong with me? Am I weak Muslim? Am I depressed? Do I need a break from the stresses of life? Do I need to get married? (you’d be surprised how many Muslim youth think that one)

This vignette illustrates a common situation where one’s mental status can affect their lives. Many causes are there, but the solutions to this and other mental disorders are difficult for me to think of in the context of Islam. Islamic history has taught us that these problems are real. The Qur’an has multiple examples of how we will face our share of tribulations, stress, and other difficult times in life and the sunnah has examples of when the Prophet grieves a loss or asks Allah in du’a to save him from having “sadness and worries” among other trials of this world. Multiple scholars of the Islamic tradition have also mentioned mental health in their works. The scholar/physician al-Razi acknowledged “medicine of the spirit”. Both Ibn Miskawayh and Ibn Sina wrote in their works that an ill soul can have dominating effects on the body.

Like all modern-day soul searchers, I turned to the internet and tried to do some research. To my surprise, I came across a plethora of articles, websites, and discussion forums addressing the issue from a Muslim context. There was no unified voice or method in which to deal with the issue, but it was uplifting to see that at least it was being talked about in the online world, unlike the real one. Some mentioned mental health as a weakness in faith and how going to Allah will solve their problems. Others took the opposite view and said that we should accept the western definition and handle the matter much the same way they do. A third middle voice is still working on how to combine the two extremes. It would be exhaustive to mention what each site mentioned, but it’s worth a simple Google search.

If Islam acknowledges diseases of the mind, and scholars do, and people are willing to talk about it online at least, then why are Muslims today so mum on the issue?

Muslims are not immune to mental health issues and if anything, are more in need of guidance regarding the issue than ever before. In today’s world, they face mental health problems beyond those of the average human being. The most obvious reason being that of the new post 9/11 world. Muslims have become the new “Fascists” of the world – everyone’s favorite target for discrimination, judgment, and hate. One cannot read a news source without a plethora of stories showing the deplorable conditions of Muslims around the world – from Sudan to Pakistan and very much in the western world now. Some stories are warranted, but most are simply there because we’re “newsworthy” now. This in itself can be depressing and bring about anxiety attacks. Discrimination is felt by Muslims wherever they may be a minority. They are encouraged to huddle into their enclaves or to assimilate. Hijabis face a tough time not only in the west, but in many Muslim countries now, where countries are polarizing over the issue. We battle with the globalization and western values/ways of life that do not mix with Islam and try to fit the two together. “Extremists”, in my opinion, are simply confused, vulnerable individuals who are struggling to deal more with mental and social issues than religious ones. All of these issues lead to major conflicts within the Muslim mind and to a constant battle to balance religion, this world, and simply being human. All of this is in addition to “normal” psychological disorders including but not limited to schizophrenia, personality disorders, various forms of abuse, and childhood disorders.

So what should we do? I’m not an expert but here are my two cents on what Muslims should work towards

1. Bring this issue to the table. In addition to charity, hijab, and other worthy Islamic topics, mental health should be discussed in public at masjids, MSAs, and other Muslim gatherings. Mental health is a stigma that all cultures struggle to openly discuss so Muslims should be proactive on the topic, willing to discuss such an integral part of religion and life. Muslims more in tune with mental health issues and their effects can become more productive Muslims in both the spiritual and worldly sense. A statistic that illustrates the realness of the issue is one from the World Health Organization. They estimate that major depression is the fourth most important cause worldwide of loss in disability-adjusted life years and will be the second by 2020 (right behind ischemic heart disease!) .

2. Islam is a perfect religion. And to those who practice the religion in a close to perfect manner, with full faith in all their actions, then I truly believe that mental health is controlled for in the religion (excluding those that have severe brain chemistry alterations or some genetic cause). But the problem is that without Muslim societies/environments, and the trials of this world, those that are perfect Muslims are few and far between. The Qur’an also mentions those that will have their hearts sealed if they stray far from the religion so how can we account for their mental health? There has to be a combination of modern science, clinical practice, and Islam intertwined to tackle these issues. What can make our approach more lasting is if we attack the root of issues and incorporate religion instead of treating them symptomatically as western medicine usually does.

3. Muslims need to get involved in the field. This not only includes more Muslim healthcare professionals, but those that study the field as a science, social workers, and scholars. Most views on psychology and the mind have been created by Western thinkers. Maybe Muslim research will prove much of the same but an alternative method of looking at these issues may be developed unique to the Muslim experience. I would also encourage seriously studying the medicine of the Prophet in a scientific manner. Lastly, the scholars of today must incorporate what is being discovered in psychology and related fields into their thinking and understanding of Islam.

When searching the internet, my goal was to find solutions to mental health issues from an Islamic point of view. I think I was too naïve since there is no silver bullet to the mind, but I did discover the views of many others that can lead me towards viable solutions. Some may need to go towards God, others may simply need a friend, while another may need medication to get them back on their feet. One certainty in all this is that Islam fully embraces and acknowledges the mental health challenges of this world and that we as Muslims must address this issue head on.

Here are some interesting sites that address mental health specifically. For many other articles, just Google away.
www.crescentlife.com
www.positive-action.net/al-yusra/flashindex.htm
www.emro.who.int/publications/emhj/0703/7Islam.htm

Planet Earth

I think I'm a little late on this one (especially since Oprah featured it), however, I just came across it and it really moved me (yes, in the cheesiest sense of the expression). If you haven't seen this series, then you must. I just started watching Planet Earth yesterday, and it's been somewhat of a religious experience. It looks at animals, plants, etc, just like any other Discovery channel type endeavor, but with "never before seen footage" of the world. It makes you ponder nature and this world at a whole 'nother level. I probably sound like a cheap version of an amazon.com review, but it's really that amazing.

While we're at it, I'll go ahead and recommend Rx for Survival as another documentary that is a must see. And in other exciting news, Michael Moore take a critical look at the healthcare industry in Sicko which comes out on June 29th.

*credit to Moss for the Planet Earth recommendation